Inspired by Django Reinhardt, the legendary face of Gypsy jazz guitarists, Alfonso Ponticelli and his backing band create swinging numbers that hearken to the 1930s.
While he performs in Evanston, a northern neighbor of Chicago, The Most Dangerous Race will be at Chicago’s Metro, playing electronically infused rock songs with strong pop sensibilities.Friday, January 23
Alfonso Ponticelli @ SPACE (Evanston)
Inspired by Django Reinhardt, the legendary face of Gypsy jazz guitarists, Alfonso Ponticelli and his backing band create swinging numbers that hearken to the 1930s — both in the style of his originals and in covering Reinhardt and a number of other classic musicians.
Ponticelli is also a talented flamenco guitarist, and he often infuses the styles together in a fun, percussion-less mixture that includes violins, accordion, bass, and more guitar. He and his Swing Gitan group re-released their Caravan album late in December, so pick it up if you’re attending.
The Most Dangerous Race @ Metro (Chicago)
Led by multi-instrumentalist Matt Walker, The Most Dangerous Race (abbreviated as theMDR) plays electronically infused rock songs with strong pop sensibilities.
Walker is best known for his touring and studio work for Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, Garbage, and Filter, but this outfit allows him an outlet for his own creations.