When a band lists their genre as “Gypsy Swingin’ Serenading Firebreathing Circus Freaks,” it calls for a bit of further investigation. When that band happens to be Connecticut’s Caravan of Thieves, then the theatrical description seems all too fitting.
The gypsy-jazz/folk-rock quartet was formed by married couple Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni. With the addition of Ben Dean and Brian Anderson, they released their debut album, Bouquet, in 2009, followed a year later by the live record, Mischief Night.
Their unique sound digs deep, and emerges from an eclectic group of influences. The gypsy swing rhythms, acoustic guitars, upright bass, and violin, combined with humor and theatrics, led to the creation and release of their latest album, Funhouse.
Currently supporting the record by touring across the country, Caravan on Thieves will be stopping off in Chicago this Sunday, 3/18. In anticipation of the show, Fuzz and Carrie were gracious enough to give The Vinyl District a look at the albums that influenced the group’s unique style.
Django Reinhardt – Djangologie (1928-1950)
“The Djangologie collection has a broad range of Hot Club classics and a few extras. Gypsy jazz is a big influence on us. Acoustic, string instrumentation, swing music, gypsy spirit are all things we love. And these 1930’s recordings, imperfections and all, capture the charm and essence of the performances. Still sound great to our ears.”
The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
“Beatles harmony singing and melodic song writing has been a big influence on our compositions. Sgt. Pepper specifically has been a direct influence being a concept album with a circus/variety show theme throughout. It’s just a huge sounding and groundbreaking production. Something to aspire to when we go into the studio.”
Ástor Piazzolla – Tango: Zero Hour (1986)
“Tango: Zero Hour is intense yet beautiful. Our favorite from Ástor Piazzolla. The arrangements are intricate and dynamic and the recording is sharp. We love listening to this one loud! Very inspiring.”
Tom Waits – Bone Machine (1992)
“This album still seems to us to have some of his best cynical story telling and imagery, oddball percussion, noises, and band loosely jamming in a room vibe. Just sounds great to us.”
Cab Calloway – Are You Hep To The Jive? (1994)
“Cab was insane and loads of fun so we listen to this album a lot! His type of performance seems to have become a forgotten art. The swing style, classic recordings, and ridiculous lyrics continue to influence us when we write, record and do our live show.”
The 21+ show this Sunday, starts at 8:00 PM at Schuba’s Taven – 3159 N. Southport. Opening for Caravan of Thieves are lePercolateur – “Chicago’s hipster gypsy-jazz.” Advance tickets are available online for just $10.
