Vipers Dream
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Vipers Dream

Asheville, North Carolina, United States

Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Band Jazz Acoustic

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Review of Django 100th Birthday Show"

The Django Reinhardt centennial concert/party last weekend at the Grey Eagle music hall in Asheville NC was a tremendous success. We had five bands - the Sireens vocal trio, One Leg Up, Viper's Dream, Musette Guitars, the Firecracker Jazz Band, players from other bands like the Snake Oil Medicine Show, and the renowned bandleader, Russ Wilson, who sang and played some drums. One Leg Up and Viper's Dream are two Hot Club Style bands from Asheville – both groups were polished and sharp and on their game. Musette Guitars played an eclectic mix of waltzes, Django tunes, and bebop tunes. The Firecracker Jazz band, complete with horn section, had a set of Django tunes prepared for the event, and they were smokin'. Guitarist John Corbin even played "Improvisation #2" on his Epiphone archtop - standing up! After all the bands had played their sets, there was a big jam session with the many great musicians who were there. It was incredible to hear a trumpet and cornet wailing together on Dark Eyes while an accordion comped for them, or a multi-chorus trombone solo on Minor Swing with three guitars, a bass and snare drum providing a sharp pompe rhythm, or a tuba solo – it was like that all night. The Grey Eagle was sold out and the rowdy, enthusiastic crowd was typically Asheville - good people of every variety, from the tragically hip to the transcendentally cool. If you've ever been around Asheville, you know what I mean. I guess it wasn't exactly a gypsy jazz show - more like a diverse lot of great musicians (of all ages) paying tribute to Django's contributions to music, everyone doing it in their own way. Playing with great jazz musicians who are not really part of the gypsy jazz community, hearing them really pushing it on Django's music - it was just terrific. The musicians gave all they had - whatever you call it, it was absolutely the best gig I ever played!

- DjangoBooks


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

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Bio

Vipers Dream of Asheville NC plays the forever vibrant and swinging music of Django Reinhardt, in the style commonly known as hot club gypsy jazz. Featuring tight interplay between guitar and fiddle, Vipers Dream conjures up images of times past while simultaneously providing a fresh interpretation of classic tunes.

Dan Bletz, lead guitar, fills the gypsy shoes of Django Reinhardt. Dan was bottle fed Tony Rice as a wee lad and heard the intense strains of Bireli Lagrene as a pre-pubescent. After a several year detour as a touring bluegrass musician, Dan now faithfully recreates Django's genius note for note while at the same time using his considerable talent to provide a modern and unique interpretation. Dan resides in a trailer down by the river with his hound dog Ruby.

Adam Masters, five string fiddle. fell in love with Djangos music before colliding with the tunes of Bill Monroe and the beautiful harmony playing of Bobby Hicks. After studying extensively with the old masters of mountain music, Adam brings his respect for the melody, ear for harmony and love of hot club fiddle to Vipers Dream. Adam works as a realtor and lives in Madison County.

Dave Keister, drummer, has played jazz percussion since before he could ride a bike. Dave brings his experience of playing with some of the backbones of jazz....which is evidenced in what he doesn't play. Dave's excellent taste and light touch form the foundation of Vipers Dream's hot swing. Dave's day job is in alternative energy and off the grid living....he just lives by the river.

Steven Shealy, Rhythm Guitar. Important to the Hot Club sound is the driving percussive rhythm of a Selmer Style guitar, of which Steven Shealy faithfully provides the steady harmonic carpet for Adam and Dan to improvise upon. Steven is an endangered species, an Asheville native.

Cary Fridley, upright bassist and vocals. Cary's extensive experience and deep relationship with the groove hold vipers dream in a tight coil. Cary is also her own bandleader and educator.

Recently highlighted at Django Reinhardts 100th birthday party at the Grey Eagle, Vipers Dream is quickly making a name for itself on the local music scene. Their crisp arrangements and nostalgic sounds will keep you swinging all night.