Djangofest Photos Rolling In...

swingitjack

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gadjoboy/s ... 078970416/

Charlie Ayers

Thanks for those. I didn't take many pics (I was too lazy); does anyone else have some?

Charlie

BluesBop Harry

It would also be cool to have someone write a review of the festival for those of us that couln't make it.
Anyone up for the job?

djangology

Well, I have to say that "Fishtank Ensemble" was absolutely awesome. They really surprised me at their skill level and the singer was incredible. There was like 30 Portland people up there ... it was awesome. Wish I could say more. I jammed about 4 hours a day in the downtown area at one of the 4 coffee shops, caught a few of the shows, hung out at the bar from 12-2 each night and then hung out at the late night party a little. I had a handful of epic jams and some really awkward ones too...

V-dub

I only caught the last day, but Sebastien Giniaux Quartet was amazing. This may be a bold statement, but I think he's on par with the greatest gypsy jazz players out there.... yes, even the "B" word comes to mind. In fact, in many ways they are more polished than a lot of the gypsy groups I've seen.

His approach blends classically-trained virtuosity with an endless modern vocabulary. His fluency in the language of music is rare indeed. Mathieu and Sebastien make a great team. And violinist Benoît Josse is now one of my favorites.

But possibly the biggest highlight was Norig. She was awe-inspiring. Hers was probably one of the most moving and emotional performances I have witnessed.

It was essentially the same group of untouchable musicians as Sebastien's quartet. Oh, and in addition to being a stellar guitarist, Sebastien also happens to be the best cello player I have ever seen.

I will be seeing them again this weekend in San Francisco. What, you didn't know? They are also playing portland and the bay area this week!

ace

Those pics are really great. Thanks for posting them.

Charlie Ayers

Hi Harry:

Here are some of my memories:

The sound quality seemed better.
There were more mics and clip on mics in use, than I recall before.
Robin Nolan performed on a $300 guitar.
Howard Alden played a 7 string.
Sammo Miltich was unable to make it.
Dan Hicks was.......Dan Hicks.
**** didn't make it either.
Andreas Oberg displayed his unique and colorful fashion sense with a
new all-purple AJL D hole, to go along with his pink shirt and fuschia
loafers.
Norig was striking and talented.
Sebastian Giniaux was amazing on guitar and cello, with both Norig and
his trio.
The Giniaux Trio provided a fine rhythm section with several acts .
Kruno was great; I missed the accordian player he had in his band last yr.
A. Oberg sat in with.......everyone.

Charlie
I missed Hot Club Pacific, infortunately, and Troy Chapman's band.

swingitjack

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ultomatt/s ... 128314842/

Charlie Ayers

Thanks Jack!

Charlie

djangology

The last song Norig played, for the encore, reminded me of The Chronos Quartet...

Can anyone tell me how they covered for Sammos band? Who performed instead?

V-dub

The band that covered for Sammo consisted of:

Annie Staninec (violin)
Simon Planting (bass)
Ivan Pena (guitar)
and myself, Vic Wong (guitar)

And it was eye-rollingly called "the Gypsy Kids". Luckily, I can still pass for someone in his early 20s!