The JONNY HEPBIR TRIO performing recently for a Wedding celebration in Slaugham, West Sussex.
We had the pleasure of playing for the wedding of the daughter of a dear friend and old colleague of ours at both the ceremony and reception.
There's a lot of Sussex, South Coast and general English Gypsy Jazz history going on in this photo of the Trio with happy couple, Olivia and Matt and proud parents Teresa and Matt Guez.
We've known Olivia since she was seven as her father Matt Guez, was the band leader of legendary South Coast Gypsy Jazz band, Ultraswing.
I joined the band in 1995 and although at the time there was a pool of regular soloists, over that first year the core trio became Matt, Dan Sheppard on bass and myself.
We played hundreds of public and private gigs all over the country for eleven years with this line-up, extending to a Quartet originally with the fabulous Mike Piggott on violin and then the awesome, yet sometimes controversial Romanian violinist, Baz Stanescu. For the last year or two we had the excellent accordionist, Pete Watson instead of violin.
The band recorded five albums over this period, two Quintet ones with Mike and guitarist Brian Bull, two Quartet with Baz and one with Pete. Here's a picture of these classic U.K. Gypsy Jazz albums. Unfortunately they all sold out and are currently unavailable, although hopefully they'll be re-released digitally at some point.
For her big day, Olivia wanted the Jonny Hepbir Trio to play during the ceremony and at the reception venue, the award-winning Heritage by Matt Gillan.
It was an emotional day and we were very happy to be part of this wonderful occasion. Matt and Teresa Guez have been living in France for the last eight years so we don't get to see them that often. Matt still runs a Gypsy Jazz band from his base near Bordeaux and we've been over for a few gigs occasionally.
Here's the Trio about to play during the ceremony in Haywards Heath.
Are you looking for fabulous Swing Jazz music with a vintage vibe for a Public or Private Event in Kent, Sussex, London or further afield?
The JONNY HEPBIR GYPSY JAZZ AND SWING JAZZ BAND could be the perfect choice.
We have great line-up choices available to hire for every type of Event imaginable.
With years of experience and excellent testimonials from clients such as Sir Paul McCartney and Kool & The Gang, you can be assured of a high-quality performance and first-rate professionalism for your Event.
Check out the Jonny Hepbir Duo, Trio, Quartet & Quintet options HERE
We can offer fully instrumental or vocal-led band line-ups and tailor the instruments to your ideal sound.
There is also the option to play fully acoustic if your venue has noise-restrictions.
If you're after something chilled for a wedding reception or small event, why not consider JONNY HEPBIR SOLO GYPSY JAZZ GUITARIST? Still with that infectious Parisian swing groove from the 20's/30's/40's and 50's.
For all enquiries please email:
info@jonnyhepbir.co.uk or call 07712 332 967.
The JONNY HEPBIR TRIO will be appearing in concert at BRIDGWATER ARTS CENTRE, 11-13 Castle St, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3DD on Saturday 13th April.
Theatre doors open from 7pm and performance from 8pm.
To book tickets visit: https://uk.patronbase.com/_BridgwaterArtsCentre/Productions/2B/Performances
This is going to be a brilliant evening of Gypsy Jazz, groovy Bossas, Waltzes and much more with this special edition version of The Jonny Hepbir Trio.
Bridgwater Arts Centre is the country's oldest operating Arts Centre having been in existence on the Castle Street site since 1946 and this year celebrates it's 75th Anniversary!
We're really looking forward to being part of the celebrations and especially as the Trio will be featuring the enigmatic accordion virtuoso, Pete Watson.