Pistache - French Gypsy Jazz

4+ (group) performers

Indoor and outdoor

Band

1,5 hour

3x2

NL, EN

Pistache is an Amsterdam collective of friends who revive the timeless sounds of jazz Manouche and French chansons in their own unique way. Inspired by such greats as Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, Jean Sablon, Billie Holiday and The Mills Brothers, they lovingly convey the swing music of the era. In doing so, they use vocal harmonies and a six-string violin.

The members of Pistache have years of experience performing at national and international festivals, including March Manouche, Nuremberg Guitar Festival, Birmingham Jazzfest, Breda Jazz, Doctor Jazz and Django Amsterdam. They have also collaborated with renowned artists from the gypsy jazz scene, including Tcha Limberger, Fapy Lafertin and Robin Nolan.

A Pistache performance feels like an evening with good friends: intimate, energetic and full of playful improvisation. Whether at a big festival or in a cozy jazz club - always full of groove, charm and just the right amount of crunch.


Personal:

Joanna Gardner:
Joanna Gardner is a British violinist and vocalist specializing in gypsy jazz, a style of music she studied in the Netherlands. She is known for her performances in and around Amsterdam, where she brings the swing jazz style to life with various bands. Joanna's violin playing, which is both technically proficient and emotionally expressive, makes her a notable figure in the Dutch music scene, where she passionately carries on the traditions of gypsy jazz.

Tessa Spaaij:
Tessa Spaaij is a talented gypsy guitarist whose playing is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of gypsy jazz. With her virtuoso technique and expressive style, she manages to enchant audiences both in the Netherlands and abroad. Tessa's passion for gypsy jazz is reflected in her performances, bringing to life the authentic sound and spirit of this style of music. As a guitarist, she is a welcome guest on various music stages, where her playing appeals not only to fans of gypsy jazz, but also to a wider audience.

Francesca Vencken:
Francesca Vencken grew up between the Netherlands and France, with Paris as one of her home bases. In the city of romance, she was introduced early to jazz and the rousing sounds of gypsy jazz. Yet she only really found her voice within this genre when she participated in gypsy jazz jam sessions in Amsterdam.
During one of these sessions she met guitarist Tessa Spaaij, with whom she played a lot in the following years. In 2024 Francesca and Tessa decided, together with a group of friends, to start their own band. After all, what could be better than making music with your friends?
With her warm voice and infectious passion for gypsy jazz, Francesca brings the magic of this timeless genre to life.

Anna Zavorina:
Anna Zavorina is a double bassist and vocalist from Russia, who moved to Amsterdam for her studies at the conservatory. She is an energetic musical multi-instrumentalist who takes music to the next level with her creative ideas. She plays in many different projects and also writes her own music. She is a driving force behind the band and also provides a comic note.

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