Django Jingles – Jazz Manouche and More, Featuring Marion Powers

The CJRO small band led by vocalist, Marion Powers steps into the world of hot swing with a rhythmically rich concert paying tribute to legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt.

Jazz manouche is generally traced to Jean “Django” Reinhardt, a Romani guitarist known for his use of the Selmer-Maccaferri guitar, and Grappelli, a French swing violinist. Together they formed the Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934, creating a distinctive sound that became highly popular among the Manouche, a Romani population in France.

Jazz manouche—also referred to as the now lesser-used term “gypsy jazz”—is known by several names, including “hot jazz,” “hot club jazz,” or simply “hot club,” reflecting its energetic tempos and driving feel. Blending American jazz with Romani musical traditions, the style is characterized by acoustic instrumentation, propulsive rhythms, and spirited improvisation. Though it originated in France, jazz manouche genre was strongly influenced by the American jazz scene of the early 20th century.