Gypsy Jazz, Chanson & Global Music
“Absolutely irresistible”, writes Folker Magazine about the music of the Marion & Sobo Band. Born out of an enthusiasm for traveling and languages, the French-German-Polish quintet creates its own modern style of vocal gypsy jazz, global music and chanson. This is not just a mere stringing together of cultural set pieces, but a perceived living reality: the musicians see themselves as citizens of Europe and the world.
The heart of the Bonn-based band is the Franco-American singer Marion Lenfant-Preus and the guitarist Alexander Sobocinski, known as Sobo. He comes from Poland and she spent her childhood and youth in France. The two well-traveled musicians got to know each other at a jazz session in Bonn. Since then, they have been pursuing the idea of creating music that transcends pigeonholes for a cross-cultural and cross-generational audience. The quintet is completed by Stefan Berger on double bass, violinist Frank Brempel and Jonas Vogelsang on guitar.
In addition to their own compositions, the band also interprets some classics as a tribute to their musical roots in Western and Eastern Europe, ranging from the French swing of the 1930s to the traditional melodies of the Balkans.
The Marion & Sobo Band shows its individuality through its arrangements and own compositions, which sound timeless and contemporary at the same time, and also through the varied voice of front woman Marion Lenfant-Preus. The charismatic singer presents her songs in six different languages and also knows how to inspire the audience with improvised scat singing. The quintet’s line-up also makes for a special sound, as the band creates an energetic and rhythmic sound without drums or percussion, which is rarely found in vocal gypsy jazz these days. The gypsy jazz guitars, the so-called Selmer-Macaferi from the 1930s, take care of the percussion.
For the Bonn-based band, interaction with their fellow musicians on stage and with the audience is very important. Their joy of playing and spontaneity are infectious. Marion & Sobo Band unfolds on stage anew every time and no concert is like the other!
The Marion & Sobo Band was included in the “Musikkulturen 2019-2021” funding catalog by Kultursekretariat NRW.
Tickets online: meetmusic.de / Pförtnerhaus Draiflessen / Advance ticket sales also: IVZ Servicecenter im Medienquartier | Poststraße 6 | 49477 Ibbenbüren and at all official Eventim advance booking offices
