Lou-Lou and the Gypsy Jivers :: About This Artist
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Genres: Jazz / Gypsy Jazz / South African Jazz/World
Artist Bio
Louis "Lou Lou" Matthee teamed up with Joe Kyle Jr., Tom Griesser, and Ralph
Carney to create a joyful expression of acoustic bliss on “Gypsy Jive,” the debut
album from the Oakland-based Lou Lou and the Gypsy Jivers. This album is a
fresh upbeat hybrid blend of South African Jazz and Gypsy Jazz that takes
music lovers on a musical and geographical journey through South Africa. Music
lovers will first visit a swinging 60's Soweto township shebeen (pub) as in
“De Makeba” or a Ghoema (the traditional Cape Town style of music)-inspired
celebration in “New Year’s in Cape Town.” Then they will see a majestic giraffe swaying and galloping along to the groove in “Geris Gallop.” Throughout the entire album, music lovers will have a front seat beside the gypsy musician as he travels from town to town, playing a nomadic travel diary of sound throughout South Africa.
How did this unique sound come about?
While growing up in South Africa, Lou Lou was surrounded by the eclectic tapestry of sounds in South Africa. As a Gypsy Jazz instructor, soloist and rhythm expert, Lou Lou has performed at Iceland DjangoFest, DjangoFest Northwest, and many other concert events across the United States. Early on, Lou Lou recognized that South African Jazz and Gypsy Jazz have the same lively, bustling energy. Sensing a unique challenge and opportunity to do something fresh, Lou Lou led the band to forge this vivacious vintage sound at Myles Boysen Studios in Oakland using 16-track analog tape. Lou Lou and the Gypsy Jivers recommend playing this music loud with dancing shoes on, as the rhythms and sounds are simply infectious!
The musicians recorded in this album:
• Louis “Lou Lou” Matthee: Guitarist
• Joe Kyle Jr.: Bassist
• Tom Griesser: Horns
• Ralph Carney: Penny whistle and Flute
http://www.myspace.com/loulouandthegypsyjivers
http://www.reverbnation.com/loulouandthegypsyjivers
