With the release last June of its captivating debut album “Aires de Cambio” ( doubleOone Records), Barrio Manouche returned the national spotlight to the Bay Area’s creatively charged Gypsy jazz scene.
Boasting a singular sound combining the instrumentation and signature rhythms of jazz, flamenco and 1930s Gypsy swing, the seven-piece group introduced a sound that’s both rooted in tradition and utterly cosmopolitan. Founded by Spanish guitarist Javi Jimenez, who was later joined by his brother, percussionist Luis Jimenez, Barrio Manouche kept expanding its concept as new members joined the fun.
Bassist Gary Johnson brought his command of jazz, R&B and hip-hop into the ensemble, while the Francophone world contributed Québécois violinist Magali Sanscartier and French saxophonist Cyril Guiraud, a veteran jazz musician who also produced the album.
“I’ve played with many bands in my career, and this one is fascinating, because we’re creating a sound that doesn’t exist,” Sanscartier says. “The music is written and arranged by Javi, and we’re discovering the sound as we do it.”
The band’s performance at Freight & Salvage on June 22 marks its second June engagement at the Berkeley venue, and high profile gigs at Stern Grove (Aug. 11) and the Monterey Jazz Festival (Sept. 29) speak to Barrio Manouche’s growing reputation.
Details: 8 p.m.; $22-$26; 510-644-2020, www.thefreight.org.
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