Howie Bujese's Gypsy-Style Swing Band Returns to Bethel's Pizzeria Lauretano

Press release:

BETHEL, CT (Oct 3, 2014) - A rare opportunity to hear Swing du Jour, Southern New England’s premiere gypsy swing band! The popular quartet makes a return to Pizzeria Lauretano on Sunday, Oct 12 at 6PM, located at 291 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, Conn. The cover charge will be $15. For reservations call 203-792-1500, or visit online at www.pizzerialauretano.com.

Fronted by Bethel violin star Howie Bujese and gypsy-guitar master Larry Urbon, Swing du Jour plays the irrepressible music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Norman Plankey on guitar and Erik Van Laer on stand-up bass provide “la pompe” (“the pump”) -- that essential rhythmic pulse that never fails to get toes tapping. Also known as “jazz manouche,” this joyful music has its roots in 1920s French Gypsy (Romani) traditions. Howie describes it as “the supreme of oral traditions.” With an ever-expanding repertoire of interesting lesser-known Gypsy tunes interspersed with more familiar melodies like “Nuage” and “Minor Swing,” this group will leave you breathless!

BIOS:

Howie Bujese has been playing the violin for more than three decades, specializing in traditional music from Irish to bluegrass, and is a key member of Newtown’s Flagpole Radio Cafe. Larry Urbon is a leading exponent of “jazz manouche,” and he and his group Cafe Musette play regularly in the area. Norman Plankey is an expert in “la pompe,” the driving rhythm guitar of gypsy jazz, and also worked with Fiddleheads and The Swingaholics. Eric Van Laer is an accomplished bassist who has also worked with Cafe Musette and The Swingaholics.

# # #

UPCOMING @ J A Z Z at the Pizzeria:

October 19
Arthur Lipner Quartet , $15

October 26
Lalo Conversano & Brass Joy , $15

November 2
Cool Struttin, $12

November 9
Keith Gurland Trio , $12

November 16
To be announced

November 23
Joe Carter , $12

November 30
Michael Leventhal Quintet , $12