Jonny Hepbir Gypsy Jazz Trio Performing At A Party In Essex Featuring A Genuine Django Reinhardt Connection | Gypsy Jazz At The Chapel, Broadstairs Kent Tuesday 12th August | Best Gypsy Jazz Band Hire

The Jonny Hepbir Gypsy Jazz Trio in Essex

The JONNY HEPBIR GYPSY JAZZ TRIO performing at a Private Event in Essex.

The Trio created a vibrant setting with an eclectic setlist that included classic Gypsy Jazz standards as well as contemporary pieces, appealing to a wide range of musical tastes.

I've played for this family a couple of times over the last few years and it was nice to do this booking with Robert on guitar and Bern on bass. 

There's a bona fide Django Reinhardt connection here too!

Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli recorded a blinding session in London 1946 with a rhythm section consisting of Coleridge Goode on double bass with Jack Llewelyn and Allan Hodgkiss on rhythm guitars.

The session included the only versions Django recorded of 'Django's Tiger', 'Coquette' and 'Echoes of France' (La Marseillaise) and they were absolutely stunning.

The only thing was Allan Hodgkiss wasn't his name it was Hodgkins and he was the uncle of the bassist on our gig, Bern Hodgkins!

Bern has the famous letter Uncle Allan wrote to Melody Maker at the time about his story when Django lent him his guitar while he was in hospital for an appendectomy.

The reason for the name misspelling? Either the record company misheard Django or Django misheard Allan. Either way, Bern said Allan was too humble to correct either Django or Decca. 

Now that's a groovy story!

The only thing I can personally add to this is that there's a good picture from the 1946 London session with all the musicians in mid-take. It was recorded at EMI studios which became Abbey Road studios.

In 2001 I had the pleasure of recording a T.V. ad in the same studio (studio 2) in the same positions/placement as the Quintet based on that original picture.

It was fab to be in a band with British jazz guitar supremo John Etheridge as Django, Steve Elsworth (rip) as Stephane, Pete Kubryk Townsend as Coleridge with Dave Kelbie and myself as Allan and Jack.

The advert was for NTL broadband (later became Virgin) and the composer had written a tune with a Hot Club feel. He had a copy of the 1946 picture and wanted us in exactly the same positions. We recorded a few different versions as some were very short and it was on the telly for a couple of months.

They recorded us with an original ribbon mic from the 40's, exactly how Django and the band were captured. Half way through the session, the thing broke. No problem, they never throw anything out at Abbey Road so they just found another one to finish the recording!

For all I know, these could have been the same mics!!

Incidentally, Studio 2 was also where Radiohead recorded 'Ok Computer' and where The Beatles did a tonne of stuff. Lots of music history made in there.

John Lennon's white piano was in the corner, I remember badly banging out 'Chopsticks' before getting told off by the engineer.

Back to the gig, this was my favourite room in the house. Quirky and inspirational!

Andrex classic white, a copy of George Cruickshank’s The Black Bottle and a John Constable.

A most inspirational room.

PUBLIC GIG

Next Tuesday 12th August I can be found shredding away in The Chapel 44-46 Albion Street in Broadstairs to coincide with Broadstairs Folk Week.

The action starts at 1pm. Come on down, the whole town will be going mad for the week.

Jonny Hepbir Gypsy Jazz Guitarist at The Chapel in Broadstairs, Kent on Tuesday 12th August 1pm.

GYPSY JAZZ BAND HIRE

Swing Jazz music with a retro feel for all public or private events in Kent, Sussex, London, or beyond!

With extensive experience and outstanding testimonials from clients like Sir Paul McCartney and Kool & The Gang, you can expect a top-notch performance and exceptional professionalism for your event every time.

Check out the Jonny Hepbir Duo, Trio, Quartet & Quintet options HERE

I offer both fully instrumental and vocal-led band line-ups, customising the instrument selection to achieve your ideal sound.

If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere at a wedding reception or small event, consider JONNY HEPBIR SOLO GYPSY JAZZ GUITARIST. Bringing the captivating Parisian swing groove from the 20's, 30's, 40's, and 50's.

Best Kent Jazz Band Hire & Best Gypsy Jazz Band Hire.

For all enquiries please email:

info@jonnyhepbir.co.uk or call 07712 332 967

Here's a video of the JONNY HEPBIR TRIO performing 'Django's Tiger' (tribute to the 1946 session).