Master world-beat guitarist, Glen Helgeson; Jazz violinist and Prairie Home Companion veteran, Gary Schulte; jazz guitar virtuoso, Reynold Philipsek; and Jazz bassist extraordinaire, Jeff Brueske.
Influences
Django Reinhart and Stephanne Grappelli. Berli Lagrene
Sounds Like
Django Reinhart and Stephanne Grappelli. Berli Lagrene
Gypsy Mania Quartet is the creation of longtime bandleader and guitar stylist Glen Helgeson, who is known for pulling together the stars of the Minnesota music scene. Helgeson is an ambassador in the jazz tradition, bringing diverse world music styles to people, educating them in these traditions, and manifesting an unusual ability to write in those genres. Violinist Gary Schulte is an unmistakable virtuosity of the vangurd jazz violin, and Reynold Philipsek is an extraordinarily gifted guitarist with over thirty albums to his name who performs in numerous ensembles. Philipsek and Helgeson’s prodigious and diverse writing abilities bring new material to the band’s repertoire, adding a broader stylistic palate to the Django “Hot Club” tradition. Rounding out the quartet is Jeff Brueske, a soulful jazz bassist with rhythmic precision.
..