Gaucho - Deep Night (2009)

With Deep Night, the San Francisco sextet Gaucho takes its rightful place as one of the most creative and joyously syncopated ensembles inspired by legendary Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and the rhythmic drive and collective improvisation of the New Orleans swing music and the 'gut bucket' sound. Originally a trio featuring guitarists Dave Ricketts, Michael Groh and stand-up bassist Ari Munkres, Gaucho quickly attracted a dazzling cast of improvisers, including accordion ace Rob Reich, drummer/percussionist Pete Devine, and reed expert Ralph Carney, a brilliantly expressive player best known for his many recordings with Tom Waits. The repertoire ranges from early American Songbook standards and classic blues to vintage Latin American hits and Tin Pan Alley pop numbers.