Hot Club of Davenport

Bio:

The Gypsy Jazz movement is one that is been growing in popularity in recent years. In the 1930’s it’s chief exponents were Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, who were the European counterparts to Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang. The origins of the Hot Club of Davenport began as a shared idea and topic of discussion between Jamey Cummins (guitar, banjo and vocals) and Kristian Svennevig (violin). In 2007, Jamey and Kristian were performing together in a band called “The Parish Festival”. As things progressed, they began to incorporate elements of Gypsy Jazz into that band. Meanwhile, as members of the Josh Duffee Orchestra for several years, they began to be introduced to more of the great music of the 20’s and 30’s (which forms the basis for the Gypsy Jazz repertoire.) As discussions ensued, they discovered that they both really had a passion for the gypsy jazz repertoire and, in the same unique revivalist spirit of the Josh Duffee Orchestra, wanted to form a group to bring this great music to the public attention. Thus, the plans were set in motion. As they began to introduce the music and the concept to others, momentum grew. Jamey then recruited Arnold Kyaw (rhythm guitar), who was performing with Jamey in another band, and who also shared a love of the music. Then, a number of months later Jamey happened to be discussing the idea with some other musicians, and he discovered that Spencer Zimmerman (bass) was also interested in the genre. So, with the addition of Spencer to the group, it solidified the lineup. As rehearsals commenced it became clear there was a great chemistry and potential between the 4 musicians. Thus, the Hot Club of Davenport was born. In the short few months following the group’s formation, they immediately sparked public interest and were subsequently invited to perform in the Quad Cities, Iowa City and in the communities surrounding Davenport.

Member Since:

September 25, 2009

Members:

Kristian Svennevig- Violin Spencer Zimmerman- Bass Jamey Cummins- Guitar, Vocals Arnold Kyaw- Guitar Sarah Ulloa- Vocals

Influences:

Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli, Rosenberg Trio, Bireli Lagrene, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Fats Waller, Wes Montgomery, Thelonius Monk, Bix Beiderbecke, Angelo Debarre, Florin Niculescu, Ensemble Zaiti, Gonzalo Bergara,Stuff Smith, Charles Mingus, Joe Pass, and many many more.