Deanna Knight & Hot Club of Mars

 

 

"...brilliant woodwind and guitar work, gorgeous vocals, and scintillating arrangements. Their debut CD, "Gypsy Fire", is extremely impressive..." ROGUE FOLK CLUB~ Steve Edge

 

“Chanteuse Deanna Knight adds just the right sultry vocal spice to the mix, adding energy and sex appeal to the band’s infectious rhythms, making The Hot Club of Mars one of the most fun bands to see live – on this planet, or any other.”  The CHIEF ~ Steve Hill

 

The Hot Club of Mars has been swinging around Vancouver since the 70’s sharing their Django inspired Gypsy-jazz. Originally known as the Kitsilano Kat Kickers, they have mentored endless musicians in this upbeat, toe-tappin’ style. Things really started heating up when performing songwriter, Deanna “D” Knight joined them in 2002. With style, power and grace, “D” adds a magic sparkle to these wonderful old melodies and her originals alike.

 

This high-energy acoustic 7-piece inspires swing dancing in a variety of settings from jazz and folk festivals to dance halls and night clubs. They have played Vancouver’s and Pender Harbour’s International Jazz Festivals, Harmony Arts Festival, Vancouver Island Musicfest, Butchart Gardens, Vancouver 2010 winter Olympic Games and many other festivals and events. Several of the players are experienced workshop facilitators and everyone is a skilled and confident improviser. 

 

Between them, the group encompasses over a century of performing experience. Deanna’s captivating vocals will charm you, acoustic bassist Charlie Knowles "kicks the cat" with finesse, while guitarist Steve "Bugzy" Szabo keeps the rhythms chugging. Michael Dunn and Don Kellett spin their sweet Djangoesque lines on lead slide and guitars, and Mark Dowding, keeps the woodwinds blowing hot. The newest Martian import, violinist Tom Neville, channels the spirit of the late great Stephane Grappelli rounding out the sound to a full ensemble of roots jazz.