Swing 512

Swing 512 is a gypsy jazz/”hot jazz” band from Austin, Texas, in the style of Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli. The band was put together by violinist Liz Mallett, guitarists Matt Montoya and Saul Hernandez, and upright bassist Derek Thigpen, all of whom came from classical backgrounds before discovering an interest in jazz. Swing 512’s sound features fast-paced and intricate improvisation over the swing manouche sound that characterized Django in Paris. Influences range from Django, to more modern gypsy jazz players such as Adrien Moignard, to Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and more.