Energetic and Exhilarating Gypsy Jazz Will Invigorate Spruce Grove’s Music Scene

Horizon Stage Presents Christine Tassan et les Imposteures on Saturday, November 14

Christine Tassan et les Imposteures play everything from standard gypsy jazz favourites to original compositions. Pioneers in a genre dominated by men, this all-female quartet reinvents timeless music by integrating new ideas and influences with originality and flair. Together since 2003, they have performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival Django à Liberchies in Belgium, and the famed Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois-sur-Seine, France, where the legendary manouche guitarist lived. Currently on the road in Western Canada, they are looking forward to performing in Alberta’s capital region on Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Horizon Stage.

Christine Tassan et les Imposteures are all extremely talented musicians who improvise together with ease and blend their voices together in perfect harmony. But Christine (lead guitar), Blanche Baillargeon (double bass), Martine Gaumond (violin), and Lise-Anne Ross (rhythm guitar) have a personal bond as well - they are, first and foremost, four friends harnessing their love of a musical genre. Their friendship shines through at their concerts as they interact between pieces and readily engage the audience, often venturing into the crowd while playing. Their shows are full of spirit, humour, and camaraderie making for a very down to earth yet uplifting musical experience.

The groups’ first two albums, De bon matin (2007) and Pas manouche, c’est louche (2010), achieved rapid critical acclaim. Only a few weeks after it was released, De bon matin went to the top of Radio-Canada’s Coup de Coeur hit list and reached number one on the Radio Couleur Jazz. In turn, Pas manouche, c’est louche was nominated for Best Jazz Album at the Québec Association for the Recording, Concert and Video Industries awards.

Their third album, C’est l’heure de l’apéro (It’s Happy Hour), released in 2012, follows in the same lively spirit. Like its predecessors it is a clever mix of original music and standards, songs and instrumentals. Brimming with a ripe confidence it clearly reveals the evolution of the group, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Christine Tassan et les Imposteures.

Enjoy a friendly, engaging, upbeat, and flavorful concert by Christine Tassan et les Imposteures at Horizon Stage on Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults and $30 for students and seniors and may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Tickpro.ca.