The Rosenberg Trio, consisting of Stochelo Rosenberg on lead guitar, Nous’che Rosenberg on rhythm guitar, and Nonnie Rosenberg on double bass, is a renowned gypsy jazz band that has left an indelible mark on the music world. With a career spanning over 25 years, they have performed at prestigious jazz festivals worldwide, including the Jazz Festival of Montreal, North Sea Jazz, Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois, Jazz In Marciac, Jazz à Vienne, Carnegie Hall in New York, and The Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. Their exceptional talent has led them to collaborate with esteemed musicians such as Toots Thielemans, Jan Akkerman, Stéphane Grappelli, Herman van Veen, Jaap van Zweden, Louis van Dijk, Peter Beets, and many others. Additionally, they have had the privilege of being the support act for acclaimed artists such as Shirley Bassey, Randy Crawford, and Luciano Pavarotti.
Inspired by the legacy of Django Reinhardt, the Rosenberg Trio has not only excelled in the gypsy swing genre but also expanded their repertoire to include classical, pop, and bossa nova, all infused with their unique gypsy swing style. They have also contributed significantly to the body of gypsy jazz compositions, with a large number of their own original works. To date, they have released more than 26 highly successful CDs and DVDs.
The trio’s journey began in the late 1970s when they gained recognition within the European gypsy community. In the late 1980s, they achieved international breakthrough success and became headliners at major jazz festivals worldwide. Their impeccable musicianship and mastery of the genre have earned them a devoted fan base across countries and musical genres. The Rosenberg Trio has come to represent the very essence of gypsy jazz, with Stochelo Rosenberg being regarded as one of the finest guitarists of the genre. His impeccable technique, elegant playing style, and personal vibrato seamlessly combine virtuosity and emotion, captivating audiences worldwide.
The precise formation date of the Rosenberg Trio as a trio is unknown. Growing up in a highly musical family, the trio members were immersed in the music of Django Reinhardt from an early age. In 1974, Hans Meelen, a clarinetist, first met members of the Sinti community, including Sani Rosenberg (father of Nous’che and Nonnie), Wasso Grünholz (grandfather of Stochelo), and Storo Berger on violin. When Stochelo was around 10 years old, he started playing the guitar alongside his cousin and friend, Nous’che. Together with Rino van Hooydonk on guitar and Hans on clarinet, they formed the band “Manouche” and performed in the Netherlands and Belgium.
In 1980, Hans arranged a local radio station performance for the band, which led to their participation in a children’s TV contest. Although only Nous’che, Stochelo, and Rino were allowed to perform due to the restrictions of their church, their talent was widely appreciated, and they won first prize. Following this, the trio occasionally played in churches, and their performances caught the attention of a record company. However, due to their church affiliation, they were not permitted to engage in “common” worldly activities. Nevertheless, Hans managed to have the boys contribute one track to a record produced for the local radio station’s anniversary, marking Stochelo and Nous’che’s first recording.
From that point until 1989, the trio exclusively performed in churches and gypsy camps across Europe, garnering fame within the gypsy community. Recognizing their immense potential, Hans Meelen sought to expand their horizons and, in June 1989, successfully brought Nous’che and Stochelo to Samois. Initially planned to perform a few songs between acts, their talent astounded the audience, leading Jon Larsen of Hotclub Records to offer them a recording contract. Shortly after, they recorded their first CD, “Seresta,” under the Hot Club Records label. The album received high acclaim from Django Reinhardt enthusiasts, who hailed the Rosenberg Trio as the successor to Django. This breakthrough marked the beginning of their international success, and they were soon invited to perform at jazz festivals worldwide.
The trio’s exceptional reputation grew, resulting in notable collaborations with Luciano Pavarotti and Shirley Bassey. They were also invited by Stéphane Grappelli to perform with him at Carnegie Hall to celebrate his 85th birthday, a milestone that remains a highlight of the Rosenberg Trio’s career.
The Rosenberg Trio’s legacy as exceptional musicians and ambassadors of gypsy jazz continues to resonate with audiences globally. With their unrivaled passion for making music, they have captivated the world and cemented their status as the best in their field.
As of 2023, the Rosenberg Trio continues to enthrall audiences around Europe with their captivating performances. They are actively touring and participating in various festivals, showcasing their timeless talent and undeniable presence on stage. Their enduring popularity and dedication to their craft ensure that they remain an integral part of the vibrant music scene, captivating audiences with their unmatched musicianship and passion for gypsy jazz.
Thanks The Rosenberg Trio for an amazing career and inspiring musicians worldwide!
Official Website The Rosenberg trio
