The unorthodox, high-energy, acoustic-based quintet Velvet Caravan has, over the past few years, emerged as one of the shining lights of Savannah’s burgeoning music scene, and they are heading our way this weekend! Looking ahead to their show, we posed a few questions. Here’s what they had to say.
Q: How did you hit on the latin-gyspy-swing jazz concept?
A: It happened very organically. It was a combination of all of our personalities. Gypsy music is always looking for a new style to look into and adapt it to our different backgrounds and the the instruments that were available to us. We just throw it all in the pot and our product is a rich gumbo soup! (Plus Ricardo is the Latino in the group and can’t help beating us to death with the Latin tunes!!)
Q: What can audiences expect from your show on Saturday the 17th?
A: They can expect an eclectic yet sophisticated sound with virtuosity, humor, and a connection with the performers as if we were performing in their living room! Very high energy show with a fistful of fun!
Q: What album / musician inspires you?
A: Pianist Martha Argerich (Jesse), Air Supply (Ricardo), Sade (Eric), Peter, Paul, and Mary (Jared), Corey Chambers Jazz Band (Jimmy) – of course we are all inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt.
Q: What do you do when you are not playing music?
A: Driving the van for twelve hours and listening and talking about music!
Q: Why “Velvet Caravan”?
A: Smooth like velvet and the soul of gypsies! The caravan represents the moving around from regions or genres of music and collecting aspects of each style as we create our own low country gumbo.
Limited tickets for Velvet Caravan Saturday, February 17 are still available by clicking here.
