Harmonious Wail has been making some of the country's best gypsy jazz -- a hybrid of conventional jazz and traditional Roma music -- since 1987, Jessica Steinhoff wrote on TheDailyPage.com in 2008. The group showcases their affection for Django Reinhardt, a pioneer of gypsy jazz known for his two-fingered guitar-playing style.
Founders Sims Delaney-Potthoff approaches gypsy jazz as a mandolinist, combining aspects of traditional Roma guitar and violin, along with singing, writing, and arranging. Vocalist Maggie Delaney-Potthoff is equally at home scatting over a bebop tune, soaring on a solo, or blending with the Wail's tight harmonies.
Guitarist Tom Waselchuk joined in 2001, though he and Sims perfomred together for several years in the Stone Oak Bluegrass Band. He's also a veteran of jazz, folk and blues, and western swing and honky tonk groups including Cris Plata & Extra Hot.
Matt Rodgets adds an energetic bass that lays the foundation for the Wail's groove. He studied at UW-Madison with bass maestro Richard Davis, and has plyaed with Lucas Cates, Mark Croft and Kikeh Mato, to name a few.
Warm up on some Wail at www.wail.com.
