Gypsy Jazz, also known as Gypsy Swing, is a musical expression often said to have been started by guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt. He was foremost amongst a group of Gypsy guitarists working in and around Paris in the 1930's. The music combined the exciting sound of American Jazz that transformed the old into the new. The guitarists supercharged the music further by adding Swing to the fire and melancholia of the unique Gypsy sound. The San Diego based Gypsy Swing Cats perform an energetic, innovated blend of Swing, Jazz and Blues. Their music merges Gypsy melodies and rhythms, with the influences of American Jazz reminiscent of Paris in the 1930's: cool, charming and classy. The music of the Gypsy Swing Cats is thoroughly modern infused with the wild, mysteriously free and exciting Gypsy flavors. The tantalizing melodies of the Gypsy Swing Cats bring the audience a unique and new experience. Their highly rhythmic sound will electrify your event, be it a small intimate gathering, a wedding or a large corporate reception, with a new exciting energy. The Gypsy Swing Cats is a group of three renown San Diego Jazz artists: ? Guy Gonzales - a California guitarist, has shared billing with numerous National Jazz recording artists such as Larry Coryell, Sonny Rollins and Pancho Sanchez. He has had the privilege of performing for both President's Ford and Clinton. Guy has played numerous Jazz venues including the annual Laguna Beach Jazz Festival. On the KPBS televised special "Three Generations of the Blues", Guy had the honor of sharing the stage with three Legends of Blues: Jeannie Cheatham, Zippy Wallace and the artist that penned Elvis's hit "Ain't Nothing But Hound Dog"; Big Mama Thorton. ?? Steve Nichols - perfectionist on the guitar, wielding sounds from musical sources as diverse as Rock, Classical, Jazz, Latin, Blues, and Country. Steve has been called upon to work as a studio musician for the recording industry in Los Angeles and throughout the western states. Some notable artists and bands that Steve has performed or shared the stage with include B.B. King, Charlie Daniels, Lou Rawls, Barney Kessel, Billy Cobham, John Anderson and Patty Lovelace to mention just a few. ??Rick Steffens - diversified bassist, both a band leader and sideman has throughout his career performed at thousands of events. Rick has played and jammed with Jazz notables such as: Herbie Hancock, John Handy, Milt Jackson, Richie Cole and Ernestine Anderson. Besides appearing on several Jazz and Fusion albums, he also has performed with many celebrities such as: Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Danny Thomas, Joan Rivers, Smothers Brothers, Mel Carter and Joe Piscopo.