THE BAND
Andy Reich
// violin
Andy is a classically trained violinist who has played in folk bands, Klezmer bands, orchestras, and rock bands. Several years ago Andy began attending Django in June, a music camp dedicated to the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. As his enthusiasm for the music expanded, Andy discovered that there were like-minded musicians living close by in Rhode Island. Andy set up a regular schedule of gypsy jam sessions, and Bay Swing was born from those sessions.
Ben Andrews
// guitar
Ben got his first guitar when he was nine and has over four decades of professional experience in performing, arranging, composing and recording. He toured with Blues guitarist Nick Stump, Hot Club band “Swing 39” and has performed with Duke Robillard, John Jorgenson and Gonzalo Bergera. He is the founder and organizer of the“Django Jamboree” music festival in Louisville, Kentucky. He has a Bachelor of Music in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music.
Jack Soref
// guitar
Jack became captivated by the music of Django Reinhardt after attending the International Django Reinhardt festival in Samois-sur-Seine, France, as a teen. Jack has performed in concerts throughout the United States, and lived in Paris, where he jammed with legendary musicians like guitarist Boulou Ferré and violinist Florin Niculescu. Jack has been an accompanist for Jazz Manouche luminaries such as Joscho Stephan, Tim Kliphius, Gonzalo Bergara, Jason Anick and Olli Soikkeli.
John DeBossu
// upright bass
Classically trained, John was educated in Geneva, Switzerland. While there, he performed in jazz groups in France and Switzerland and studied with Blaise Waelday, the former principal bassist with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. After moving to the Boston area, John studied with Miroslav Vitous, the founding bass player of Weather Report, and later with Paul Del Nero, a respected jazz bassist in the Boston. John also performs with the New Providence Big Band, various jazz bands and R&B groups.
Larry Berren
// keyboard
Larry started playing jazz piano at 25. For three years he was able to study intensively and practice six hours a day, every day. Tough way to make a living, though. So, he went to law school and kept playing while also teaching piano and jazz theory. He also plays with the Bebop Docs and was the piano player and music director for the Providence Journal Follies for over 35 years. His favorite piano players are Barry Harris and Dr. John.
Jameson Stewart
// upright bass, guitar
Jameson is a bassist, guitarist and longtime gypsy jazz musician. He discovered the music in his teens and has loved it ever since. From the classic quintet with Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli up through the greatest contemporary performers, he loves where the music has come from and where it’s going, and is excited to be a part of the tradition.
Steve Buka
// clarinet, sax
Steve has been playing clarinet and saxophone since childhood. He received training at the New England Conservatory and the Berklee College of Music, and gigged with bands around the Boston area for years, including the Hub Cats. A Gypsy highlight was opening for Stephane Grappelli, sitting in with the Paris-based Five O’clock Jazz Group.