| Jazz manouche |
Not being a connoisseur nor even a casual fan of gypsy jazz, I initially let myself be carried by the music alone. From the very first track, there was a distinctly “old England” flair unexpected, yet strikingly present. It piqued my curiosity, urging me to dig deeper.
Twice named “Best Band” at the Scottish Jazz Awards, Rose Room has established itself as Scotland’s premier gypsy jazz ensemble. United by a shared passion for the Swing era and the iconic sounds of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, the group dazzles audiences with virtuosic, high-energy performances that blend 1930s Hot Club standards, gypsy jazz classics, and refined original compositions all delivered with finesse and panache.
Scotland has always fascinated me. There’s a remarkable depth of musicianship across all styles up there, and Rose Room is no exception. Once again, it’s the arrangements that set them apart, along with the sheer quality of the performers and the inspired choice to include several vocal tracks. This fourth album is, in every sense, a triumph. It also marks the 15th anniversary of the Glasgow-based quartet, led by multi-award-winning violinist and singer Seonaid Aitken. Named “Best Vocalist” at the Scottish Jazz Awards in both 2017 and 2018, Aitken also hosted Jazz Nights on BBC Radio Scotland for six years and regularly teaches at the prestigious Grappelli-Django Camp in the Netherlands.
Listening to some of the tracks again and again, I was struck by the intricate musicianship—complex without ever being showy. What I found especially refreshing is that at no point do they try to imitate the genre’s great masters. Instead, they highlight their own unique voice. Vocally, they channel a bygone era, but through a cinematic lens that adds a fresh dimension. One is quickly won over. Every detail is sculpted with precision a kind of musical lacework that can only delight those who come near. There’s no mistaking it: this group is driven by shared passion. And Seonaid Aitken’s vocal charm, especially when she sings in French with that lovely lilt, brings even more warmth and personality to the album.
It’s always fun to trace a band’s beginnings, and Rose Room’s story is no exception—though hardly surprising. Looking back on their 15-year journey, the band expresses heartfelt gratitude to their audience and collaborators: “We started in May 2010, rehearsing in Jimmy’s living room, hoping to land a few pub gigs. Fifteen years later, we’ve headlined major jazz festivals, played with legends, and had our music broadcast on national radio. Not bad for a band with modest ambitions!”
Modest ambitions, perhaps but undeniably great artistry. These musicians live and breathe their craft, with tireless dedication and a deep sense of cultural identity. It’s hard not to fall under the spell of this album. Far from fading into the shadows, Rose Room is shining brighter than ever.
Thierry De Clemensat
Member at Jazz Journalists Association
USA correspondent for Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor for All About Jazz
Editor in chief – Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, April 15th 2025
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Musicians: Seonaid Aitken Violin, Vocals, String Arrangements, Tam Gallagher Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Jimmy Moon Double Bass, Conor Smith Solo Guitar, Backing Vocals, Kristan Harvey Violin 2, Patsy Reid Viola, Alice Allen Cello, Artek Siwak Accordion (Track 4), Owen Gunnell Vibraphone (Tracks 7, 13), Bryan Gear | Fiddle (Track 2)
Tracklisting: Joseph Joseph, It’s Been A Long, Long Time, Swing Gitan, I Wish You Love, On The Alamo, I Found a New BabyNuages, Everybody Wants To Be A Cat, I’ve Got A Feelin’ I’m Fallin’, Troublant Bolero, The Nearness Of You, Lady Be Good, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?