Jeff Feldman didn't know what he was getting into when he let his brother talk him into giving Hot Club jazz, or "gypsy" jazz, a chance. Well versed in American rock, the bassist soon began to appreciate the blend of cultures in the style Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli pioneered.
Brett and Jeff Feldman formed Occidental Gypsy, which features a lineup of lead guitar, bass, violin, voice, rhythm guitar, and percussion. Jeff talks about the mix of traditions and cultures that merged to create the hot club sound, and enthuses over two musicians of today he finds inspiring: BireliLegrene, and StocheloRosenberger.
Occidental Gypsy brings the Fontana Summer Festival to a close on Saturday in the Williams Theatre of the Gilmore Theatre Complex. Music starts at 7:30 pm.
