Big Turnout For Rhythm Future’s Gypsy Jazz

For the first time in over a month, there was no threat of any inclement weather on a Thursday jazz night. In fact, the weather was outstanding, in the mid 70s with no humidity – a perfect setting for a lively night of Gypsy Jazz on the Branford Green by the young and talented ​“Rhythm Future Quartet.” 

The audience was estimated at over 800 strong.

The group consisted of violinist and group spokesman Jason Anick; guitarist Olli Soikkeli from Finland; second guitarist Max O’Rourke; and bassist Greg Loughman. The group, an acoustic jazz ensemble, has a straightforward agenda: to keep the spirit of Gypsy jazz alive and expanding. Here they take a bow.

Rhythm Future Quartet has earned glowing critical praise for their high energy, up tempo and infectious music. Among the tunes they played Thursday included ​“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” ​“The Stars Fall on Alabama,” and a Beatles favorite, ​“Come Together.” They closed with a popular British song from the 1920s, ​“Limehouse Blues,” which brought many in the ​“house” to their feet.

Anick put a little ​“oomph: in the Limehouse tune, the group’s closing song.

Here guitarist Olli Soikkeli from Finland performs on guitar.

And here is Greg Loughman on bass.

Max O’Rourke played second guitar.

Eunice Lasala, a longtime member of the Branford Garden Club, organized a little get together with several members of the club at Thursday’s concert, and from all indications they had a very enjoyable evening. ​“What a great night this is,” said Lasala at the intermission, ​“Great music, great weather, great food and great friends. It doesn’t get any better than this.” 

Branfordites John and Connie Smith relax and listen to the music.

Here’s Bradley Linstrom, 2, with his parents Ted and Lorena of Branford.

Dog? What dog? Oh, it must be Geno, a 3‑year-old French bulldog who came with his parents, Doug and Katie Pearce.

The high energy music even got the youngsters up and dancing.

Not everyone. Elmora shows her dad that not everyone wants to hear what they are hearing.

And, of course, the kids enjoy having their picture taken. 

The quartet was named after a Django Reinhardt tune. Reinhardt was a legendary gypsy guitar player who made his mark in the Paris jazz world in the 1930’s. He was regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century and was the first jazz talent to emerge from Europe. He teamed with violinist Stephane Grappelli and formed ​“The Quintet of the Hot Club of France.” After the group formed, interest in their Gypsy jazz music skyrocketed.

Jason Anick is an award-winning composer and one of the youngest professors at the renowned Berklee College School of Music in Boston. He has released several CDs including ​“Sleepless” in 2011, ​“Tipping Point” in 2014 and ​“Travels,” selected one of the top jazz albums of 2016 by the Huffington Post and All About Jazz.

The final concert of the 2017 series will be held tomorrow (Thursday) and features the smooth jazz sounds of Eric Darius. Jazz on the town Green starts at 6:30 p.m.

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