Internationally-acclaimed Occidental Gypsy plays an exhilarating blend of gypsy, jazz and folk music that enraptures the listener with a complex acoustic sound, burnished by smooth vocals reminiscent of the first era of swing. Their pioneering approach to gypsy music pays homage to Django Reinhardt and expands the genre to include elements of western (Occidental) sounds and rhythms, including blues, Klezmer and Latin.
Their original compositions are deeply complex and challenging to execute, and are often considered a “natural evolution” of Reinhardt’s sounds were he still alive today. Their energetic shows have garnered them fans among the most discerning musicians, and new gypsy lovers alike.
Occidental Gypsy’s performances include original music and classic covers from their latest CD “44070,” including two historically-based, human rights songs which feel relevant today.
“OG” has played to packed houses at the legendary Nighttown in Cleveland, Green Mill in Chicago, Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, World Cafe Live, Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, The Ark in Ann Arbor, the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and many others.
Occidental Gypsy has shared the stage with greats like Rikki Lee Jones, Jorma Kaukenen, Stanley Jordan, Joe Sample, and David Bromberg, who also said, “These guys have great singing, fantastic guitar and violin work, and high energy originals that leave the crowd crazy. An awesome band.”
Don Heckman of the LA TIMES says “…irresistible, a virtual definition of an era when jazz was often described as “hot” music. Occidental Gypsy’s rhythm section, usually driven by the surging rhythm guitar of Brett Feldman, hit one irresistible rhythmic groove after another, “hot” was the best applicable adjective.” read full review
CHICAGO TRIBUNE says “… sonic pleasures to be had, particularly in an energetic, gypsy-jazz transformation of Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” which opened the evening. More than once, vocalist-guitarist Frantz brought the large crowd to near silence through the warmth and openness of his singing, as in “Georgia on My Mind.” read full review
DJANGOFEST PRODUCER says “Occidental Gypsy is a crowd-pleaser. Jaunty vocals, lots of swing, and evocative violin and guitar interplay make this an act to catch and enjoy. They were a big hit at Djangofest Mill Valley ’15.” – Nicholas Lehr – Executive Producer
CD 44070
»»UK CD Review: fRoots Magazine
»»UK CD Review: Northern Sky Magazine
»»UK CD Review: David Innes, RnR Magazine
»» More CD Reviews, Interviews & Press Clips Here
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“Occidental Gypsy did more than put on a thrilling show that earned our first-ever double encore. They led a series of instructive and fun workshops that gave everyone – beginners, advanced musicians, and even listeners new to jazz – an education and a chance to make better music.”
– Mark Schaffer – Programming Chairman for The Folk Project Acoustic Getaway
– Northern Sky Magazine Review – September 2017
Brett Feldman who proved to be not only a most gifted guitarist but also a keen wit joked with the audience before turning to guitarist and vocalist Jeremy Frantz for a stirring interpretation of “Georgia’ on my Mind.” Mr. Frantz has an intriguing tenor-like range with a strong and clear tone that recalls songsters from the swing era the group seems to embrace so agreeably.
Each tune seemed to further enchant the crowd and the audience responded to the music, the magnificent musicianship, and the infectious energy the group seemed to amplify as the evening progressed. Polite applause turned into cries of approval from the crowd, significant swinging to the beat and even a couple who were inspired enough to take to the dance floor. – Concert Review, Near North Now
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EPK Venue & Press Assets
Occidental Gypsy has an original approach to gypsy jazz that pays homage to Django and expands the genre to include elements of western (Occidental) sounds, including blues, Klezmer and Latin. The east-coast quintet features Eli Bishop on violin. Bishop performs regularly at Lincoln Center, and enthralls audiences as the current Guinness Book of World Records fastest clapper.
For over a dozen years, Occidental Gypsy has been pioneering this exhilarating blend of gypsy swing, jazz and world music that enraptures the listener with a complex acoustic sound, burnished by smooth vocals reminiscent of the first era of swing. Their energetic shows make audiences move their feet and have garnered them the title “rock stars with acoustic guitars.”
Occidental Gypsy has played Over 200 shows in 30 states:
NW Djangofest, Seattle
Djangofest, Mill Valley, CA
Rhythm & Roots Festival, RI
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, NY
Lowell Concert Series, MA
Green Mill, Chicago
The Old Town School, Chicago
Nighttown, Cleveland
The Triple Door, Seattle
World Café Live, Philadelphia and Wilmington
The Ark, Ann Arbor
The Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis
SMDCA, Miami & many more…
One Sheet & Downloads
