The Hot Club Of Baltimore Brings Gypsy Jazz And Swing To Severna Park, Maryland

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Hot Club of Baltimore

Michael Joseph Harris

“Legendary locally and respected by jazz aficionados nationwide” Nelson Thomas and Jaquelyn Lyman-Thomas, Baltimore Jazz Alliance

Jazz Beyond Borders celebrates the two year anniversary of “Jazz at the Mezz” November 21 with a concert featuring one of the most in demand and widely respected touring bands to come out of the region in many years. Led by guitarist Michael Joseph Harris, Hot Club of Baltimore brings the best in Gypsy jazz and swing to audiences in North America and Europe.

Inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt, Harris recently released two more in a growing list of traditional and contemporary Gypsy jazz albums. His efforts have yielded rave reviews internationally and numerous invitations to perform in the U,S. and abroad.

One of the world’s most prolific composers of Gypsy jazz, the Baltimore bandleader stretches the boundaries of the genre, encompassing elements of folk, world, and jazz in his music. His sound appeals to listeners who enjoy fast picking, solid melodies, irresistible rhythms, and exciting solos. (Visit https://michaeljosephharris.com for music and more.)

With Hot Club of Baltimore and the eclectic Ultrafaux ensemble, Harris has appeared in concert halls, clubs and festivals such as Festival Django Reinhardt in France, Preston Jazz and Improvisation Festival in England, Djangoary Soiree Festival in Virginia, Django by the Sea in Maine, Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival, and Charm City Django Jazz Festival. (He is artistic director and founder of the latter event.)

Featuring Harris on guitar, rhythm guitarist Kristoffer Belgica, bassist Blake Meister and violinist Aaron Malone, the “Jazz at the Mezz” program will explore the

origins of Gypsy Jazz in Paris. Starting with the repertoire of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappeli, they’ll trace the influences of romantic classical and Hungarian folk music and share contributions by Corsican rooted musicians Tchan Tchou Vidal and Matelo Ferét. Listeners will discover how these various influences evolved into the endlessly entertaining and enduring genre known as Gypsy jazz in which an all string configuration can be used to play just about any song.

Culture vultures will have a feast hearing familiar and lesser known tunes in this colorful program. In addition to Django Reinhardt compositions and other historical pieces, they’ll be treated to contemporary originals by Harris and a special surprise - they’ll get to hear “Sir Duke!” The tune was written by Stevie Wonder in honor of Duke Ellington, one of many great musicians to collaborate with Django Reinhardt in his storied career.

Café Mezzanotte is located at 760 Ritchie Highway (Route 2), Severna Park, MD 21147. There are two shows. The first seating is at 4:30 for the 5:00 PM show. The second seating is at 7:00 PM. Purchase $25 tickets in advance from https://www.instantseats.com and select Café Mezzanotte as the venue.

Tables will be spaced for social distancing at 50% capacity for the health and comfort of guests. Parking is free and convenient. For more information visit http://www.jazzbeyondborders.com