Van Django

Van Django’s music is well-rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930's Paris France, but beyond that it's all pure blue-skying; flights of dazzling fancy, driving rhythms and boundless creativity, featuring original compositions and arrangements including humorous mash-ups wearing their eclectic influences in full regalia. Since the group's formation in 1998, they have toured extensively in Canada as well as international forays to the US, Europe and China.

The group has had repeat performances at Djangofest Northwest (DFNW) in 2008-2016 sharing the stage with gypsy jazz luminaries such as the John Jorgenson Quintet, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist Romane and many others.

They have released 4 CD's "Tiptoe Trip”, “Waltz in the Shape of a Tree", “Hotel Europe” and a Christmas CD with special guests titled, “Cool Yule”. They have been well received and played on many radio stations including; CBC, RDI, Espace Musique, NPR and Lyric FM in Ireland CD.

Perhaps Nick Lehr, former director of Djangofest Northwest, summed it up best describing Van Django when he said:

"In an increasingly crowded niche, Van Django is a standout act. With a clever mix of contemporary standards, classical ditties, rock homages and solid originals they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy. Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on."

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Violin / Cameron Wilson
Guitar / Budge Schachte
Guitar & Cello / Finn Manniche
Bass / Brent Gubbels

https://www.vandjango.com/

 

LJ Mounteney

Mounteney’s humble musical roots extend from her mother, who studied classical piano and piano accordion, and her Hungarian Grandfather, who played 13 instruments – all of which he played by ear. Mounteney grew up singing along to her mother’s impressive album collection of country pioneers like Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, rock legends like Login’s & Messina, Ike and TIna Turner and Cream, and Blues icons like Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walters and Muddy Waters.  These familial gifts, coupled with her Prairie upbringing (she was born in Edmonton and grew up in Calgary), inspired her authentic passion for music and strong work ethic.

Mounteney pursued this passion to the West Coast, where she enrolled in VCC’s highly regarded Jazz Program. While in the program, she studied voice and improvisation with Vancouver jazz vocal/piano great, Jennifer Scott. Driven to achieve greater heights of musicianship, and allowing her heart to take the lead, Mounteney spent the next several years playing with a wide variety of bands, lending her unique vocals to jazz, swing, R&B, and pop music.

In 2017, Mounteney independently produced her first solo album, “Here in the Dark,” a mix of eight tunes ranging in style from bossa nova to blues that showcased her ability to sing in a wide range of styles. The album was well-received and rewarded her with more opportunities to perform live, which she embraced wholeheartedly.

Over the years, LJ has had the distinct pleasure of working alongside some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, including Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, Cameron Wilson, Ron Thompson, Brent Gubbels, and Daryl Jahnke. She’s the lead singer and co-host in Van Django’s annual Cool Yule tour, was invited to participate in The White Album Revisited benefit concert with many other talented Vancouver musicians, singers, and composers, and was a featured guest in Motown Meltdown. Currently, she is a singer in two tribute bands: Zappostrophé (Frank Zappa) – where she’s been known to delight audiences with wild kazoo solos and her trademark blues/gospel tinged tones – and Get Back Reimagined (The Beatles). 

In late 2019, veteran engineer, Ken Burke, connected Mounteney with blues legend and Juno Award winner Jack Lavin to produce and record an upbeat, yet authentic, album of blues and roots. Once again, Mounteney followed her heart and – one pandemic and two years later – completed her sophomore album, “Mama Danced.” The album includes some of the finest musicians, singers, and songwriters in the country. “Mama Danced” features eight original songs by west coast songwriters, five very cool covers, and an accordion accompaniment on the title track that would make her mother proud. The album is the culmination of her hard-working musical journey and a pure expression of her love for the music.

https://www.ljmounteney.com/

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