STEPHANE WREMBEL: DJANGO L'IMPRESSIONNISTE
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
At Barbès, Stéphane Wrembel brings Django L’Impressionniste, his exploration of Django Reinhardt’s lesser-known solo preludes. The project centers on 17 pieces Reinhardt composed between 1937 and 1950, approached as a guitar recital rather than the familiar Hot Club repertoire. Wrembel’s stated Django L’Impressionniste format is solo guitar, though no further lineup or show-specific details have been provided for this date.
French-born and raised in Fontainebleau, Wrembel is now based in the New York area. His work carries forward Reinhardt’s Sinti-inspired guitar tradition while drawing on jazz, blues, classical music, swing, flamenco and rock. His composition “Bistro Fada” became the theme for Midnight in Paris and appeared on its Grammy-winning soundtrack; he also composed for Woody Allen’s Rifkin’s Festival. His musical associates include David Grisman, Thor Jensen, Ari Folman-Cohen, Nick Anderson, Nick Driscoll and Jean-Michel Pilc, and he produced an album by Reinhardt’s great-grandson, Simba Baumgartner. Vintage Guitar Magazine called his debut “pure dazzle and dash, a stunning storm of notes,” while DownBeat described this project as selecting and recreating 17 overlooked Reinhardt compositions.
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.