Concert review: Texas Gypsies at Scat (May 30)

by Mike Orren

FORT WORTH — Emboldened by an evening of Cole Porter and martinis, we decided to call an audible for a late-night stop into Scat to catch a set or two by The Texas Gypsies.

The Texas Gypsies. as the name suggests, blend Texas swing and gypsy jazz a la' Django Reinhardt. It's a mix that goes down easy, although it leans a bit more heavily towards the Texas Swing style of lead vocalist Erik Swanson's other (again defunct?) band, Cowboys and Indians. It's more Bob Wills than Django Reinhardt, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable or danceable. (I don't think Django ever invoked "wah-haaahs" from the crowd.

But particularly when lead guitarist Steve Curry or violinist take center stage on extended instrumentals, so does the gypsy jazz. And that's when the band is at its strongest.

It was our first visit to Scat. Construction outside blocking the alleyway entrance required a circuitous route through the building that only enhanced the basement speakeasy feel. Despite the crowd, service was attentive and the sound was top-notch.