For the Django fanatics, there’s not a finer gypsy jazz band than One Leg Up.   Hailing from Asheville, N.C., they have been performing together since 2003.

A tight jazz ensemble, One Leg Up plays Gypsy jazz with conviction, where the solos come fast and furious with a high level of sensual energy and instrumental wizardry.

One Leg Up works within the gypsy jazz framework while bringing different styles of jazz, Latin, and original music into their identity. This “Parisian” style of jazz, sometimes called Gypsy Jazz or Hot Club,  is upbeat acoustic swing with a repertoire of 1920s, 30s and 40s jazz standards, originals, modern jazz tunes, and of course, music from the book of guitarist/virtuoso Django Reinhardt.

This style of jazz is popular in clubs and festivals throughout Europe, yet it is underrepresented in America. One Leg Up is one of the few bands that play this music in the southeast.

One Leg Up’s originality also stems from the group being “collective stars.”  Like an astute big band, the group’s musicians are equally luminescent. At any moment, a violin, mandolin, or clarinet will take center stage, creating a stir usually reserved for a newly arrived brew.

They are a mainstay at venues throughout the Southeast U.S. at festivals, concerts and jazz clubs.

John Stineman (guitar and vocal), Jim Tanner (guitar), Daniel Coolik (mandolin, guitar, and electric mandolin), Mike Guzalak (clarinet, tenor saxophone, and vocal), Cary Fridley (bass and vocal), and Steve Trismen (violin).

“One Leg Up is a ticket back in time to 1930s Paris and the glory years of Django Reinhardt. Listening to their music, you can taste the red wine, relish the glamour of the City of Lights, and feel the deep vibe of Gypsy jazz. Vas-y! Vas-y!”  said, Michael Dregni author of “Django: The Life and Music of a Gypsy.”  

The concert will be held on June 21  at 5 p.m.  at Four Points by Sheraton Historic Savannah,  520 West Bryan St (at the corner of Bryan and MLK).
The event is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for non-members. The concert is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for non-members. Attendees who join CJA while at the concert will also be admitted for free.