STEPHANE WREMBEL
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Stéphane Wrembel brings his near-weekly Barbès set back to the Brooklyn room, drawing on the music of Django Reinhardt alongside his own compositions. The evening centers on his thoughtful approach to Reinhardt's repertoire: he may work from the French master's arrangements or carry that material into new territory, treating Django as a serious composer rather than simply a symbol of swing virtuosity. Wrembel's originals are also part of the picture, with influences the listing traces to Reinhardt, Pink Floyd, Ravel, and Middle Eastern music.
Wrembel is described by Barbès as probably North America's foremost interpreter of Django Reinhardt's music. His work broadly falls under the Gypsy Swing umbrella, but his composing has reached beyond the club setting: he wrote the theme for Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris and scored Allen's last film. He performed live at the 2012 Academy Awards and has headlined Carnegie Hall and the Lyon Opera House. Rolling Stone called him “a revelation.”
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.