Latcho Drom

Founded in Toulouse in 1993 by guitarist Christophe Lartilleux, Latcho Drom is a premier exponent of the Gypsy Jazz (Jazz Manouche) revival. The group's name, meaning 'safe journey' in Romani, reflects both their cultural roots and the nomadic spirit of the genre.

Lartilleux, a virtuoso deeply influenced by Django Reinhardt, formed the ensemble to restore the specific sonic signature of the 1930s string quintets. Their sound is defined by the absence of drums, relying instead on the percussive 'la pompe' guitar technique and the driving pulse of the upright bass. Their debut, 'La Sorcière', established them as critical darlings, while 'La Verdine' proved their worth as composers within a rigid traditional framework. Critically, they are lauded for maintaining the 'hot' intensity of the swing era while avoiding the sterile perfection of modern jazz. They occupy a central role in the European Gypsy Jazz scene, frequently appearing at major festivals and serving as a bridge between the traditional Manouche communities and the broader jazz world.