Stephane Wrembel, the French guitarist who, for the past decade, has been the sole North American exponent of Django Reinhardt's gypsy style of playing, has been playing every Sunday night at Barbes for the past six years. Which, of course, means I rarely go out to see him.
Having learned his trade at the campfires of the French gypsies (or manouche), he went on to study at the Berklee School of Music, where they basically said they had nothing left to teach him. But, he did acquire a taste for various American vernacular styles and has integrated those into his performances.
Wrembel played three full sets last night with a trio of bass and rhythm guitar, performing a mix of standards and originals. The things this man does with a guitar are absolutely wicked, yet makes it all sound – to cop a phrase – Sweet and Lowdown. (The comparison is apt, as Wrembel has gone on to compose music for two other Woody Allen films: Vicki Christina Barcelona and the current Midnight in Paris.)
Wrembel is one of the true musical treasures of NYC, and can be had each and every week for the price of a ride on the F train. Or, in my case, a walk around the block.
More pics on the photo page.