Deanna Knight & Hot Club of Mars | The Lawless Firm

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DEANNA KNIGHT & THE HOT CLUB OF MARS

This outfit has become a tradition at the April in Paris Festival. It is Vancouver’s most eclectic gypsy swing ensemble. Travel back in time to the early acoustic swing era of the 1920’s & 30’s and experience one of Vancouver’s most eclectic gypsy-jazz ensembles.

Chanteuse Deanna Knight shares sassy and sultry vocals alongside the driving rhythms and hot solos of Michael Dunn and the Hot Club of Mars. Rooted deeply in the rhythms of Django Reinhardt, this unique ensemble adds to a traditional sound with melody, charm and loads of fun. You will enjoy a clever repertoire, spanning a full century from historical tangos written in the early 1900s to contemporary songs of today. 

Deanna weaves her lyrical magic around swing classics, tangos, bossa, boogie and original compositions. Described as “stand out, unmistakable and smooth as fine whiskey” Knight celebrates over 18 years with “multi-instrumentalist and ace luthier Michael Dunn and the Hot Club boys (Mark Dowding on flute, sax and harmonica;  Steve "Bugsy" Szabo and Don Kellett on guitars; and Joe Bourchier on bass) who use their Hawaiian, resonator, and Gypsy-jazz guitars to "slice and dice 50 shades of swing with admirable gusto.” Special guest will be Miss Devora Laye on saw and washboard.

Gypsy Jazz from traditional to the unusual will unfold before your eyes and ears. Just try to keep your toes from tapping.

THE LAWLESS FIRM

This band is the new Gypsy jazz group on the block, made up of several musicians from disparate bands. Guitarist Michael Dunn has been a fixture in the Gypsy jazz world in Vancouver from its beginnings in the late sixties. His group the Hot Club of Mars has been part of April in Paris since the very beginning!

Don Ogilvie, whose guitar playing mastery is firmly rooted in the Gypsy style, has played in more groups than anyone can count. He has partnered with Michael on and off for just about 40 years. They recorded a guitar duet CD in 2002. Their newest discovery is Edgar Bridwell. Edgar played with the late Ray Condo and his repertoire includes anything from Mendelssohn to Grappelli and whatever is between. Joe Bourchier is a journeyman bassist can be found playing all over the city in many bands. Chanteuse Eleanore Dunn, whose repertoire encompasses music from the American songbook, has what people have described as an “old fashioned voice” ideally suited to the music of the time.

The group will feature some original Django pieces seldom heard as well as some surprises. This year they offer up the Canadian premiere of a Bolero that was composed by Django in 1937. It is actually a 'classical' piece that has never been performed on this side of the ocean. They will have cellist Brian Samuels as a guest to perform this piece. It will be their grand finale.

The Rogue Folk Club is pleased to provide great Sponsorship Opportunities for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. For more information go here, or simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.com