A few months back I got a call on my cell phone. It was Fuzz Sangiovanni from the "Caravan of Thieves". I had spoke to him weeks earlier about several guitars he had seen on our website. He had mentioned that the band would be passing through town sometime in May on their way to the Midwest and they would like to stop in. Sure enough, on Memorial Day I found myself opening up the shop and letting the "Thieves" hangout. What a treat! These folks are definitely from "du Hot Club de France". For those who don't know, this is a reference to the brilliant Gypsy, jazz guitarist from the 30's Django Reinhardt and his band Quintette du Hot Club de France. The "Thieves" as their fans affectionately call them, hail from Bridgeport, Connecticut and include: guitarists, vocalists, and main songwriters, Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni, violinist Ben Dean, and on double bass Brian Anderson. Their wonderful debut album is called "Bouquet". It is a combination of Gypsy jazz, swing, and some beautifully harmonized vocals by Fuzz and Carrie who co wrote all of the songs with the exception of Dr Flynn, written by bassist Brian Anderson. Karen and I were treated to a mini concert in our acoustic instrument room which included several tracks from the album. I heard remnants of Dan Hicks, The Ophilia Swing Band, and the Central Park Sheiks all rolled into a tightly knit package. I asked Fuzz if in fact any of the above bands were an influence on the group. Fuzz said he's heard the comparison to Hicks before but that he had never heard his music until they had a chance to go on tour with him this past year. That would have surely been a gig worth seeing! The comparisons don't matter anyway. The Thieves truly have their own style and if you are a fan of old time, acoustic jazz with a swing influence and great harmony vocals don't miss Bouquet or a chance to see them live. And Fuzz.....bring the band back sometime. I've got some new arrivals hanging on the walls you might like to try out! 
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment