Few musicians have done more to preserve, develop and celebrate the legacy of Django Reinhardt than Angelo Debarre. Born into a Manouche family in Saint-Denis, France, Debarre learned his craft through the rich musical traditions of family gatherings and community celebrations before becoming one of the world’s foremost exponents of gypsy jazz.
Since forming the Angelo Debarre Quintet in 1984, he has performed around the world, captivating audiences with a style that combines dazzling virtuosity, warmth, lyricism and rhythmic drive. Alongside his mastery of the Django Reinhardt tradition, Debarre has also become celebrated for his interpretations of the rich musical traditions of Eastern Europe, broadening the possibilities of the genre while remaining deeply rooted in its history.
Joining Debarre is the remarkable Belgian violinist Alexandre Cavaliere. Raised in a family of musicians, Cavaliere first came to international attention at the age of eleven when he was invited by Didier Lockwood and Babik Reinhardt to perform at the Django d’Or ceremonies in Brussels and Paris. Since then, he has shared the stage with artists including Biréli Lagrène, Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Dorado Schmitt and Fabrizio Cassol, developing a style that effortlessly blends swing, contemporary jazz and world music influences.
Mathieu Chatelain returns on rhythm guitar, accompanied by William Brunard on double bass, completing an exceptional ensemble of musicians at the very forefront of contemporary gypsy jazz.
