-Next Stage Arts presents Stephane Wrembel, the "living face of Gypsy jazz," on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m.
Wrembel stands as one of the world's most celebrated guitarists. Originally from Fontainebleau, France, he is renowned for his masterful blend of jazz, Gypsy swing, and world music, enchanting audiences worldwide with his distinctive sound.
Wrembel is also a highly respected composer. His original compositions have accompanied films such as Midnight in Paris ("Bistro Fada," Grammy Award winner for Best Compilation Soundtrack), Vicky Cristina Barcelona ("Big Brother"), and Rifkin's Festival (original score).
At the 2012 Academy Awards, Wrembel was handpicked by composer Hans Zimmer to join his "All-Star Band," performing alongside musicians such as Esperanza Spalding, Pharrell, and Sheila E.
With an impressive discography of 19 albums released under his name and the pseudonym The Django Experiment, Wrembel recently released a triptych - CDs entitled Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 - recorded with his band and Canadian improvisational pianist Jean-Michel Pilc.
Released in April 2024, the triptych has received glowing reviews in many music industry journals. Wrembel's collaborations with top musicians like mandolinist David Grisman and Grammy Award–nominated guitarist Raul Midón further showcase his remarkable versatility.
Additionally, Wrembel is a musical director and educator. Since 2003, he has curated the Django a Gogo Music Festival, a celebrated week-long event honoring the Sinti guitar style, held in Maplewood, New Jersey, and at prestigious New York City venues, such as Carnegie Hall and Town Hall. The festival features a series of master guitar classes.
Wrembel has shared the stage with artists including Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, The Roots, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Meshell Ndegeocello, and many others. His performances on NPR's Mountain Stage and the syndicated radio show Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour further demonstrate his diverse talent.
As Wrembel himself puts it, "I just play my own music. It's not only for rock lovers, Django Reinhardt fans, or jazz enthusiasts. It's for music lovers."
Wrembel's ensemble for Next Stage, will feature Josh Kaye on guitar and oud, Ari Folman-Cohen on bass, and Nick Anderson on drums.
Next Stage is at 15 Kimball Hill in downtown Putney. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for access to the livestream. Advance tickets are available at nextstagearts.org. Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar. For information, call 802-387-0102.
A note about language, in the words of jazz violinist Jason Anick: "There has been an ongoing debate on the usage of 'Gypsy jazz' when promoting this music. The pioneers of this music who are Romani descent, like Django [Reinhardt], continue to use the term themselves when performing/recording. They have a deep sense of pride in the music and don't get as hung up on the terminology as non-Romani musicians interpreting this music do. That being said, the term has historically been used in non-musical settings in a derogatory way." The Commons will reference the genre in that spirit and with that respect.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.