Band Archive » Blog Archive » Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble

Location : Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Band Members :
Chris Ruppenthal (Guitar)
Ed Fila (Guitar)
Kevin Tipple (Upright Bass)
Timm Gould (Clarinet)

Band Biography :
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble is an instrumental group based out of Madison,
Wisconsin. They are primarily influenced by the legendary Gypsy guitarist DJANGO
REINHARDT. The ensemble also pulls influences from jazz, swing, traditional
Latin, Parisian waltzes, and other vintage-jazz sources. Expect a range of tunes
from the “Hot Swing” repertoire, originals and classic tunes done in a uniquely
arranged style. The idea for Caravan G.S.E. started in early 2002 when Chris
Ruppenthal, the group’s leader and an aspiring jazz guitarist, first heard a
recording by the amazing child prodigy Jimmy Rosenberg. Jimmy, a Dutch Gypsy
guitarist who played in the style of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of
France, would continue to be a huge influence on Chris. He soon turned away from
the American bebop style of jazz guitar to follow in the long shadow of Django
and seek out fellow Gypsy swing enthusiasts. Caravan G.S.E. sprang out of that
inspiration as a trio of lead, rhythm guitar, and violin. The trio played a
barrage of open mikes and busked at local farmers markets to get their
repertoire together. They were soon playing parties, nightclubs and swing
dances. The addition of an upright bass player and a clarinetist brought further
success. Soon they were recording, and performing more consistently in a large
variety of public and private events throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. In
addition to regular performances Caravan G.S.E. has also released “Repertoire,”
a retrospective look back on their early demo recordings. “Repertoire” includes
some choice standards, Django tunes, and originals. Outside of performing
regularly and releasing “Repertoire,” Caravan G.S.E. is busy preparing to record
“Hot String Swing,” their first official FULL LENGTH CD! It is scheduled for
release in spring of 2006. “Hot String Swing” will feature an expanded band
lineup and will include a variety of original music, arrangements of Django
Reinhardt classics, standards, waltzes and Latin tunes. Caravan G.S.E. has
performed on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Higher Ground with Jonathan Overby”
program many times and have become a favorite of the show. They have also
performed live on Madison’s WMMM 105.5 FM (”Jonathan and Kitty in the Morning”)
and WORT 89.9 FM (”The 8:00 Buzz” and “Mud Acres”). They have been featured on
various music television shows around Wisconsin including “Hear for Your
Listening Pleasure,” and three episodes of Janesville’s JATV12’s “Arts Live
Show,” one of which (June 4, 2004) received an award of merit from the Wisconsin
Association of Public Access Channels. Caravan G.s.E. proudly shared the stage
at Djangofest-Madison with Amsterdam’s Robin Nolan Trio. Later in the year
Caravan G.S.E. joined the Clearwater Hotclub, Swing Gitan, and Harmonious Wail
as part of the third annual Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival.