Things keep getting more interesting in and around Valletta, European Capital of Culture 2018. This summer, Malta's own Hot Club of Valletta promises extraordinary nights in the Maltese capital, performing in the style of Jazz Manouche (Gypsy Jazz).

Forget the sound of traditional jazz. As Manouche and Romani Gypsy music and Django classics fill the air, we guarantee you'll be foot tapping away to the music at the very least, if not getting up for a full-on boogie! 

"Gypsy Jazz is also known as Gypsy Swing or Hot Club Jazz, which explains the name of the band. It is also referred to as European Jazz. The genre is also widely known as Jazz Manouche, and this refers to the Manouche Roma gypsy roots of Jean 'Django' Reinhardt, who sparked it off together with renowned French violinist Stephane’ Grappelli. In the 1930s, Grappelli formed part of the famous quintet known as the Hot Club of France, where they performed regularly in Paris. The Hot Club de France Quintet was the first official European Jazz Group," says George Curmi (il-Puse'), the renowned local musician leading the band.

"Today, all over the world, one finds many bands named Hot Club of each particular country or city. It is not an official chain, but it was adopted to keep with the tradition of the original Hot Club of France. It was always my dream to eventually form a local Jazz Manouche band by the name of Hot Club of Valletta, dedicated to my beloved home city," continues George.

"I have been playing this style since I was a teenager, but it was only a couple of years ago that I teamed up with the other members of the group who come from different backgrounds, playing different styles of music, but who all share the love for Jazz Manouche."

The Hot Club of Valletta Gypsy Jazz ensemble is made up of the multi-talented George Curmi (il-Puse') on violin and saxophone, Yuri Charyguine on accordion, Steve Delia (id-Delli) and Joshua Bray on guitars, and Anthony Saliba (il-Fesu) on Double Bass. On several occasions, they are joined by singer Larissa B, whose voice and interpretations are suited for this style.

Guest singer Larissa will accompany this five-piece band during a series of Gypsy Jazz nights in Valletta. Cool summer evenings of exceptional music await you under an open sky at Pjazza Regina, one of Valletta's most iconic piazzas. The iconic Caffe Cordina, established in 1944, will be your host, offering food and wine from a varied menu.

"Being a musician, Pjazza Regina offers the vibe for music. Every time I play at Pjazza Regina I feel an indescribable emotion, which gives the perfect feeling each performer needs to convey his music."

Gypsy Jazz Nights at Caffe Cordina will be held on 3rd August, 24th August, and 21st September. The Valletta Hot Club band kicks off at 8pm.