GJ is alive and well in Israel via the brilliant young musicans in the trio "Swing de Gitanes." On my visit here, I have seen them twice; once in a formal concert in Jerusalem and last night at the intimate Cafe Mapu in the heart of Tel-Aviv. The trio is led by Bar Tzalel, who is a brilliant young guitarist who plays with a natural love and enthusiasm for gypsy jazz and exhibits a great GJ right hand technique. He is accompanied by Ya'acov on guitar, who is wonderful soloist in his own right and Oren on double bass, who is one of the more creative bass players that I've heard. Together the group perfoms fantastic original arrangements of GJ standards, which gives the music a fresh approach. They would be a great addition to any Django Festival!
Shalom and Cheers,
Phil