Occidental Gypsy Shares a Potent Message in Swinging Style

Chicago Tribune says “…celebrating the optimistic spirit that made Reinhardt-Grappelli an antidote to the tough times of pre-World War II Europe (and beyond)… the music-making – proved carefully considered and nimbly delivered."
[More Press & Reviews]

Occidental Gypsy plays an exhilarating blend of gypsy folk, hot jazz and world music. They deliver a lightning-fast, deeply complex acoustic sound, made memorable by sultry vocals just like the first era of swing.

Their latest CD is due for release at the top of 2017, and is named "44070," the name of their title track, and the number tattooed on the arm of a hero of mythic proportions. Rudolph Vrba saved as many as 200,000 Hungarians and people the Nazis considered “not fit for life,” after escaping Auschwitz in 1944.  His experience is well-documented in literature, and the composition written by founding band member, Brett Feldman, tells Vrba's story as a near-cinematic piece, with strong musical chops and palpable emotion. But down-trodden, it is not: this musical tale soars and stomps victory, as the story of a real person who did real things to oppose tyranny and to meaningfully celebrate life.

Nationally recognized Occidental Gypsy plays a dynamic, multi-genre mix of original vocal and instrumental pieces, as well as notable covers like a “gypsified” take on Michael Jackson’s Thriller.  Their upcoming CD release promises new originals like "Tonight" and known covers (with a hot club vibe) like "Over the Rainbow."

The Boston Globe has named them a “Best Bet for Weekend Entertainment,” and musician David Bromberg said of the group, “great singing, fantastic guitar and violin work, with high energy originals that leave the crowd crazy. An awesome band.”

Well known as capable heirs and nouveau pioneers of the music of Django Reinhardt, Occidental Gypsy was featured at the DjangoFest in Mill Valley, California.  The band has filled the house in legendary venues such as Nighttown in Cleveland, Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, The Ark in Ann Arbor, The Triple Door in Seattle and the Old Town School of Folk and The Green Mill in Chicago. Their acoustic speed and vigor fills the room like an electric show, and often encites dancing.

The band has shared the stage with greats like Rikki Lee Jones, Jorma Kaukenen, Stanley Jordan, Joe Sample, Tony Rice, and David Bromberg.  Band members have also participated in side projects that have brought them around the world alongside legends, like the 24 year old Eli Bishop who has played with Wynton Marsalis, and regularly performs at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The band features Eli Bishop, a Nashville prodigy who recently won 1^st Place in the Mississippi Fiddle Championships, and a Guinness World Record for world's fastest clapping (yes, really!).

Eli routinely stuns crowds with his exceedingly passionate violin. Lead guitarist and composer Brett Feldman drives the sound with masterful gypsy swing guitar, learned the "traditional way" (by ear from masters).  Jeremy Frantz — a protege of legendary jazz guitarist Joe Negri— brings his sultry, “retro” vocals and expert jazz guitar to the front line, and serves as an exquisite counterpoint to the down-and-dirty driving sound brought by Brett.  Percussionist Jon Chapman and bassist Jeff Feldman fill out the band’s rich sound and keep crowds moving with beats and complex rhythms that make their audience keep coming back for more.

Occidental Gypsy’s sound is appealing to a wide spectrum of people, and their shows consistently attract enthusiastic audiences at colleges, arts centers, festivals, concert halls and clubs. Their fans include musicians who enjoy the sophisticated compositions and masterful play, but most folks just come to enjoy the music and dance.  The band has found a unique beat and brings to every show a dynamic mix of original vocal and instrumental pieces– and a few memorable standards– in fun, exhilarating performances.  Occidental Gypsy’s music cannot be easily classified; a bit of jazz, a catchy strain of pop, a seismic swing experience, and “a whole lotta’ gypsified groove…”

Occidental Gypsy is:   Eli Bishop – violin,  Jeff Feldman- bass,  Jeremy Frantz – vocals & guitar,  Jon Chapman – percussion, and Brett Feldman – lead guitar, composer

www.occidentalgypsy.com