“This trio’s stylistic genesis-as well as title-stems from the realization that the great heritage of strings (guitars and violins) originates mutually with the Manouche gypsies of France and the no-less virtuosic hillbilly pickers and fiddlers of Oklahoma and Texas…Together for over 15 years and a dozen albums, the threesome of high-heeled violinist Elana James, guitarist Whit Smith and bassist Jake Erwin showed from the beginning that jazz and country music could exist together on the same page, a highly commendable achievement if ever there was one,” raves the WALL STREET JOURNAL. James’s inventive violin style can still conjure up the unique image of Bob Wills strolling through Tin Pan Alley,” says JAZZ TIMES. The hot jazz is what Hot Club do best, and this is a staggering return to form for the band I once said I could listen to forever. That still stands,” states COUNTRY MUSIC PEOPLE.
Renowned & Prolific Swing/Jazz/Folk Band HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN may be the world's most globe-trotting, effervescent string trio, who's joyful sound blends the traditional Western swing of the 1940s American southwest with European hot jazz influences of the same era. The Hot Club of Cowtown, who celebrated its' 25th anniversary in 2022, includes Guitarist WHIT SMITH, Fiddler ELANA JAMES & Upright Bassist ZACH SAPUNOR. "As instrumentally and vocally tight as any band out there working in any genre today...three skilled musicians who can seemingly just tune up and play, something that's becoming increasingly rare these days," says AMERICAN SONGWRITER. Career highlights include the Fuji Rock Festival (Japan), Glastonbury Festival (United Kingdom), Lincoln Center (NYC), Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival (Australia), and all points in between! The band has toured with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and many others. "Their shows are all about energy and joie de vivre..." raves THE SUNDAY TIMES (UK).