Guest who take our bike tours or use our bike rentals often ask us to recommend local musical acts. These request have inspired us to write a series highlighting some of New Orleans’ popular local talent. The first in our series of recommendations is G & The New Orleans Swinging Gypsies. (If you are coming into town for a convention or wedding contact them to see what their availability is. Along with playing in our local jazz clubs they are for hire to perform for socials, events, and private parties.)

Their live performances are ecstatic and sure to get your feet moving! Some of their major influences are jazz legends Django Reinhardt, Jelly Roll Morton, and Duke Ellington. Out of this musical roux emerges an elegant acoustic gypsy jazz. Add traditional New Orleans jazz and swing into the gumbo and it evolves into a style of punk rock jazz!

A fascinating aspect of their performances is that they feature tap dance as percussion. Lead singer Giselle Anguizola implements vintage jazz dances from the 1920’s-1940’s such as the Charleston into their music. G states that, “Dancing gives the audience a visual to what is being heard and is a mere physical expression of the sound that everyone can enjoy, inspiring people to join in and dance too!”

John Saaverda, a local New Orleanian and leader of the band, complements this tap percussion with his electrifying gypsy guitar style. While the influence of Reinhardt can be heard, its blend with local musical traditions produces a truly unique sound.

In their three years together as a band they have produced 3 smoking hot albums. These albums were birthed out of their love for performing live in the New Orleans jazz scene. They perform 6 nights a week in various clubs on Frenchmen Street and the French Quarter. Click here for their weekly schedule and go check out one of their amazing performances!