Denis Chang Manouche Quartet

Greatly influenced by the music of Django Reinhardt, guitarist Denis Chang’s formative years were spent alongside the greatest Jazz Manouche guitarists such as Fapy Lafertin, Ritary Gaguenetti, Paulus Schäfer, Rindo Winterstein and Emmanuel Kassimo to name just these few. This young guitarist quickly developed his own style inspired by various styles of music. Among his biggest influences are Bach, Chopin, George Benson and Michael Jackson.

He has notably produced tours for the cream of the crop such as Stochelo Rosenberg (2009) Lollo Meier (2006, 2008), Emmanuel Kassimo (2007), Andreas Oberg (2007), Ritary Gaguenetti (2006), Wawau Adler (2008), Tim Kliphuis (2007, 2008) and Chriss Campion (2006). During these tours, he also often organized workshops which allowed music students to take advantage of the presence of such great musicians.

As a teacher, he is very solicited; being regularly invited to give masterclasses in the context of his numerous tours since 2004. Practically every performing Gypsy Jazz musician in Quebec has benefited from his teaching. He has even attracted private students from as far as California, Vermont, the UK and South Africa! His instructional DVDs are a success all over the world. Among the clients, are the legendary guitarist of the Shadows, Hank Marvin, and the guitar virtuoso Adrian Vandenberg of Whistesnake fame.

In 2008, he had the honor of being invited to perform with the legendary Les Paul at the Iridium in New York.

In 2009, he received the Entrée en Scène Award by Loto-Québec and the Résidence Award in Quebec City at the Rideau showcase.

During Season 2009-10, Denis Chang Manouche Quartet completed a very nice tour in Québec in many venues of the Réseau Scènes. There was also the launching of the latest album on Hot Club Records Deeper Than You Think. After the success of Denis’ showcase at Pacific Contact (Vancouver) last March, Denis and his musicians will tour in BC in the Spring 2011.

What the media says…

“This Friday, the “Godfather of the Montréal Gypsy jazz scene” returns to Parima for a solo performance, marking the second time in six months that the Thai restaurant has hosted world class Gypsy jazz talent. Lucky us!” — Seven Days, USA

“He plays faster than his shadow. As many know, that is also the case for many European Manouche gypsies […]. Denis, however, who is also equally at ease at Bebop and other jazz styles is somewhat of a Django cosmopolite. As such, he has assimilated both yesterday and today’s artforms.” — Jazz Podium, Germany

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