About
Since 1995 jazz group Ultraswing have worked towards achieving a sound and repertoire which reflects the great Gypsy-swing and European musical traditions.
Matt Guez, Jonny Hepbir and Dan Sheppard originally formed the band through Brighton's jazz music circles and a shared passion for the music of Django Reinhardt and the contemporary Gypsy jazz scene.
Their commitment to performing live music of style and quality over the years has been consistent and much appreciated by many audiences and within many contexts – be it a jazz club, pub, music festival, wedding reception, dinner party, private celebration, corporate entertainment or open air market.
Whether in a lively party with dancing or a more intimate event, one will find Ultraswing's infectious sound totally suitable.Their repertoire can be tailored to suit your style of function and its guests.
Ultraswing are available to play live jazz music as a duo, trio or quartet with the addition of violin, accordian or wind instrument.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements – they would love to hear from you.
Musicians
Matt Guez – Guitar
Never happier than when he's playing guitar, Matt's enthusiasm and passion for music is well known within the UK Gypsy Jazz scene. It was a trip to the famous Django festival at Samois Sur Seine in France (1993) that convinced him to direct his energies towards the "jazz manouche" style.
Fortunate in meeting and collaborating with like-minded musicians over the years, Matts' experience and musicality continues to be the driving force behind Ultraswing.
Jonny Hepbir – Guitar
One of the UK's leading exponents of the Gypsy jazz repertoire, Jonny is a truly experienced and talented guitar player.
One of the founder members of Ultraswing, his CV reads like a 'who's who' of European Gypsy jazz with numerous collaborations and high profile events to his name. He also teaches, runs workshops and has solo recordings. Jon's great enthusiasm for the music is always a feature of any Ultraswing live music performance.
Dan Sheppard – Double Bass
Dan has been working the UK jazz scene for the past 17 years. Also a founder member of Ultraswing, Dan honed his technique and musicianship with Brighton's Rockin an Rhythm band and his talent from then on was much in demand.In recent years he has been notching up appearances with the greats of jazz such as Bobby Wellins, Jim Mullen and Jon Etheridge to name three. To quote Dan, he continues to work with Ultraswing because "its one of the most fun and hardest working live jazz bands around".
Ultraswing contributors:
Diego Parada – Guitar. The Brighton jazz scene profited hugely from Diego's arrival in 2004. He has been a great friend and colleague to the Ultraswing team who appreciate his fresh ideas and totally professional attitude. Also much in demand, Diego's CV grows rapidly with the likes of Helena Jessie and the Quasimodo quartet using his skills.
Jason Henson – Guitar. Since turning professional ten years ago, Jason has cut an important niché for himself within jazz guitar circles. Great solo and accompaniment skills means he gets asked to work with a wide variety of artistes such as The Charlotte Glasson Band and the mighty Jo Hunter (trumpet). Also passionate about Django guitar, Jason has travelled and infused gypsy techniques into his repertoire.
Marek Homola - Guitar
Marek is an accomplished and experienced musician with flair for many different styles. Inspired by his father to pick up a guitar at the tender age of 7, he has played ever since. One of his particular musical passions is jazz. His Slovakian roots have helped shape the way he perceives music . Influences from Slovakia may be heard amongst the gypsy jazz melodies and be-bop tunes that he plays.
Nik McGuigan – Double Bass. Great musicianship and much in demand.
Mike Piggott – Violin. Goes back many years with Matt and the guys, a great entertainer and professional.
Frank Biddulph – Violin. London-based and always happy to work with us.
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Gallery
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Brighton and beyond…
Ultraswing are Brighton, East Sussex, Bournemouth and Dorset based, but are happy to travel nationwide and abroad. Many weddings, jazz clubs, bars, pubs, restaurants, arts centres, private and corporate events have all enjoyed the Ultraswing sound!
Shop
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Jouez (2012)
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1. Coquette
2. Menilmontant
3. Je suis seul ce soir
4. Hungaria
5. Minor Swing
6. Que reste t'il de nos amours
7. Dinette
8. C'est Magnifique
9. Made for Wesley
10. China Boy
11. Made in France
12. Si tu savais
13. Symphonie
14. Pigalle
15. David
16. Nuages
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Gadjo Party (2005)
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1. Rhythmes Gitans
2. All of Me.
3. Swing Waltz
4. Puttin' on the Ritz
5. J'attendrai
6. Avalon
7. Besame Mucho
8. Djangos Tiger
9. Minor Swing.
10. Artillerie Lourde
11. Latcho Drom
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Captain of the County (2002)
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1. Undecided
2. Topsy
3. Hai La Drum
4. J'Attendrai
5. Captain of the County
6. It Had To Be You
7. Insallah
8. Daphne
9. Bei Mir Bistu Schon
10. Blue Rhumba all Turka
11. Sweet Georgia Brown
12. Anouman
13. Make me a Memory
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Actual Size (2000)
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1. Latcho Drom
2. Lulu Swin
3. Besame Mucho
4. How High the Moon
5. Waltz Fasil
6. Rythmes Gitans
7. Fantasie - danse Norvegienne
8. Puttin' on the Ritz
9. Djangos Tiger
10. Manha de Carnaval
11. Take the 'A' Train
12. Moonglow
13. Yeux Noirs
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De Rigueur (1998)
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1. Anouman
2. Crazy Rhythm
3. Swing Micro
4. Manoir de mes Reves
5. Swing Gitan
6. Sheik of Arab
7. It Don't Mean a Thing
Contact / booking
Looking for live jazz music or band for a wedding reception, birthday party, corporate function or any special occasion then contact Ultraswing:
Mobile 07876 517 739
Telephone 01273 834 659
Email info@ultraswing.co.uk
Upcoming gigs
The Paris House,
21 Western Road, Brighton,
West Sussex
BN3 1AF
3 – 7.00pm
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27th May 2013
The Royal Oak,
Wineham Lane,
Wineham, West Sussex
BN5 9Ay
From 12.30pm
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Listen
Testimonials
What is spooky is; the owner of the house that was originally on the same plot as mine, was a major fan of Django Reinhardt, so my neighbour tells me!"
Debbie, West Sussex
"Ultraswing played at our wedding and evoked a foot tapping lively atmosphere with their unique sound of string music. Throughout the evening their repertoire consisted of a variety of music which inspired our guests to fill the dance floor for jazz enhanced swing!
I’d strongly recommend the talented players of Ultraswing to play at any private event, their ‘gypsy king meets European style’ is a combination that blends well either as background music or one to fill a dance floor. Thanks to Ultraswing our wedding evening was filled with great music, dancing and a buzzing atmosphere!"
Claire, Ockendean Manor,
West Sussex
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