Faux Frenchmen

Detail: Let's begin with the sound: instrumental, witty and utterly complex Gypsy Jazz. Listen to the Faux Frenchmen, and you'll become catapulted back in time. Envision film noir, lipstick, high heels, the permanent wave in a fine woman's hair. See her skin-tight, sophisticated dress. Picture sharp-suited men tipping hats. Cigars, shiny black shoes, white-sheeted tables and a certain integrity in the air.

Now some history. From 1934 to 1939, The Quintet of the Hot Club of France delivered gypsy Swing/Jazz to Europe; the group included famed guitarist Django Reinhardt. Combining Indian flavor, a strong guitar-driven rhythm section, a violin and a string bass to flesh it out, Reinhardt's group made the style wildly popular. Stay with me.

Although Cincinnati's Faux Frenchmen aren't strictly a Hot Club tribute band, they do adapt the instrumentation and style. An all-star cast of local legends, the Frenchmen quietly book gigs, playing complicated, romantic music, meshing French sound with European Pop and American greats like Leo Kotke and Louis Armstrong.

Both full of light and equally wise, the Faux Frenchmen's music is reflective and modern, elegant and fresh. Picture matching, stylish couples. See them dancing, immune to stepping on toes. Oui.