Born in Provence, South of France, into a family of violinists, Adrien Chevalier began his musical education at the Avignon Classical Conservatory, where he studied for 12 years before moving to Paris: there he developed his passion for Gypsy jazz and Eastern European music. He created Pad Brapad, a musical ensemble specializing in Balkan folklore, with whom he performed all over Europe, participating in the most renowned Word Music festivals. Adrien Chevalier then settled down in the French capital and joined the Grüss Circus orchestra, while also studying at the CMDL jazz school with master violinist Didier Lockwood. In 2011 he moved to New York City where he co-founded the Avalon Jazz Band. Adrien Chevalier continued his work as a film composer (Canal +, France 3…) and founded the Hot Club of New York with whom he performed at the New York Hot Jazz Festival in 2014. Adrien Chevalier often collaborates with renowned artists and tours regularly in Europe, South America and Asia. In 2015, he created Aramis Entertainment, an agency specializing in authentic, acoustic music for private events, contributing to the New York trad and swing scene’s growth and prosperity. Adrien is currently preparing his first solo album with compositions inspired by Gypsy Jazz, Swing and Eastern European folklore. Adrien performs mainly his French, Hot & Gypsy Jazz repertoire, in New York City and on tour. He is also involved in other projects as leader and as featured guest: The Transatlantic Hot Club  founded by Ben Creighton Griffiths (Harp) and Adrien Chevalier (Violin) Sedi Donka Balkan Band (Balkan, Eastern European and gypsy music with a jazz flair) Charlie Roman Jazz Band (Hot Jazz in the style of the Quintette du hot club de France) The French Connection And he co-founded successful bands such as Pad Brapad and the Avalon Jazz Band

JGT Artist of the Week, Vinny Raniolo » A LITTLE ABOUT As a touring musician, performer, and educator guitarist Vinny keeps a busy touring schedule in a variety of musical settings. His dynamic playing has brought him to 18 countries and musical collaborations with Tommy Emmanuel, Bucky Pizzarelli, Leon Redbone, Vince Giordano and Deana Martin to name a few. Also becoming a familiar figure on PBS being featured on three popular shows, including the heavily programmed “Tommy Emmanuel and Friends”, in Frank Vignola’s “Four Generations of Guitar” as the youngest generation in the lineage of jazz guitarists with veteran Bucky Pizzarelli and in the “Music Gone Public” series. Film and recording credits include soundtracks and on-screen appearances for HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”, Woody Allen’s film “Café Society” and Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film “The Irishman”. » HAS PLAYED WITH… Vinny has been a long time musical partner of world-renowned guitarist, Frank Vignola and together they have performed thousands of concerts.  They are featured on Tommy Emmanuel’s latest album “Accomplice One” along with heavy hitters such as Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas and David Grisman.

Richard left a comfortable position as a college English instructor to pursue the perilous life of a jazz bassist. He received instruction from the LA Philharmonic's Abe Luboff, jazz legend Red Callender, and crossover virtuoso John Clayton, and soon began working with Buddy Collette, Teddy Edwards, Plas Johnson and Art Hillery. Singers dig him too; he has worked frequently with Ernie Andrews, Maxine Weldon, Lorez Alexandria and Sue Raney, and occasionally with Keely Smith, Maria Muldaur, and Rosemary Clooney. From be-bop and mainstream jazz, he branched out into "trad" and swing, playing festivals with the likes of Dan Barrett, Ed Polcer, Allan Vache, Rebecca Paris, and Joe Ascione.