Django Reinhardt, Fapy Lafertin, Stochelo Rosenberg, Bireli Lagrene, Robin Nolan, Gonzalo Bergara, Ernest Ranglin, Lyn Taitt, Nobuo Uematsu, Koji Kondo, Huey Lewis and the News
Raised on a steady diet of 90's Grunge, Video Game soundtracks, Jamaican Ska and Reggae, Vic Wong seemed like an unlikely candidate for a gypsy jazz guitarist. However, after seeing Woody Allen's Sweet and Lowdown and the Django's Legacy documentary, he became entranced with the music of Django Reinhardt and decided to give it the good old college try.
Early on, Vic considered disfiguring his left hand to match that of his idol, but was coaxed out of it by concerned friends and family. Instead he focused efforts on growing a moustache, which was met with limited success. His Chinese heritage allowed sporadic facial hair growth at best. Cursing his luck and faulty genes, all seemed lost. But under guidance of HCSF alumnus Louis Matthee he focused his efforts on a new concept: "practicing the guitar".
"It was a huge revelation," Vic remarked. "Who knew that playing like Django Reinhardt involved more than just trying to look like him. I'd say this whole 'practicing the guitar' thing changed the course of my career."
Vic has performed with numerous groups in the bay area including the Very Hot Club, Anouman, Gaucho, the Gypsy Kidz, Melody Parker, Duo Gadjo, Satori, Hot Club of Marin, Tin Cup Serenade, and the Strange Manor Family Band. He performs regularly with Johnny Bones Palace of Jazz, Emily Anne and the Hot Nuts, Regina Pontillo, Trio Panique, and the Soul Captives.
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
Damn these clips sound so good! I really dig the interview with yourself as well. Here's to hoping there's a Vic to Vic interview Part II, hopefully entitled "Vic Wong Revisited: The Real You in Me"
