STEPHANE WREMBEL
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Stéphane Wrembel returns to Barbès for one of his near-weekly Sunday appearances, playing a set that moves between Django Reinhardt’s music and his own compositions. The program can hold closely to Reinhardt’s original arrangements or take that material elsewhere, treating it as writing with depth beyond the familiar association with swing and virtuoso speed. Wrembel’s originals draw on Reinhardt alongside Pink Floyd, Ravel and Middle Eastern music.
Wrembel is described by Barbès as perhaps North America’s foremost interpreter of Django Reinhardt. His work as a composer includes the theme for Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris and the score for Allen’s last film; he also performed live at the 2012 Academy Awards. He has headlined Carnegie Hall and the Lyon Opera House, and 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.