Django Jingles: Jazz Manouche & More with Marion Powers, featuring violinist Enion Pelta-Tiller

The CJRO small band steps into the world of hot swing with a rhythmically rich concert paying tribute to legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt.

Jazz manouche is generally traced to Jean “Django” Reinhardt, a Romani guitarist known for his use of the Selmer-Maccaferri guitar, and Grappelli, a French swing violinist. Together they formed the Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934, creating a distinctive sound that became highly popular among the Manouche, a Romani population in France.

Jazz manouche—also referred to as the now lesser-used term “gypsy jazz”—is known by several names, including “hot jazz,” “hot club jazz,” or simply “hot club,” reflecting its energetic tempos and driving feel. Blending American jazz with Romani musical traditions, the style is characterized by acoustic instrumentation, propulsive rhythms, and spirited improvisation. Though it originated in France, jazz manouche genre was strongly influenced by the American jazz scene of the early 20th century.

The series features Jared Cathey (sax and clarinet), Ben Hall (guitar), Mike Abbott (guitar), Eric Hitt (bass), vocalist Marion Powers, and special guest artist Enion Pelta-Tiller on violin.

Enion Pelta-Tiller is the co-founder of the internationally known band, Taarka. Once described as “a collision between Django Reinhardt and David Grisman” (SF Weekly), Taarka strikes a balance between well-crafted songs and spirited instrumentals, expanding on their beginnings as a purely instrumental string band, putting a modern spin on Gypsy and Eastern European folk music. Her powerful playing will bring a fresh sound that will honor the legacy of Django Reinhardt, along with other artists of the hot club jazz movement.