The Origins of Swingbooty

The Origins of Swingbooty: A Gypsy Swing Revolution in East Tennessee By: Andrew Summers

"Music is the universal language of mankind." — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Founded in 2010, Swingbooty emerged as a vibrant and energetic gypsy swing band, paying homage to the golden era of manouche jazz from the 1930s and 40s. What began as a passion project by violinist Christian Lange and co-founder Ryan Flaherty has grown into a cornerstone of the East Tennessee music scene. Swingbooty’s dynamic sound blends traditional Gypsy Jazz influences with a modern twist, creating a unique musical experience for audiences.

A Journey Rooted in Tradition Swingbooty’s inspiration lies in the legendary works of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, two pioneers of the gypsy jazz genre. Drawing from their timeless melodies, the band strives to honor the roots of this style while adding their own creative vibe. Their sound captures the driving essence of Gypsy Swing …la pompe, a percussive rhythm guitar style that is emblematic of the genre. Drums and an upright bass complete the powerful rhythm section. Songs generally feature expressive, improvised solos by the violin, keys, and guitars.

Their unique performances and Swingbooty’s concept videos which sometimes appear in unusual places and fantastical settings have gained the band an international audience on the internet -with a large fan base in Argentina, Chile, Japan, and Europe. See “Exactly Like You” video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aOubjrYkp8.

Key Milestones and Achievements In its first year, Swingbooty quickly gained recognition for its engaging live performances. One of their early breakthroughs was performing at local festivals, including the renowned Jazz at Ijams outdoor event in Knoxville.

The band's energy and talent left audiences enthralled, solidifying their place in the regional music scene.

As their reputation grew,, Swingbooty’s core members have evolved and the seven-piece band features different vocalists for each show. Aside from front man/violinist Christian Lange, Adam Friedman and Les Cunningham are the guitarists, Mike Benjamin plays keyboard, Tom Smith plays upright bass, and Sean Mantione is the drummer.

Swingbooty’s Unique Approach What sets Swingbooty apart is its innovative performance style. Beyond playing music, the band incorporates visual art into their shows. Dancers, flow performers, and even fire spinners often join their performances, turning every concert into a multi-sensory experience.

This creative approach not only entertains but also immerses the audience in the vibrant spirit of Gypsy Swing. Swingbooty’s shows are more than concerts—they are artistic spectacles that stay with audiences long after the music ends.

Swingbooty’s commitment to music extends beyond the stage. The band has played an essential role in fostering a love for gypsy swing within the East Tennessee community. By headlining local festivals and hosting collaborative events, Swingbooty has blossomed into a vibrant cultural nexus for music and art enthusiasts across the region. Lange explains, “We see the visual artists and

flow performers who join us at shows as integral members of the band— and, naturally, the dancers too. Their energy shapes us, inspires us, and transforms the way we play, both in sound and spirit.”

Their work inspires a new generations of musicians, keeping the tradition of Gypsy Swing alive and thriving. Through their art, Swingbooty has created a community and a sense of belonging for fans and performers alike.