Chris Sartisohn

The Chris Sartisohn Group - “Gypsy Jazz Explorations”

The Chris Sartisohn Group is a Victoria-based group of improvisational musicians specializing in Jazz & Gypsy Swing. Known for their infectious melodies and hypnotic rhythms, the CSG features virtuosic Jazz Manouche guitars, soulful horns and swingin’ bass, and can be seen playing in Victoria’s pubs, clubs, restaurants and lounges, as well as the international festival circuit.

Picking up his first guitar at the age of five, Sartisohn began a life-long obsession to master the instrument. A graduate of the University of Victoria (Music & English), his musical explorations continue to this day, releasing over fifteen albums spanning various genres as well as commercial web and film soundtrack work. In 2001 he founded the multimedia development firm Carbonize Hypermedia (www.carbonize.com), encompassing indie record label, design and publishing divisions.

Known locally as the fiery lead guitarist for Cold Cut Combo (www.coldcutcombo.com), he has also played in numerous progressive-rock and fusion acts including Stick Farm, fijit and Pigment Vehicle, as well as his critically-acclaimed eponymous electro-acoustic solo project, Sartisohn. His unique and expressive playing has been compared to some of the world’s greatest guitarists and he is consequently in demand as both performer and instructor. Sartisohn has toured extensively as a member of the Robin Nolan Trio and played with such guitar-greats as Howard Alden, Bucky Pizzarelli, Angelo Debarre, Andreas Oberg, and Jon Jorgenson (Elton John, Hellecasters). His musical journeys have taken him across North America, including numerous “Djangofests”, as well as Latin America, Europe, Iceland, and a performance at the 2008 World Economic Forum in China with Robin Nolan and Daniel Lapp.

The Chris Sartisohn Group’s repertoire features jazz standards from the greatest composers of the 20th century, including Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Carlos Jobim, George & Ira Gershwin, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and of course the great Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli of the Hot Club de France. While paying homage to the greats, Sartisohn’s music has a decidedly original feel and captures a vitality and freshness that make this music contemporary once again.

For more info & bookings contact: Chris Sartisohn | chris@sartisohn.com | www.sartisohn.com