DJANGO ULTIMATIV – DJANGOS ERBEN AUF ENJA RECORDS Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes the Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists with Birél

M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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Presseinfo DJANGO ULTIMATIV – DJANGOS ERBEN AUF ENJA RECORDS Florin Niculescu: The Rosenberg Trio: Django Tunes Djangologists with Biréli Lagrène VÖ 18. Juni 2010 VÖ 18. Juni 2010 CD/DVD ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur ENJ 9559 2 ENJ 9558 2 Florin Niculescu (violin), David Reinhardt (guitar), Stochelo Rosenberg (lead guitar), Nous’che Rosenberg Samson Schmitt (guitar), Thuryn Mitchell (piano), (rhythm guitar), Nonnie Rosenberg (double bass) Florent Gac (piano), Darryl Hall (bass), feat. Biréli Lagrène (guitar) Bruno Ziarelli (drums) Vertrieb Österreich edel Musica / Vertrieb Schweiz Musikvertrieb Vertrieb Österreich edel Musica / Vertrieb Schweiz Musikvertrieb

Florin Niculescu, 1967 in Bukarest als Sohn einer sesshaften Django Reinhardt (1910-1953), das Gitarren-Genie, war Gypsy-Familie geboren, zählt zu den besten Violinisten im Europas größter Jazzmusiker. Er war ein Superstar zu seiner Jazz von heute. Sein Vater, der Geiger Corneliu Niculescu, Zeit, führte aber ein unberechenbares Leben zwischen gla- viele Jahre lang der Hauptpartner von Gheorghe Zamfir mourösen Hotelsuiten und Nachtquartieren im Freien und (Panflöte), war Florins erster Lehrer an der Violine. Im Alter machte sich einen Sport daraus, enorme Gagen zu verlangen von 6 Jahren trat der Junge in die Enescu-Akademie in Buka- und sie innerhalb von Stunden zu verprassen. Django, der rest ein, wo er zum klassischen Violinsolisten ausgebildet völlige Analphabet, hatte Bewunderer und Freunde unter den wurde. Er wurde mit einem 1. Preis der Akademie ausge- größten Künstlern und Intellektuellen seiner Zeit und wurde zeichnet und im Jahr 1984 mit einer „besonderen Erwäh- der größte Stolz seines Volkes, der Roma. Zu Recht, denn er nung“ der Jury des internationalen Wieniawski-Wettbewerbs war ein Pionier: ein unermüdlicher Komponist (obwohl er

ENJA RECORDS M. Winckelmann GmbH P.O. Box 190333 D-80603 Munich | www.enjarecords.com | [email protected] Presseinfo T +49-(0)89-18 00 63 11 | F +49-(0)89-18 00 63 13 Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

UNSÖLDSTRASSE 14 D - 80538 MÜNCHEN fon +49 (0)89 - 22 63 07 fax +49 (0)89 - 22 70 39 mobil + 49 (0)174 -7 13 88 93 [email protected] www.marionhoelczl.de in Ljubljana. Neben der klassischen Karriere trat er mit seinem auch keine Noten las oder schrieb), ein unerreichter Gitarren- Vater auf Hochzeiten und anderen Festen auf. Im Jahr 1990 virtuose, der sofort das Potenzial der Selmer-Gitarre (Macca- zog er von Rumänien nach Frankreich und ließ sich in Paris ferri) erkannte, und sogar ein Erfoscher des elektrisch ver- nieder. Dort begann er, mit vielen Jazz- und Gypsy-Jazz- stärkten Instruments. Bis heute, 100 Jahre nach seiner Geburt, Musikern zu arbeiten, darunter Boulou & Elios Ferré, Romane, ist Django Reinhardt von einer doppelten Aura umgeben: Babik Reinhardt. Christian Escoudé, Marcel Azzola, Michel Genie und Geheimnis. Graillier oder Angelo Debarre. 1999 nahm er das preisge- krönte Album „Gypsy Ballad“ auf, 2001 wurde er auf der Das Rosenberg Trio aus den Niederlanden gilt heute als das Midem in Cannes zum „Jazz-Talent“ des Jahres gewählt. Er führende Ensemble des „Manouche Swing“ oder „Gypsy trat beim ersten Django Reinhardt Festival in New York auf Jazz“, der seine Existenz völlig Django Reinhardt verdankt. (2000), zusammen mit Biréli Lagrène, Babik Reinhardt und Seit ihrer Kindheit haben Stochelo, Nous’che und Nonnie Bucky Pizzarelli. Im gleichen Jahr wurde er Lagrènes gemeinsam musiziert – bei Familientreffen, religiösen Feier Hauptpartner in dessen neuem „Gipsy Project“, das vielfach und anderen Gelegenheiten. Ganz in der Gypsy-Tradition lern- gelobt und ausgezeichnet wurde. Unter Florins weiteren ten sie, nach Gehör zu spielen und unermüdlich zu üben: Kooperationen finden sich Auftritte mit Charles Aznavour, Immer und immer wieder spielten sie die „Klassiker“. Nach Philip Catherine, Françoise Hardy und Henri Salvador. ihrem ersten Album „Seresta“ (1989) machten sie eine welt- weite Karriere. Meistergeiger Stéphane Grappelli, Djangos Florin Niculescu gilt als der „Nachfolger Stéphane Grappellis“ langjähriger Partner, „adoptierte“ die Rosenbergs als seine (Jazz Hot) und als „einer der größten Violinisten aller Zeiten“ Workingband und brachte sie 1993 in die Carnegie Hall zur (Le Monde). Er ist der authentischste Violinist in der großen Feier seines 85. Geburtstags. „Sie sind die absolut besten Gypsy-Jazz-Tradition, die einst von Django Reinhardt und Gypsy-Jazzmusiker, mit denen ich in meinem ganzen Leben Stéphane Grappelli begründet wurde. Mit klassischer Technik, gespielt habe“, sagte Grappelli. Für ihre Hommage an Django Gypsy-Temperament und einer swingenden Eleganz à la Grap- zu dessen 100. Geburtstag verstärken sich die Rosenbergs pelli liefert Niculescu nun eine besondere Django-Huldigung ab: noch mit Biréli Lagrène, dem wohl größten und originellsten sein neues Album „Django Tunes“, eine Kollektion überwie- Solo-Gitarristen aus der Gypsy-Jazz-Schule. „Biréli ist ein gend selten gehörter Django-Reinhardt-Stücke. Die Gitarristen Held für mich“, sagt Stochelo Rosenberg über den Gast, der David Reinhardt, Djangos Enkelsohn, und Samson Schmitt, sich in vier Stücken die Soli mit Stochelo teilt und außerdem Sohn von Dorado Schmitt, tragen zum hohen künstlerischen in einem Titel zum E-Bass greift. „Djangologists“, das 15. Standard dieser Aufnahme bei. Doch anstatt an der alten Album des Rosenberg-Trios, feiert den Spirit von Djangos schlagzeuglosen Gypsy-Jazz-Formel festzuhalten, lässt sich Schaffen: Es erforscht das weniger Bekannte, Unerwartete Florin Niculescu von einer kompletten Jazzband unterstützen. und Unvorhersagbare. Es ist ein Tribut von Meistern an ihren Dazu gehört auch der preisgekrönte US-Bassist Darryl Hall, Meister. Die beigefügte DVD zeigt die Musiker bei der bekannt als Mitstreiter von Geri Allen, Ravi Coltrane, Stefon Aufnahme im Studio und bietet außerdem Interviews, in de- Harris, Hank Jones, Dianne Reeves und anderen. nen sie über ihre Liebe zu Djangos Musik sprechen.

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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Links The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists www.therosenbergtrio.com www.florinniculescu.eu

Matthias Winckelmann über The Rosenberg Trio & Florin Niculescu Das Rosenberg Trio (bestehend aus den drei Cousins Stochelo, Nous’che und Nonnie Rosenberg) und Florin Nicu- lescu sind mir seit Jahren ein Begriff, selbst getroffen hatte The Rosenberg Trio auf ihrer Website ich sie aber noch nie. Ivan Minthe, der Manager des Trio Rosenbergs, kontaktierte mich und schickte die vom Trio 30.10.2009: "Back from studio: After one marathon week in selbst produzierte CD/DVD, die mir auf der Stelle sehr gefiel. recording inferno, here we are with a truckload of smashing Mein Interesse wurde verstärkt durch die Mitwirkung von tracks, now it's time for mixing and finalization. Shall we say Biréli Lagrène, den ich als 12-jährigen Bub in Stuttgart bei it? Well, yes! We have the great honor and privilege to einem Konzert gehört hatte. Das war damals schon schwer announce that our guest on this album is no other than the beeindruckend. Ich fuhr sofort nach Paris. Ivan Minthe erklär- one and only Biréli Lagrène! Expect some scary guitarwork te, dass das Rosenberg Trio sich von der Industrie trennen from Stochelo and Biréli, driving rhythm from Nonnie and möchte und seit langem mit ENJA durch die CDs von Renaud Nous'che, and some amazing amplified tunes with our Pêche Garcia-Fons vertraut ist. Wir verstanden uns auf Anhieb sehr à La Mouche Amps. Is that it? No, more surprises before gut, und schnell war ein mehrjähriger Exklusivvertrag unter- release time, stay tuned!“ 12.4.2010: "Yes everyone, we’ve schrieben. Meine Erfahrung mit Gypsy Music beschränkte finally found a home for Djangologists on the wonderful ENJA sich bisher auf die serbische Brass Band Ekrem Sajdics. Der Label. We’re happy of our collaboration with this great Jazz Roma-Künstler und ENJA-Musiker Ferenc Snétberger muss Label, where Chet Baker, Lee Konitz and countless greats mehr zu Jazz und Klassik gezählt werden. Reine „musique have signed wonderful records since almost 40 years. ENJA manouche“ ist ein neues Kapitel für ENJA. Kurz zuvor hatte will distribute Djangologists worldwide, except for Japan, mich Florin Niculescu angerufen, ganz ähnlich motiviert. Ich where it will be released as an exclusive edition, 24-tune fand einen Mitschnitt mit ihm und Biréli Lagrène auf YouTube CD/DVD on Plankton Records." (Vienne Festival) und war fasziniert. Beide Ensembles wollten ihre Hommage an den Übervater Django Reinhardt im Biografie The Rosenberg Trio Rahmen seines 100. Geburtstags aufnehmen. Die Rosen- The Rosenberg Trio consists of the three cousins Nonnie, bergs stehen dabei vor allem für die immense Power der Nous'che and Stochelo Rosenberg. All three have been play- Django-Musik, Niculescu mehr für die unglaubliche Eleganz ing music since their childhood days. As children, they have in seiner mehr Jazz-inspirierten Interpretation. Mehr und tie- learnt by listening and watching their family members at cele- fer kann man wohl kaum in die Totalität von Djangos Musik brations and gatherings. Following the great gipsy musical einsteigen. Die Wege der beiden Gruppen kreuzen sich oft, traditioon, they were tought to play by ear, and to practice mal spielt Stochelo bei Florin, mal umgekehrt. So treten sie restlessly, playing the classics over and over again. Neither of zum Beispiel im Juli gemeinsam in einem großem Konzert in the three can actually read or write music, but they are none- Moskau auf. theless one of today's most impressive jazz bands, and cer-

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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tainly the best around when it comes to "Gipsy Jazz". their talent grew and demand became constant. At the age of 12, Stochelo was awarded the prize for best The cohesion of the trio, the strength, might and precision of musician at a child's musical contest on dutch television, and Nonnie and Nous'che's breathtaking rhythms and uncatcha- since then the trio has been constantly on the rise, on a cour- ble tempo, the ease with which Stochelo's lead guitar sings se that has now taken them worldwide to play on the most and swings above this impressive Rhythmik section, makes reputed stages along the world's greatest musicians, inclu- this band a truly unique act in the world of Jazz, both in their ding a memorable show at New York's Carnegie Hall for own rendering of standards, of Django's classic compositions legendary violonist Stephane Grapelli's 85th birthday celebra- and in the greatly melodic original tunes that Stochelo himself tion, and many Otter magic moments. manages to compose. The Rosenberg Trio's discographic debut, "Seresta" was the Perhaps it was why they were adopted by Maestro Stéphane start of a series of albums which have been aknowledged by Grappelli, who, after seing and hearing them for the first time, jazz lovers, gipsy musicians and music critics alike as "must immediatly invited them to play with him, taking them world- haves". The album released in may 2007, simple named wide, across Europe, and also to celebrate his 85th birthday "Roots" pays a large tribute to Django's tunes and also featu- at New York's Carnegie Hall. This friendship was not to end res some of Stochelo's compositions and others, And was until Stéphane's death, and they recorded together on soon followed by the latest, "Tribute to Stéphane Grappelli" Stéphane's birthday album "85 and still swinging", on the featuring Tim Kliphuis on violin, released in March 2008. Rosenberg Trio's "Caravan" (Verve, 1994) and on Manhattan Transfer's 1997 Album "Swing". In 2008 The Rosenbergs paid Nonnie Rosenberg, born in 1956, is the double-bass player a wonderful tribute to their long-time friend on what would of the trio. As a young boy, Nonnie was surrounded by gui- have been his 100th birthday. tars, which his father and uncles played. Of course, Nonnie caught the music virus in his early days, dreaming to become A true family affair, The Rosenberg Trio displays the essence a great Flamenco guitarist, so he tried to gain access to his of the gipsy musical mastery and magic, transmitted from father's guitar and play it whenever his father was away. But generation to generation across countless camp meetings, being born in a family of so many guitarists can be tricky, and jam sessions and family heritage. Since their childhood days, Nonnie was soon asked to pick up a double bass to join the the three cousins have been playing together at family reu- family band, as teere were already too many guitarists. For a nions, religious celebrations, and more and more events as Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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when it comes to gipsy jazz, a fast tempo can be lightning- fast. Nous'che plays Eimers Guitars and Selmer Guitars, stringed wich Gallistrings' 11/47 gipsy strings.

Stochelo Rosenberg, born in 1968, is the lead-guitarist. The funny thing about Stochelo is that he started to play guitar at the very "late" age of 10 years old, which is very rare in such young boy, the enormous Instrument was at first a horrible a musical family. But Stochelo caught up incredibly quick, thing to struggle with, but the restless training, jamming and constantly replaying Django's solos over and over when he musical life of the Rosenberg clan turned him into a master of was not learning from his father Mimer and his Unklee Wasso the instrument (although Nonnie prefers to consider himself Grunholz. Rapidly spotted as an exceptional talent, Stochelo as a sideman, never wishing to take a solo, as Stochelo is had several early opportunities to get signed on various here for that, he says) and made him the backbone of the record companies, but his parents wanted to keep him pro- Trio's irresistible groove, in conjunction wich Nous'che's gui- tected from the universe of "Show business" while he was tar, which blends into the double bass to form a compact, young, so he remained to play with his cousins and matured flawless rhythmic section so powerful that it could seem there what would become one of the leading formations in the are five of those guys playing, and so tight that it sounds like history of gipsy jazz. Stochelo's unmistakable, extremely the five of them are playing one big instrument. Teamwork. melodic playing is now universally regarded as one of the Nonnie is a proud user of Gallistrings' RC-300 bass strings. most brilliant forms of guitar plaing ever. But he himself does- n't want to hear that. "Forget about Stochelo and all the Nous'che Rosenberg, born in 1965, plays the rhythm guitar. others" he says. "If you want to learn and understand gipsy Needless say Nous'che started playing in his early childhood jazz, start with Django, the best guitarist that ever was". But it days too, as a young Rosenberg boy is very likely to. He per- seems his playing is proving Stochelo wrong even in the Sinti formed in local meetings, churches and kept playing all day, community he is regarded as a true legitimate heir of the everyday. He was 16 when they were awarded the Dutch tele- untouchable Icon of swing, and his rendering of Django's vision's music contest first prize, and 24 when tue Rosenberg classics at the Samois Festival brought tears to the eye's of trio took the Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois' stage by Django's sister Carmen. Not just a virtuoso player, Stochelo is Storm and delivered a memorable set that earnt them a top the man behind compositions such as the enchanting "For rank in today's gipsy jazz universe. Since then the Rosenberg Sephora" ( a tune which has conquered the hearts of so many trio's reputation is growing worldwide, and Nous'che is guitarists that it is already a classic to practice upon), the dre- recognized as one of the very best rhythm guter players on amy "Rumba Sunset", and many others that reveal Stochelo's the planet. One of his favorite tricks is to speed up the tempo unique ability to bring the melody to the forefront of even tue so fast that only the best around can keep up with him. And wildest, fastest runnig solo, making anything he plays a com-

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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Tour 2010: The Rosenberg Trio / The Rosenberg Trio feat. Biréli Lagrène

30.5. Festival des Guitares Du Monde, Canada 23.7. Fiuggi Guitar Festival, Fiuggi, Frosinone (I) The Rosenberg Trio & The David Reinhardt Trio Stochelo Rosenberg with Salvatore Russo Trio 1.6. Amphithéatre du Gesù, Montreal 24.7. Lodeve (F) The Rosenberg Trio & Denis Chang and His Hot Four 26.7. Padua (I) 5.6. Forbach (F) 30.7. Vannes (F) 11.6. Merignac (F) 1.8. Canal Street Festival, Arendal (N) 12.6. Chancelade (F) 9.8. Marciac (F) The Rosenberg Trio & Evan Christopher 24.6. Riverboat Festival (DK) 10.8. Grimaud (F) The Rosenberg Trio & Tim Kliphuis 25.6. Festival Django Reinhardt, Samois sur Seine (F) 16.9. Montlouis (F) The Rosenberg Trio & Mozes + Johnny "Djangologists"-The Rosenberg Trio feat. Biréli Lagrène Rosenberg, Sani van Mullem 30.6. Strasbourg (F) 22.9. Moskau (Stochelo Rosenberg) 3.7. Festival Archeos, Blainville (F) 20.10. ArsLongaFestival, Yauza Palace Concert Hall, Moskau The Rosenberg Trio & Didier Lockwood 29.10. Issoudun (F) The Rosenberg Trio & Sanseverino 5.7. Opera de Vichy (F) 3.11. Norwegen-Tour Stochelo Rosenberg & Hot Club de 9.7. Garda Jazz (I) Norvege and Adrien Moignard "Djangologists"-The Rosenberg Trio feat. Biréli Lagrène 17.11. Hyogo Performing Art Center (J) 17.7. Pescara Festival (I) Stochelo Rosenberg Trio "Djangologists"-The Rosenberg Trio feat. Biréli Lagrène 18.11. Nagoya Club Quattro, Aichi Art Center (J) 18.7. Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia (I) Stochelo Rosenberg Trio "Djangologists"-The Rosenberg Trio feat. Biréli Lagrène 19.11. Ooji Hall,Tokyo (J) Stochelo Rosenberg Trio 20.7. I Suoni delle Dolomiti (I) 20.11. Shibuya Club Quattro, Tokyo (J) 21.7. Colonella Festival, Teramo (I) Stochelo Rosenberg Trio Stochelo Rosenberg with Salvatore Russo Trio 22.7. Fara Festival, Fara Sabina, Rieti (I) Stochelo Rosenberg with Salvatore Russo Trio Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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Interview with Stochelo Rosenberg/The Rosenberg Trio Favorite venue: After learning as gipsy boys do, by ear and restless practice There are too many to mention even a few. since childhood days, Stochelo Rosenberg, Nonnie Rosen- Your favorite recording in your discography and why? berg and Nous'che Rosenberg have become The Rosenberg The upcoming one! Definitely! It's the most completely Django- Trio, the world's most prestigious and longest running band ed and yet radically different at times, with great sound, and an in the Style of Django Reinhardt. Stéphane Grappelli himself ambitious form, with 24 tunes and a bonus 57 minute docu- adopted them, toured and recorded with them, whom he con- mentary ... We haven't done anything like this before, really, sidered "absolutely the best ..." and it's an exciting project. The first Jazz album I bought was: Instrument(s): An album by guess who ... Django! Guitar. What do you think is the most important thing you are con- Teachers and/or influences? tributing musically? Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, And the gypsy family life! Of course it's the preservation of Django Reinhardt and I knew I wanted to be a musician when ... Stéphane Grappelli's heritage. I arrived on earth :) Did you know ... Your sound and approach to music: Stochelo's Selmer guitar, numbered 504, is the closest exi- Getting your own sound, that's rule N° 1! sting "sister" of Django Reinhardt's famous Selmer 503, now Your teaching approach: a national museum piece in France. Only 900 of these guitars Train by ear, and learn to play slow before you try to go fast. were built between 1932 and 1952, all bearing unique serial Your dream band: numbers. Numbers 502,503,504 and possibly a couple more Any good people to jam with. were made especially for Django Reinhardt himself and bear Road story: Your best or worst experience: his name on headstock, waiting for Django to choose one... One day, we were just beginning to play as professionals, we CDs you are listening to now: performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival, and someone came Lots of new stuff on jazz radios, and gipsy jazz. to tell us that Stéphane Grappelli wanted to talk with us. He Desert Island picks: had seen us perform and he told us we were the best band he Django's solo sessions Joe Pass solo and with Ella Fitzgerald ever saw in that style, and wanted to work with us! This man How would you describe the state of jazz today? was our hero, along with Django, and he became a friend! It's livelier than ever, coming and going in all directions, That was an unbelievable and unforgettable moment. which at the same time is good and makes it hard for talent to get noticed ... But it's still so exciting.

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes alive and growing? Dedication. It's really hard work, so one needs to be extremely motivated and enduring. What is in the near future? Our new album, DJANGOLOGISTS, featuring our friend Bireli Lagrène, is planned for release on January 6, 2010, and is the most ambitious project we've ever conducted. To celebrate Django Reinhardt's 100th anniversary, we had to do something really special, so we took the opportunity to go entirely Biografie Florin Niculescu digital, and this allowed us to make a very special album Florin Niculescu is one of the finest violinists on the interna- which will have 24 different tunes and almost an hour of video tional jazz scene today.Through many musical collaborations documentary on our week in studio. This will be separated this captivating musician has developed a distinct sound and into a TOTALLY FREE 6-track mini album which anyone will be language, building on a solid classical education and linking able to get from our website in just one click, and the FULL gypsy traditions to diverse forms of jazz. His impeccable tech- ALBUM, comprising 18 other tunes and the bonus documen- nique and outstanding virtuosity praised by fellow musicians tary... All this will be available directly from us on our site at and audiences alike are not a means to an end but a way of the groundbreaking price of 8 euros, or from all the usual expressing his artistic personality. And rather than creating digital music stores such as Itunes, Napster, Amazon, etc. We boundaries, his obvious spiritual affinity with Stéphane produced every bit of it ourselves, with total control and free- Grappelli (1908-1997) has enabled him to explore new and dom, that's something only digital distribution could give us, innovative musical grounds. Following a long and fruitful and indirectly, the fans, as they have an unbeatable offer com- association with Biréli Lagrène, Florin Niculescu is now invol- pared to CDs costing more than double. ved in a new project, reworking some of Django Reinhardt's By Day: (1910-1953) material. Music! If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a: Florin Niculescu was born in Bucharest on 8 February 1967, An unhappy person. into a settled gypsy Family, all professional musicians: his fat- (allaboutjazz.com 11.2.2010) her, violinist Comeliu Niculescu, spent ten years as the main collaborator of pan flautist Gheorghe Zemphir. His mother was a pianist his sister played the cello, and his uncle was first violin in tue Bucharest opera orchestra. Growing up in such a family meant his entire childhood and teenage years were solely devoted to music, particularly the violin. «My father was my first violin teacher. We started to work seriously when I was four or five years old. Thanks to him heacquired a strong base, which proved really useful during my training and my musical career. Unfortunately, his professional duties led him around the world. He was often absent from home, so my mother took over and conlinued my musical éducation».

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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At the age of six Florin entered the George Enescu Academy and in 1999 «For Your Friends» with Marcel Azzola. The 1999 of Music in Bucharest to consolidate his home training. «I recording of «L'Esprit Roumain, Florilège» reunited father was lucky enough to have a great teacher who had previousiy and son,surrounded by Jani Lincan (cymballum), Angelo taught many Romanian soloists and who really valued the fact Debarre (guitar), Antonio Licusati and Costel (bass) and that I had a solid musical base right from the start». During lonoutz (accordeon ). The same year, accompanied by orga- his studies,Florin performed works from the violin repertory, nist Emmanuel Bex and Simon Goubert, he recorded «Gypsy first as a member of the school orchestra, then in chamber Ballads» nominated «Album of the Year» and was awarded music orchestras and finally as a soloist. He was awarded the Talent Jazz prize at the Midem in 2001. first prize from the Academy and in 1984 received a special mention from the jury at the Henry Wieniawski International The end of 2000 found Florin Niculescu in New York, sharing competition in Lubjana. He also played alongside his father at the bill with Biréli Lagrène, Babik Reinhardt, Jimmy weddings and celebrations, a demanding yet useful experien- Rosenberg and Bucky Pizzarelli at the first Django Reinhardt ce which added extra strings to his bow and developed his Festival. The concert was recorded live and the album sense of improvisation. «Django Reinhardt NY Festival - live at Birdland» was released. This event was even more memorable because of his In the early 90s, aged 23, Florin left Romania for France and Meeting with George Benson who was very impressed by the moved to Paris. In 1991 he met guitarist Boulou Ferre and his Violinist and showered him wich praise. In 2001 Florin toured brother Elios, which marked the first of many collaborations. various European festivals as part of a trio. He performed with Four years later he joined guitarist Romane's quintet. He left Emmanuel Bex and François Lezeau at tue Vienna Jazz festi- to form his own band with hass player Jacques Vidal, pianist val and wich Emmanuel Bex and Simon Goubert at the Michel Graillier, guitarist Frédéric Sylvestre and drummer Marciac Jazz festival, opening for Pianist Keith Jarrett. In Oslo Simon Goubert. In 1995, he joined the «New Quintette du Hot he associated himself with the danish bass player Niels Club de France» lead by Babik Reinhardt (1944-2001), son of Henning Orsted Pedersen and the belgian guitarist Philip Django, and participated on their eponymous album. In 1998 Catherine. he recorded with Christian Escoudé «A Suite For Gypsies»

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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That same year, Biréli Lagrène invited him to join his new Tourdaten 2010 Florin Niculescu quintet, The Gipsy Project, inspired by the «Quintette du Hot 11.6. Den Haag Club de France» founded by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane 12.6. Bukarest Grappelli. Florin took on the role ot the late violin master in 19.6. Port-Royal-des-Champs (F) the band's lineup. Their first eponymous recording with 25.6. Les Pavillons-sous-Bois superb interplan between Lagrène and Niculescu, received 28.6. Ottawa-Gypsy Planet the «Prix du Public» al the «Djangos d'or» in 2002. Their fol- 30.6. Montreal-Gypsy Planet low up album «Gipsy Project and Friends», featuring rewor- 1.7. Domaine Forget-Gypsy Planet ked versions of the late musicians legacy, was released in 7.7. Montéléger with Ch. Escoudé (F) 2002. Soon after, the quintet embarked on a long tour, appe- 8.7. Villefranche-sur-Saone (Trio) aring at prestigious international festivals such as Montreux, 13.-14.7. Perugia-Umbria Jazz Antibes/Juanles Pins, Marciac and Vienna. A DVD, «Biréli 17.7. Pestara Lagrène Gipsy Project and Friends Live at the Vienna Jazz 24.7. Patrimonio (Korsika) Festival», is now available. Florin Niculescu was outstanding 29.7. Saint Tropez in the band and his ability to interact wich Biréli Lagrène 1.8. Châteauneuf-du-Faou exceptional. Inspired by the sound of the «Quintette du Hot 12.8. Mailand Club de France» but not imitating it, The Gypsy Project was a 9.-11.9. Bukarest-Philharmonic Hall splendid showcase for manouche jazz, keeping its spirit alive. 15.9. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (F) Being constantly exposed to a large public, tue music has 16.10. Bry sur Marne (Trio) now emerged from the shadows and enjoys the recognition it 17.10. Athen-Gypsy Planet deserved. In the midst of all these intense activities and col- 30.10. Ravenna (I) laborations, Florin who is always in great demand, has been 5.11. Ibos (F) associated and recorded with France's most popular artists 10.12. Elancour (F) such as Françoise Hardy, Charles Aznavour and Henri 14.12. Monte Carlo Salvador amongst a host of others. 31.12. Caen-Gypsy Planet (F)

Diskografie Florin Niculescu (Auswahl) Pressestimmen 2010 Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes Sometimes, as far as music goes, one record can lead to (ENJA RECORDS) ENJ 9559 2 another. One hearing of Florin Niculescu's homage to 2008 Florin Niculescu Plays Stéphane Grapelli Stephane Grappelli sends the listener back to the old recor- 2005 Florin Niculescu: Djangophonie dings of the Quintette du Hot Club de France, where Grappelli 2002 Florin Niculescu: worked his magic with his most famous musical partner, gui- Live Jazz à Vienne feat. Biréli Lagrène tar wizard Django Reinhardt. What a joy to listen to Grappelli. 2002 Florin Niculescu: Not only could he make the violin sing and swing. He played Gipsy Project and friends feat. Biréli Lagrène with fire and passion. There are times that Grappelli seems to 2001 Florin Niculescu: Gipsy Project feat. Biréli Lagrène make a u-turn on his instrument that is so sharp that the 2000 Florin Niculescu: Gipsy Ballad strings are in danger of being broken or indeed are burning 1999 Florin Niculescu & Corneliu Niculescu: up. Now that's music that swings. It is no exaggeration to say L’Esprit Roumain that Grappelli's music is safe in the hands of Florin Niculescu.

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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Like Grappelli, Niculescu has the ability to make the violin sorgte für eine Revolution: Mit seinem Quintette du Hot Club sing. He doesn't just show off with a lot of fast notes, he de France brachte es Europa auf die Landkarte des Jazz. Am makes the music flow effortlessly with passion and commit- 23. Januar wäre Django Reinhardt 100 Jahre alt geworden. ment. Niculescu has a superb technique and his group consi- 1953, als er an einem Gehirnschlag verstarb, legte man seine sting of Peter Beets on piano, Bruno Ziarelli on drums and Gitarre neben anderem Hab und Gut ins Feuer. So, wie es Daryl Hall on bass plus guest guitarists Christian Escoudé; Brauch der Manouche ist. and Marc Fosset are doing a very good job of backing him. They swing comfortably and the record is a treat for the ears Volker Schmidt in Zeit Online 19.1.2010: from start to finish. Highlights include a take on the classic Im November 1928 brennt in Paris der Wohnwagen eines jun- Reinhardt/Grappelli composition “Daphné,” where Niculescu gen Paares ab. Jean-Baptiste, der mit seiner Frau Bella hier really shows his chops. Elsewhere, he performs a stunning lebt, erleidet schwere Verbrennungen. Seine linke Hand bleibt version of “Old Man River” that manages to be both wild and verkrüppelt - dabei hat er gerade seine erste Schallplatte als sentimental. It is downright impossible not to like music that Banjospieler aufgenommen. Der junge Mann macht aus der swings as infectiously as this and Niculescu can play so even Not eine Tugend und wird einer der bekanntesten Jazzgitar- the alley cats of Paris must be dancing. An album like Florin risten aller Zeiten. Er nennt sich Django.Als Jean-Baptiste Niculescu Plays Stephane Grappelli is proof that the music Reinhardt am 23. Januar 1910 geboren wird, ist die Familie Grappelli treasured so much is still alive and not just a nostal- gerade in Liverchies in Belgien. Seine Mutter gehört einer gic thing of the past. Schauspielertruppe an, die durch Belgien, Frankreich und (Jakob Baekgaard in allaboutjazz.com 11.9.2009) Algerien reist; der Vater ist Musiker. Sie sind Manouches, französischsprachige Sinti. Manouche oder Manusch heißt «Florin Niculescu, a fabulous and spectacular violinist» Mensch in Romanes, der Sprache der Roma. Es ist im fran- (Le Nouvel Observateur) zösischsprachigen Raum die Selbstbezeichnung der Sinti, jener Roma, die schon im Mittelalter aus Indien nach Mittel- «A remarkable musician, precise, agile and dynamic» (Le Monde) und Westeuropa einwanderten - oder, nach Lesart mancher Sinti, eines Volkes, das wie die Roma aus Indien kam, aber «Breathtaking yet natural, rough yet gonfle» nicht zu den Roma gehört. Im 19. Jahrhundert werden viele (Le Figaro) Sinti sesshaft, weil die Obrigkeit Repressalien gegen das "fah- rende Volk" verhängt. Familie Reinhardt stellt ihren Wohnwa- «In him, Frenchjazz has fïnally found a successor to gen erst 1918 dauerhaft in Paris ab, in der Nähe der Porte de Grappelli» (Jazz Hot) Choisy, einem der alten Stadttore. Jean-Baptiste ist etwa zwölf, als er zu musizieren beginnt, erst auf der Geige, dann Über Django Reinhardt (23.1.1910-16.5.1953) auf der damals populären Banjo-Gitarre Guitjo. Er lernt Josef Engels in Die Welt 22.1.2010: schnell, schaut sich Fingersätze von anderen Musikern ab und Allerdings bedurfte es eines Katalysators, um seinen Stern spielt bald in einem Tanzlokal in der Rue Monge. Mit einem zum Strahlen zu bringen. Er fand sich in dem Geiger Stéphane Fuß steht der junge Django im glitzernden Paris der Goldenen Grappelli. Zwei höchst ungleiche Charaktere trafen da zusam- Zwanziger, mit dem anderen in den Traditionen seiner Familie, men: hier der kultivierte, höfliche und bis zur Knickrigkeit kor- die den Moden der Gadsche, der Nicht-Sinti, skeptisch gegen- rekte Feingeist Grappelli, dort der hemmungslos unzuverläs- übersteht. Lesen oder schreiben kann Django damals nicht. sige, des Lesens und Schreibens unkundige und an Geld Als er mit dem Akkordeonisten Jean Vaissade erste Platten kaum interessierte Hallodri Reinhardt. Das ungleiche Paar aufnimmt, steht "Jiango Renard" auf der Hülle.

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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Ralf Dombrowski in Der Spiegel 23.1.2010: Noch immer streiten Experten, ob Django Reinhardts Musik wirklich Jazz gewesen sei. Denn in seinem Stil lie- fen viele Traditionen zusammen: die Walzer-Folklore der Bals Musette und der gedämpfte, swingende Viertel-Beat der Dreißiger; Tonleitern der Sinti-Musik, die bis auf indi- sche Raga-Wurzeln zurückreichen, und Elementen der Flamenco-Phrasierung; eine individuell verstandene Idee von Bebop und der gestalterische Output eines Gedächt- nisses, das spontan auf Tausende Melodien zurückgrei- fen konnte; schließlich eine Spieltechnik, die aufgrund der behinderten linken Hand auf komplett eigene Harmo- nisierungen, Klangfarben, Stimmführungen zurückgriff.

Wolfram Knauer auf Jazzinstitut Darmstadt-Online: Django Reinhardts Position in der Jazzgeschichte ist le- gendär: Er war der erste europäische Musiker, der ganz im Sinne des Jazz einen eigenständigen Personalstil ent- wickelte, in dem er seine musikalische Herkunft aus der Manouche-Kultur mit leichtfüßig swingenden Jazzrhyth- men verband, instrumentale Virtuosität mit einfallsreicher Spontaneität.

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur M ARION HÖ LCZL P RESSE & PROMOTION

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Photo: Mathieu Zazzo

„Beide Ensembles wollten ihre Hommage an den Übervater Django Reinhardt im Rahmen seines 100. Geburtstags aufnehmen. Die Rosenbergs stehen dabei vor allem für die immense Power der Django-Musik, Niculescu mehr für die unglaubliche Eleganz in seiner mehr Jazz-inspirierten Interpretation. Mehr und tiefer kann man wohl kaum in die Totalität von Djangos Musik einsteigen.“

(Matthias Winckelmann)

Interviews mit Florin Niculescu und The Rosenberg Trio gerne möglich.

Presseinfo Florin Niculescu: Django Tunes The Rosenberg Trio: Djangologists VÖ 18. Juni 2010 ENJA RECORDS/edelkultur