Christian Lange, the violinist and bandleader of Swingbooty, has carved out a distinctive niche in the modern Gypsy jazz scene. Born in Chile and raised in Santiago and Miami, Lange’s musical journey is a rich tapestry of influences and experiences. His leadership has steered Swingbooty through 14 years of performances and several lineup evolutions.
A Life Shaped by Music
Lange began playing the violin at 13, a time when rock and popular Latin American music captured his imagination. “I was spellbound listening to Jerry Goodman, especially his early work with Mahavishnu, and, of course, Jean-Luc Ponty,” Lange recalls. “It wasn’t until much later that I discovered jazz and fell in love with Stéphane Grappelli.”
He also cites modern players like Florin Niculescu and Tcha Limberger as major influences. “Both Florin and Tcha balance technical precision with an insane level of expression.” Lange shares a humorous anecdote about Limberger, who once interrupted a violin lesson to ask, “Christian, what did you pay for that violin bow?” Lange responded, “$300,” to which Limberger quipped, “Well, you’re wasting $100,” noting Lange was only using two-thirds of the bow. The punchline? Limberger, who is blind, discerned this without the benefit of sight.
Lange spent his 20s and 30s playing in several rock bands before embarking on an eclectic project called Blackgrass. The band, which released two albums, 13 (2003) and Hope (2004), fused Appalachian and jazz influences to create a singular sound often described as “Appalachian rock” or “jazz grass.”
Reflecting on his rock era, Lange fondly recalls the joy of watching dancers respond to his music. “It always felt like we were having a conversation with our audience,” he says. This interactive philosophy became the cornerstone of Swingbooty’s performances, where the audience is as integral to the experience as the musicians.
Founding Swingbooty
Swingbooty was born at a private outdoor festival along the French Broad River in East Tennessee. Hosted annually by Walt and Karen Fields since the 1980s, the festival brought together 100-200 people to camp, play music, and indulge in a feast of food and alchemy.
It was at this event that Lange and Ryan Flaherty first played the iconic Gypsy jazz tune “Minor Swing.” “Really, Ryan? You like this kind of music?” Lange recalls asking. It was the beginning of Swingbooty.
Their vision was clear from the start: to honor the timeless appeal of Gypsy jazz while infusing it with their diverse experiences. The original lineup included cellist Andy Bryenton from the Knoxville Symphony, guitarist Brandon Johnson from the Persian Music Ensemble, and drummer Aaron Chapman, then a University of Tennessee student. Each member brought unique styles and energy, creating a dynamic and eclectic sound.
Under Lange’s direction, Swingbooty developed a repertoire spanning classics from the 1920s to the 1940s while incorporating modern jazz and swing. Collaboration and creativity have always been central, allowing each band member to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound.
A Collaborative Spirit
Lange’s dedication to teamwork is evident in his approach to leading the band. Swingbooty is a seven-piece band including a vocalist (which rotates from show to show). Guitarists Adam Friedman and Les Cunningham draw inspiration from Django Reinhardt and Julian Lage, while pianist Mike Benjamin adds improvisational depth. Bassist Tom Smith and drummer Sean Mantione form the band’s rhythmic backbone.
“Sean’s versatility with brushes and sticks is remarkable,” Lange says. “And Tom? He holds the earth down—our secret sauce.” Together, the group delivers performances that captivate and engage their audiences.
Lange’s diverse musical upbringing in Miami, where Latin rhythms mingled with American jazz, is evident in Swingbooty’s distinctive sound, which seamlessly blends classic Gypsy jazz with modern influences. This openness has led to unique collaborations, from salsa dancers to K-pop performers. “I get a huge kick out of seeing salsa or two-step dancers at our shows saying, ‘Hell, I can dance to this perfectly!’” Lange says with a grin.
The Swingbooty Vibe
Jessica Gregory, a live artist who has worked with Swingbooty, describes the band perfectly: “Christian Lange and Swingbooty is a vibe—an all-inclusive, feel-good vibe, bringing people together through music and art. It doesn’t matter who you are; their events welcome folks of all ages, races, and backgrounds.”
Swingbooty continues to push the boundaries of gypsy jazz, exploring new sounds and collaborations. Their vision remains rooted in the belief that music is a universal language, capable of profoundly connecting people.
For Lange, the greatest reward is watching audiences lose themselves in the music. “When the rhythm takes over,” he says, “we’re not just a band and an audience; we’re a shared current of energy.”
In Swingbooty, Lange has created more than just a band—he has built a community where music, dance, and art converge in celebration.