Django Allstars

Formed in 2011 at the initiative of American producer Pat Philips, Django AllStars brings together three leading soloists: guitarist Samson Schmitt, violinist Pierre Blanchard and accordionist Ludovic Beier. The arrival in 2015 of double bassist Antonio Licusati reinforces the rhythmic cohesion of the ensemble, now in the hands of the shock pair formed with the guitarist (and formidable scatter) Philippe "Doudou" Cuillerier.

Flanked by such support and endowed with an "iron power" whose impact sometimes evokes that of a "hard bop" phalanx (as the critic Alfred Sordoillet suggests), this "string and bellows" orchestra will very quickly conquer American territory. Gathering concerts for almost ten years, scheduled in the biggest festivals and on the most prestigious stages, the group is acclaimed at the legendary Newport festival, where George Wein invited them twice, and will experience a form of climax in 2018 on the Carnegie Hall stage.