(Gypsy Jazz,Swing) Gypsy Jazz Caravan - Gypsy Jazz Caravan III - 2013, MP3, 256

Gypsy Jazz Caravan is a New York City based acoustic ensemble that plays Hot Jazz inspired by the music of legendary French Gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt, and jazz violinist, Stephane Grappelli. Gypsy Jazz Caravan’s extensive repertoire includes swing standards, ballads, bossa novas, tangos, waltzes and a growing number of original compositions. The lineup includes: NY veteran guitarist, Marc Daine, who has recorded for RCA records and toured with the Broadway show, “Big River”; virtuoso violinist, Rob Thomas, who JazzTimes calls "a violinist of exceptional creative resources... riveting as a solo voice with a rich complex tone that can sing or shriek"; bassist, Mike Weatherly, who has performed for President Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, and Pope John Paul II and top NY Gypsy Swing rhythm guitarist, Glenn Tosto.

Hot Gypsy jazz and American swing, standards and originals, played on acoustic guitars, violin and standup bass
Despite the band name, these guys are no Gypsy Jazz purists. Sure there are a couple of wonderful Django Reinhardt gems, but this CD also includes tunes by John Coltrane as well as Willie Nelson; there is Edith Piaf as well as Paul Desmond. To top things off, there are a bunch of new originals including a tango and calypso. What holds the whole thing together is a respect for melody, and some healthy virtuosity.
The players, in the band are each musical veterans, each having played this kind of jazz for more than thirty years. Violinist Rob Thomas is a violin and improvisation instuctor at Berklee School of Music as well as being a busy performer; guitarist Marc Daine performs, teaches and runs jazz workshops in NYC. Bassist Mike Weatherly also performs with most of NYC's trad jazz groups including renowned jazz banjoist Cynthia Sayer. Rhythm guitarist Glenn Tosto has played with, and has recently co-authored a jazz guitar instruction method with noted guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola.

Marc Daine - Lead Guitar
Rob Thomas - Violin
Mike Weatherly - String Bass
Glenn Tosto - Rhythm Guitar