Musicians: Chris Ruppenthal and Ed Fila (ascoustic guitar), kevin Tipple (upright bass), Timm Gould (calrinet), Chris Wagoner (violin), Jim Huwe (drums and percussion)
Review:
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble is an instrumental group based out of Madison, Wisconsin. Their music shows influences of Latin rhythms, dancehall music, traditional swing sequences, vintage bebop patterns, slits of Asian instrumentals, country-folk fares, and gypsy-jazz phrasings. They tell in their press release that “they are primarily influenced by the legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt.” The ensemble started in 2002 when Chris Ruppenthal, the group’s leader and a jazz guitarist, was inspired by Dutch gypsy-jazz guitarist Jimmy Rosenberg who played in the Reinhardt style. He made Reinhardt’s style accessible for Ruppenthal who transformed his own style from American bebop to gypsy-jazz. The Caravan G.S.E. began as a trio with Ruppenthal and Ed Fila playing guitar and Chris Wagoner playing violin. Over time, the trio expanded and recruited bass player Kevin Tipple, clarinetist Timm Gould, and drummer Jim Huwe.
The group has released their self-titled, debut album on Hot String Swing Records. The recording features original material, old-time jazz tunes, arrangements of Django Reinhardt classics, and Latin shelled melodies. Caravan G.S.E. bring back old-time jazz arrangements with “Blue Drag” and “Swing ’03.” There is a country-folk swagger lining tracks like “Peanuts/Number One Fantasy” and “Je Ne Sais Quoi.” Snappy jazz shuffles trail along “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Douce Ambiance,” and “Stomping At Decca” reminiscent of the music played in the background of old Mickey Mouse cartoons. Latin flavors ornate the rhythmic beats of “For Sephora,” and the dancehall tempo of “Tango Innominado.” A moonlight jazz-glint illuminates “Stomping At Django’s Castle” with flamenco textured guitar rustles lobbing over the melody. Asian-tinted chords color “Oriental Shuffle,” but turn into a waltz pattern through “Nuages.”
The songs have an au naturale feel and complementing arrangements. Their debut album is a celebration of old-time jazz with forms of vintage influences like country-folk, Latin and Asian tones. Caravan G.S.E.’s recordings have been featured in ads for RP Pasta and chocolatier Gail Ambrosius. The group has played a broad range of shows from concert halls and festivals to nightclubs and corporate events. Their first outing is a chance for the group to show what they got and it’s likely more than they even anticipated that they have.
Tracks: Honeysuckle Rose, Stomping At Deccca, For Sephora, Stoming At Django’s Castle, Tango Innominado, Oriental Shuffle Swing ’03, Nuages, Je Ne Sais Quois, blue Drag, Peanuts/Number One Fantasy, Viper’s Dream, Douce Ambiance
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