Their music is described as well-rooted in the 1930s Paris, France gypsy jazz scene, but beyond that it's all pure blue-skying, flights of dazzling fancy, driving rhythms and boundless creativity.
Van Django is an acoustic string ensemble that first performed here in Squamish for a C小蓝视频 radio recording at the Brackendale Bistro. And eight years later they return, this time at the invitation of the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association, for a show at the St. John Anglican Church on Friday (May 8).
"We'll be playing music from our first CD and our upcoming CD featuring classic Gypsy jazz from The Quintette of the Hot Club of France as arranged by Van Django," said guitarist Budge Schachte. "As well as original music, which is in the style but adds in contemporary influences."
The quartet formed in 1998 and is made up of Canada's most talented and eclectic musicians - violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Budge Schachte, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Laurence Mollerup.
Legendary guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt first referred to Gypsy jazz, also known as Gypsy Swing, in the 1930s. Reinhardt was foremost among a group of Gypsy guitarists working in and around Paris in the 1930s through the 1950s.
The Vancouver-based group Van Django is trying to pay homage to this visionary musician with their name. They said it also refers to other influences as well.
"We sometimes joke that we spend a lot of time when touring in a 'van' together," said Schachte. "There's also the Van Halen association as well as the artist Vincent van Gogh, which were all in our mind at our band's name genesis."
Since the group's formation, they have toured throughout Canada and more recently, have been making inroads internationally with forays into the U.S. and beyond. Next month Van Django travels to Ireland for their very first tour in Europe.
Van Django's music is punchy, driving and rhythmically inventive. They take gypsy jazz well beyond the usual by infusing it with their rich and varied kaleidoscope of musical influences.
Their Squamish show promises to excite the audience with their original compositions and quirky arrangements in an action packed musical universe they call, "acoustic string hot jazz!"
Django performs Friday, May 8 at the St John Anglican Church in the Garibaldi Highlands, the show starts at 8pm and tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for students over 18, anyone under 18 will be admitted for free.
Tickets are available at Billie's Bouquet, the Squamish Adventure Centre and at the door.
