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HOT PANTS DE FRANCE
August 11, 2023 @ 8:00 pm ~10:00 pm EDT
$43 – $48
Assembling some of the hottest talent from around the world, touring/session guitarist (Maynard Ferguson, NKOTB, Kenny Loggins) and Emmy nominated film/tv composer Sam Kaufmann formed the Gypsy Jazz and Swing Group – Hot Pants de France. Sam has liberated himself from the Hot Jazz canon and presents his own uninhibited, modern style with Hot Pants de France and highlights what is still to come. Well received by both listeners and the press, the vision was to bring a fresh, contemporary feel to hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s by arranging them in the style of jazz great Django Reinhardt. The intention was not to simply recapitulate the music, but to interpret it with a uniqueness, incorporating modern influences, while remaining true to the innovative style created by Django and Stéphane Grappelli in Quintette du Hot Club de France, one of the first all-string jazz bands.
The dichotomy between musical styles of the ’40s and the ’90s is bridged by our various vocalists including Lisa Rittner, and Valeria Koka. Each elegantly bringing the music into the sound of “today”. Lisa honed her chops for a decade on the Queen Mary and the band Sound F/X. In addition to her voice, Lisa gracefully adds her Saxophone prowess to Hot Pants’ samba-esque version of “Black Hole Sun”. While Valeria is best known for her vocal work with Ukranian Superstar Artem Pivovarov and her own Valeria Koka Sextet.
Harkening back to the establishing sound of OG – Stéphane Grappelli, Jane Young (2nd Place International Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Swiss Dream Circus, NBC, Nova/PBS) constructed excellent counterpoint to Sam’s guitar lines. The two play off each other like a conversation between old friends.
Finally, touring/session bassist Jack O’Roonie (Andre Williams, Danny B Harvey, Wanda Jackson and Labella Strings endorsee) outlines the harmony while controlling the dynamics and pace of the band with his fantastical yet proficient bass lines.
Years of experience and effortless interaction are clear – noteworthy on the recordings as well as on stage. Standing on the works by Django Reinhardt, it is this unique mix of pop, jazz, americana and inventive compositions that makes the unmistakable sound of the group.
BAND MEMBERS
Sam Kaufmann – Reharmonizer and Guitar
Lisa Rittner – Vocals and Sax
Valeria Koka – Vocals
Jack O’Roonie – Bass
Andrea Reynolds and Jane Young – Violin