Even if you’re not a regular jazz supporter or visitor to the Brisbane Jazz Club, the OzManouche Festival is an event well worth attending. Emerging from traditional manouche style, local and International artists come together to play over 4 days in Brisbane, its popularity has grown since it started in 2005. Tickets have sold out in recent years.
It’s an exotic jazz style in a genre of its own. ‘Manouche’ is the beautiful French word meaning ‘gypsy’. Break down ‘OzManouche’, and you’ve got Australian Gypsy Jazz.
Thanks to the hard work of Cameron Jones for organising such a great event. Cameron is a Sydney-based gypsy jazz guitarist, composer, and educator who serves as the Creative Director of the OzManouche Festival.
Friday 25th September 2026
We started with a Violin/gypsy jazz workshop with Daniel Weltlinger.
There was a very diverse range of people attending and instruments they played included Violin, guitar, accordion, mini tuba. And an unusual attendee, a very enthusiastic cockatiel who accompanied one of the workshop attendees.
These workshops are a great opportunity for people learning this style to gain information and insight from experienced players and performers. Daniel shared some great information and every one in attendance would have gained something from attending.
Demonstration songs included – Minor swing, Blue Bossa, Autumn Leaves.
Later that evening Daniel was the featured artist. They played a mixture of standards and original competitions. Interesting use of semitone movements. Despite being from all parts of Australia (and Berlin) they played like a band and not a ‘put together’ group. They are all very seasoned players who understand the Gypsy Jazz style.
Weltlinger’s original compositions are very European influenced. Many are in minor keys and some were in 3/4.
Special guest, Hank Marvin joined them on stage for three songs to the crowd’s delight.
Line up: Daniel Weltlinger (violin), Ian Date (guitar), Cameron Jones (guitar), Nigel Date (guitar), Rick Caskey (bass)
After the main show there’s a jam where different players get the opportunity to play through some of the Gypsy Jazz standards repertoire.
On the River Deck the Tazzmania Jam with Charlie McCarthy played 2 sets of Gypsy jazz standards and jam tunes.
Saturday 26th September 2026
Workshop with Ian Date
Ian is one of Australia’s most well known authentic Gypsy Jazz guitarists who tours the Gypsy Jazz haunts of Europe regularly. Those in attendance at the workshop varied in age and musical abilities and Ian was able to cater to everyone.
There were several topics covered including chord substitutions and rhythm ensemble playing. Everyone walked away gaining something new from the session.
The evening’s performance was Tea for Two – Charlie McCarthy & Emily Gelineau. This was a tribute to the album “Tea for Two” by Yehudi Menuhin & Stephane Grapelli.
Charlie McCarthy & Emily Gelineau with Danilo da Paz on Guitar & Accordion were ably backed by great ensemble playing from Cameron Jones & Ian Date on Guitars and Rick Caskey on double bass.
The arrangements were thoughtful & interesting and well executed. Special guest Hank Marvin guested on two tunes, again to the crowds delight.
Emily played a version of Satin Doll on piano that was well received. She explained that it was a piece that Grapelli would play on piano. They played a very varied and interesting repertoire including songs like ‘Brazil’. If Jethro Tull played Gypsy Jazz it’s possible this is what it would have sounded like.
The night ended with a jam session led by Ian Date. Ian runs a tightly organised session compared to some that can be a scramble.
On the Deck – Hotclub Caravan (Sydney & NZ) played 2 sets of Gypsy jazz standards and jam tunes.
Sunday 27th September 2026
Sam Cooke ran a workshop titled “The Gypsy Jazz Brain” – Learning With Your Ears.
Mainly aimed at the beginner end of the playing spectrum and attended by guitarists and a couple of violin players.
Some of the topics covered were –
- Listening to get a guitar tone with the picking hand position.
- Explaining Picking technique
- Keeping the wrist loose
He suggested watching some of the elite players on YouTube videos to see and learn how they play rhythm. He stressed the importance of rhythm playing and note length.
The evening’s performance was by John Jorgenson (USA).
John Jorgenson, who headlined and closed the OzManouche Festival, is an American multi-instrumentalist and virtuoso guitarist best known for co-founding the Desert Rose Band and The Hellecasters, as well as touring with Elton John.
He is proficient in a vast array of instruments, including the guitar, mandolin, mandocello, saxophone, clarinet, and piano. John went seamlessly from guitar to clarinet and back again within the same song, both played flawlessly.
One of the highlights was when he played a solo, and very rhythmic version of the Earth, Wind & Fire song ‘Fantasy’. John included an instrumental version of a song that he plays onstage with Elton, ’Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word’.
He also sang a couple of 1930s style songs.
Special guest Hank Marvin joined John for the tunes ‘Lulu Swing’ and ‘Honey Suckle Rose’.
John was backed by Ian Date, Cameron Jones & Nigel Date on guitars, Rick Caskey on double bass.
The capacity crowd was very enthusiastic and the show was a great representation of the history swing music. He left the stage to a very happy and satisfied audience.
On the Deck – Hotclub of Wollongong (Wollongong, NSW) played 2 sets of Gypsy jazz standards and jam tunes.
A shout out to Ronnie Woods (and his more than able volunteers) who run the Brisbane Jazz Club, an excellent club, they look after his guests extremely well.
The Point Hotel deserves a mention for its fabulous (long) breakfasts and efficient service.
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