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| Gypsy jazz to fill the Fountain Plaza Music in the Courtyard in the Fountain Plaza at 312 Main St. in Placerville presents Jazz Gitan on Saturday, July 2. The free concert in the courtyard behind the Cary House Hotel is from 3 to 6 p.m. The three members of Jazz Gitan — Don Price, lead guitar; Ken Billeci, rhythm guitar; and Jane Thompson, double bass — come from different musical backgrounds, but their love for Gypsy jazz has brought them together. The band leader, Don Price, is a professional guitarist and music educator. Expanding into gypsy jazz via listening to Django recordings in European jazz studies, he quickly sought the advise of guitarists Paul Mehling, Neil Andersson, and Robin Nolan, by attending workshops or jamming whenever possible. Being a part of the original Djangofest Event started in Washington, Price created the popular 3, 000 plus members e-group to network with players and fans interested in this high energy form of acoustic swing-jazz. Price has shared the stage with B.B. King, Larry Coryell, Al Dimeola, Hot Club Pacific, Pearl Django, and other rock, blues, jazz and gypsy swing artists. Ken Billeci received his formal music training through American River and Sacramento State Colleges, the latter under Professor Richard Savino. Billeci continued his jazz training under Henry Robinette, Dave Lynch, and Joel Peloquin in Sacramento. He has taught and played professionally in Sacramento for more than 20 years, including a 10 year stint in the horn band "On Air." Jane Thompson has played in working bands for many years in a variety of musical styles such as Motown, Latin/funk, Rock, and Country. She performed in opening acts for Etta James, Mike Bloomfield, Merla Saunders and Friends, Hot Tuna, Dino Valenti, Commander Cody, Peter Yarrow and David Bromberg. She began playing jazz with an 18 piece swing band in 2006. Formed as a trio in 2006, the sound has evolved as the musicians constantly draw from a variety of musical backgrounds. The band toured throughout Northern California, building a diverse fan base and amazing audiences with their energy, creativity, and humor. The music of Jazz Gitan (pronounced Jazz Je-tan) is the swinging jazz of the '30s and '40s with a cross over of songs from the modern gypsy swing repertoire, including originals. write your comments about the article :: © 2012 Jazz News :: home page |