12th Avenue Hot Club

12th Avenue Hot Club is a vintage acoustic swing group from Portland, OR specializing in the gypsy jazz style pioneered by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in the 1930s and ‘40s streets of Paris.

Belgian-born Romani-French jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century. He was the first jazz talent to emerge from Europe and remains the most significant to this day, inspiring generations of subsequent aspiring jazz musicians to learn and adapt his music. 

With violinist Stéphane Grappelli, Reinhardt formed the Paris-based Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934. The group was among the first to play jazz that featured the guitar as a lead instrument. 

The 12th Avenue Hot Club seeks to recreate the vintage swing vibe of this rich musical lexicon.  Led by virtuosic guitarist Tracy Kim and multi-instrumentalist G. Douglas Bundy, the band also features bassist Dax Smith on upright acoustic bass, forming the traditional gypsy swing trio of guitar + guitar + upright bass.

Doug’s multi-instrumentalism adds intrigue (and great value) to the set, and makes the band seem bigger than it is, because he plays guitar, clarinet, sax and also sings.  The band can also add gypsy violin and/or snare drum to round out their sound.

Some of the group’s other musical influences which you often find piping through their sets:   Astrud Gilberto, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, John Pizzarelli, Martin Denny.

12th Avenue Hot Club is the perfect backdrop for food- and wine-centered events, or any mingling affair where top-notch background music with great style is needed.  The vibe is upscale yet organic.  Recent exploits have included Domaine Serene’s “Coeur Blanc” VIP Event and Classic Wines Auction annual fundraising event.