About the Band
Hot Club Faux Gitane* is an acoustic swing band from Modesto, California that plays in the Gypsy jazz tradition of Django Reinhardt and his Quintette du Hot Club de France. HCFG includes the rhythm/lead guitars and acoustic bass typical of the style, but adds mandolin, bassoon, clarinet, and the occasional melodica and C-melody saxophone. They also augment the standard Gypsy repertoire with original compositions, jazz standards, and even Latin tunes. The band's unique blend of instruments and music adds new vitality and freshness to an old favorite genre.
*Roughly translated, our name means "Hot Club of the Fake Gypsies." Yes, we know it's not proper French.
John Ady
bass
Francesca Bavaro
vocals
Billy Gay
guitar/melodica
Eric Johnson
guitar
Dave Wells
bassoon/clarinet/C-melody sax
Gary Williams
mandolin/clarinet