Press-Kit - Hot Pants de France

Press

‘OMG! What the F@^K is this???? This is sooooooo awesome!!!! I think I fell in love.’
Theocide Records

‘Whoa, that is really different! I love when people reinvent songs’
Jane Weidlin

‘Transforming pop masterpieces into sweet, harmonious jazz renditions – Showcasing the complexity of the genre, presented effortlessly’
Melodymine

‘…can make people dance, love and laugh : and that’s all we need!!’
What’s Up Therese

‘You’ve never heard Bohemian Rhapsody like this!’
Debbie Burke

Hit music from the 70s 80s and 90s in the Gypsy Jazz style of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli.

Bio - Short

Hot Pants de France uniquely interpreting rock and pop music in the Gypsy Jazz Style created by Django Reinhardt. Fascinating audiences by transforming music from Radiohead, Van Halen, Peter Gabriel, Cheap Trick, The Go-Go’s, Oasis, Sound Garden, The Police, The Pixies, The Talking Heads and more!

Bio - Long

“Hot Pants De France” is a Gypsy Jazz and Swing group that offers a distinctive blend of pop, jazz, and Americana. Seamlessly blending mellifluous vocals (don’t worry – we had to Google it, too – thanks ChatGPT:), instrumental mastery, innovative re-harmonization, and beloved tunes from recent history into an enthralling musical voyage. This genre-blending approach captivates both devoted Jazz enthusiasts and pop music aficionados, finding an unexpected harmony between Django Reinhardt and Michael Jackson.

Led by touring/session guitarist (Maynard Ferguson, NKOTB, Kenny Loggins) and Emmy nominated film/tv composer Sam Kaufmann, the band brings a fresh, contemporary twist to hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Their goal is not mere replication, but interpretation, infusing modern influences while honoring Django Reinhardt’s innovative style.

The dichotomy between musical styles of the ’40s and the ’90s is bridged by vocalist Valeria Koka, elegantly bringing the music into the sound of “today”. Valeria has performed internationally with Ukrainian Superstar Artem Pivovarov.

Sharing lead soloist roles with Violinist Jane Young (2nd Place International Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Swiss Dream Circus) she constructs excellent counterpoint to Sam’s guitar lines. The two play off each other like a conversation between old friends.

The fantastical yet proficient bass lines of touring/session bassist Jack O’Roonie (Andre Williams, Danny B Harvey, Wanda Jackson) paired with rhythm guitarist/accordionist Seth Andrey are the driving force, establishing the harmonies and controlling the dynamics of the band.

The group exhibits an exciting synergy that displays years of effortless interaction.
It is this unique mix of Rock, Pop, Jazz, and Americana that makes the unmistakable sound of the group.

Hot Pants de France has garnered [a lot] of Instagram followers and achieved remarkable success on Spotify, they had a record-setting 3086 listeners in their first month with just a single song — undeniable proof of their growing appeal. But the true testament to their talent lies in their consistently sold-out shows.

Hot Pants de France’s live performances captivate with unique arrangements of songs by iconic and sometimes unexpected artists like Radiohead, Van Halen, Peter Gabriel, and The Clash. Charging each performance with high-energy entertainment and a touch of humor, they create an experience that transcends genres and delights audiences globally.

The band’s fusion of genres and their commitment to both innovation and tradition have earned them devoted fans worldwide (they’re big in Argentina). In essence, “Hot Pants De France” breathes new life into classics while paying homage to Django Reinhardt’s iconic style, creating a mesmerizing musical journey resonating with diverse audiences.

Photos