STEPHANE WREMBEL
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Stéphane Wrembel plays Barbès on Sunday, December 27, in a set that returns to the music of Django Reinhardt while making room for his own writing. The billed program may move between Reinhardt’s arrangements and Wrembel’s extensions of that material, treating Django as a composer rather than simply a vehicle for swing and speed. His near-weekly Barbès appearances also showcase originals shaped by Reinhardt alongside influences including Pink Floyd, Ravel and Middle Eastern music. No accompanying musicians are listed for this date.
Born in Paris and raised in Fontainebleau, Wrembel moved to New York in 2003. He is known for “Bistro Fada,” the theme for Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, which appeared on the film’s Grammy-winning soundtrack; he also scored Allen’s last film and performed live at the 2012 Academy Awards. Wrembel has worked with mandolinist David Grisman on Gypsy Rumble and with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc on the 2024 release Triptych. He has headlined Carnegie Hall and the Lyon Opera House. Rolling Stone called him “a revelation,” while Vintage Guitar described his rendition of Django’s “Fleche d’Or” as “drop-dead amazing.”
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.