Bio
Swing Magique presents jazz in the swing style made famous in 1930’s Paris by gypsy guitar virtuoso Django Reinhardt. Greatly influenced by American jazz and swing, Reinhardt revolutionized the popular tunes of the day by making the guitar a lead instrument and giving it a distinctive voice. Django’s sound mimicked the arpeggio and ornamentation of the accordion, resulting in a melodic, yet percussive and highly rhythmic style of guitar playing. The nimble and skilled fingers of guitarists Ronaldo Baca and Mick Faucheur bring the distinctive gypsy jazz sound to our band.
In 1930’s Paris, the tradition of chanson continued to thrive. The chanson style most are familiar with is that of French singer Edith Piaf. Chanson was highly melodic and usually revolved around themes of love or social and political conditions of the day. As tensions arose in Paris from the Nazi occupation, a group of kids called Zazous emerged in protest of the strict moral influences of the Nazi and Vichy regime. The Zazous expressed their dissent through loud clothes, loud swing music and an insistence on maintaining joy! Singer Melissa Montoya captures the melodious chanson and the rebellious swing of the Zazous with her lyric and dynamic vocals.
We are musicians committed to musical excellence who come from completely different back grounds. Gypsy Jazz is where we meet! Ronaldo is highly skilled in jazz, classical and flamenco guitar. He studied guitar and cante in Jerez de la Frontera Spain and is currently in demand as a Flamenco cantaor and guitarist. Melissa is classically trained in opera and art song. She holds bachelors and master’s degrees in vocal performance and she continues to perform in opera and oratorio. As a recitalist she specializes in the art song of Spain, France and Germany. We believe that music of quality and substance can inspire and enlighten an audience. We are seasoned performers and will bring our skill and passion to any event. C’est si Bon!
To find out about our upcoming events, sign up for our newsletter and check out our Facebook and Instagram!
