Although the tradition of Jazz Manouche underlies the foundation for many of
their original songs, Django Lassi keeps their tonal horizon open in many directions,
extending well beyond Reinhardt-esque compositions, to wild poetic balkan dances, to
electro-swing trance with freestyled lyrics. The bands diverse influences fuse into an
irrestibly danceable experience.
band description
It was 2005 when baby Django Lassi set out on their humble mission to spread gypsy jazz
in Berlin. The early nights were filled with gigs in seedy taverns, shady organizers, and
sprawling backyard parties. Here the ensemble quickly found their way into the hearts and
especially in the legs of their listeners. Eight years later, Django Lassi is well known in
several neighborhoods in Europe, as a party band, but also a musical one, on the one
hand rocking the "Fusion" festival but also performing with renowned colleagues such as
the Rosenberg Trio.
As the Lassis' path continues, the next milestone is 'Szupa Czipa', their new album of
original songs, which will be released on the 30 November 2013. It is a furious inventory of
the music the band has developed in the last two years. The sextet combines four
nationalities today (Israeli-Ivorian-German-American) and speaks several musical
languages: virtuoso gypsy swing is still at the base, but the vocabulary in their own
compositions evokes their trips to Romania, the Balkans, Anatolia, Spain, and beyond. And
Django Lassi has a new voice: Since 2010 Roland Satterwhite plays not only the violin
with the group, but also sings a mixture of blues and wild freestyled vocal discharges.
Although Django Lassi's musical transgressions might offend traditionalists, those who
attend their concerts appreciate the experimentation and spontaneity of the musicians.
Django Lassi started with the sinti-swing tradition, but they continue to expand, and create
new and exciting blends of original sounds.