Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble

Caravan G.S.E. is an instrumental group based out of Madison, Wisconsin. They are primarily influenced by the legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. The ensemble also pulls influences from jazz, Parisian swing, traditional Latin, waltzes, and other vintage-jazz sources. Expect a range of tunes from the "Hot Swing" repertoire, originals and classic tunes done in a uniquely arranged style.

The idea for Caravan G.S.E. started in early 2002 when Chris Ruppenthal, the group's leader and an aspiring jazz guitarist, first heard a recording by the amazing child prodigy Jimmy Rosenberg. Jimmy, a Dutch Gypsy guitarist who played in the style of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France, would continue to be a huge influence on Chris. He soon turned away from the American bebop style of jazz guitar to follow in the long shadow of Django and seek out fellow Gypsy swing enthusiasts.

Caravan G.S.E. sprang out of that inspiration as a trio of lead and rhythm guitar, and violin. The trio played a barrage of open mikes and busked at local farmers markets to get their repertoire together. They were soon playing parties, nightclubs and swing dances. The addition of an upright bass player and some lineup changes brought further success. Soon they were recording, and performing even more consistently in a large variety of public and private events.

It was during this time they played their first "Higher Ground with Jonathan Overby" on Wisconsin Public Radio. Since then, they have become a favorite of the show and have been featured on the program numerous times. They have also been on various music television shows around Wisconsin including JATV12's "Arts Live Show," and "Hear for Your Listening Pleasure." The recent addition of clarinet to the ensemble has brought further depth to their sound.

Outside of performing, Caravan G.S.E. is busy preparing to record Hot String Swing, their first FULL LENGTH CD! It is scheduled for release in spring of 2005. Hot String Swing will include a variety of original music and arrangements of Django Reinhardt classics, standards, waltzes and Latin tunes.