La Luna & The Gadjos

Recreating the steamy hot clubs of Paris to the drama of Piaf, La Luna & the Gadjos perform an irreverent mix of French gypsy mayhem (or 'Manouche') coloured with the sound of New Orleans jazz.

This traditional French music of the 30's is played with authentic feel, passion and their own New Zealand twist, led by the multilingual talents of La Luna (Fr: the mad one) who sings vintage Piaf and gypsy classics with verve, nerve and joie de vivre.

La Luna & the Gadjos are New Zealand's premier vocal French gypsy band and combine traditional Manouche and Chanson such as La Vie en Rose, J'attendrais, Douce Ambiance, and L'accordeoniste, with classic swing numbers such as Puttin on the Ritz and Swing Brother Swing.

La Luna is Auckland-based, but joins line-ups around the country of outstanding and award-winning New Zealand players and international guests.

Performances

Recently returned from a tour of French-speaking New Caledonia, La Luna's gorgeous vocals have also been featured in an array of jazz events throughout New Zealand, Australia, UK, Asia, including TVNZ's Good Morning Show, Wellington Jazz Festival, Auckland Jazz Festival, Nelson and Tauranga Jazz Festivals, Volvo Ocean Races, Auckland Domain, The Cloud, Creative Jazz Club, Alliance Francaise Music Festival, Manly Jazz Club, Taste Festival, Titirangi Festival, Summer Days Festival, Hallertau and more....

Personnel:

La Luna (Caro Manins) – la chanteuse
Roger Manins - tenor sax
James 'Le Prof' - burning violin
Phillip Beatson - lead guitare
Sam Swindells / Steve Sherry / Travis Hill – la pompe
Chris Marshall/ Olivier Holland / Djordje Nikolik – contrabass

Review

CJC - May 2016

Thanks to Caro Manins (La Luna) and Misha Kovalov we feasted on catchy melodic tunes, marvelled at their hard-swinging lines.... ‘La Luna & the Gadjos’ worked their magic and swing, they certainly did. It doesn’t matter what your Jazz preferences, I defy anyone to keep their feet still during a spirited Manouche gig. This is a music that stirs heart and limbs, a holiday from the cerebral manifestations of improvised music. It makes you feel good and the desire to move with it is overwhelming; that is its charm....

FULL REVIEW - https://jazzlocal32.com/2016/05/24/twisting-the-swing-la-luna-the-gadjos/

About Us

LA LUNA (CARO MANINS) –CHANTEUSE

Our joy, soul and wildness

Vocalist and mad French manoucher of global origins, Caro Manins is a talent of multilingual dimensions. Her jazz credentials are no less impressive either with a rack of styles and critical acclaim under her belt. Recently returned from a tour of French-speaking New Caledonia, this girl sings vintage Piaf and gypsy classics with verve, nerve and joie de vivre. Caro has been living and performing in NZ for 12 years. She has performed extensively throughout the UK, Australia, the greater Pacific, India and China.

PHILLIP BEATSON - LEAD GUITAR

Gypsy spirit and dark intensity

The exceptionally talented Phillip Beatson is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most accomplished, authentic manouche guitarist. Phillip has also studied Flamenco and draws these strands together in his work.

roger manins - tenor saxophone

Crazy humour, beautiful spirit and masterful

Roger's accomplishments are so vast it's hard to know where to begin. An international player of standing, he is respected throughout Australasia not only for the total mastery of his instrument, but for his originality and sheer energetic commitment.

SAM SWINDELLS - LA POMPE

Our solidity and heart

Sam, who recently completed his jazz honours, plays a range of guitar styles including manouche and jazz. A brilliant accompanist and pompe (manouche rhythm guitar) he centres the energies and channels them into delicious groove.

CHRIS MARSHALL / eamon e. wells / djordje nikolik - CONTRABASS

Rhythmic feel and drive

Chris, Eamon and Djordje are all young, energetic jazz and manouche players with great feel and rhythmic energy. Having recently completed their BA's they play with several groups on the Auckland scene.

ZhAMES 'Le Prof' - VIOLIN

Crazy runs and fire

Zhames Sneyd of the burning violin is a manouche player par excellence, with a wit and sense of humour to match.