The band

It has been ten years since Christine Tassan et les Imposteures started tending their craft in the gypsy jazz milieu and performing standards, and there is no doubt that they are definitely here to stay. Pioneers in a domain usually reserved for men and precursors of the gypsy wave that swept across Québec, this all-woman quartet continues to reinvent this timeless music while integrating new ideas and influences with an originality and flair we have become familiar with. From standards to original compositions, the Imposteures’ musical arrangements innovate, rejuvenate and leave room for unbridled creativity from four talented and accomplished young women.

Since their inception in 2003 the group has solidified their reputation. With more than 400 concerts in various venues and festivals, including numerous appearances in major events and tours across Canada and France, they have cultivated the adoration and loyalty of an ever growing fan base. We have had the chance to see them at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, at the Lévis Jazz Festival, at the Guitar Festival in Rouyn-Noranda, at the April in Paris Vancouver festival and in St-Pierre-et-Miquelon. On two occasions, their show has been taped and broadcasted by CBC Radio as part of the Concerts on demand, in Montreal and Saskatoon. Over the years, the band has shared the stage with illustrious gypsy swing musicians, including John Jorgenson, Tchavolo Schmit, Angelo Debarre, Rodolphe Raffalli and David Reindhart.

In June 2014, they had the great pleasure to be invited at the Django Reinhardt Festival of Samois-sur-Seine (France), one of the most prestigious gypsy jazz festivals since it takes place in the town where the great manouche guitarist lived his last years. In front of more than 2000 enthusiastic people, they stood out with their “finesse” and “joie de vivre” as the very first women and furthermore Québécois gypsy jazz band to perform on this famous stage !

Their first two albums, De bon matin (2007) and Pas manouche, c’est louche (2010), achieved rapid critical acclaim. Only a few weeks after it was released, De bon matin went to the top of Radio-Canada’s Coup de Coeur hit list and reached number one on the Radio Couleur Jazz top 4. In turn, Pas manouche, c’est louche was nominated for Best Jazz Album Creation at the ADISQ awards, alongside other great artists such as Jordan Officer, Julie Lamontagne and Christine Jensen.

On stage, we bear witness to four musicians who have mastered their talents. They improvise with ease, interpret their repertoire with dynamism, and blend their voices together in refined harmonies. But it’s their communicative energy and the personal bond between them that hits home the most. Christine Tassan et les Imposteures, are first and foremost four friends who have harnessed their energies and their voices to give rise to, year after year, the fruit of their creativity.

Their third album, released in October 2012, follows in the same lively spirit. Like its two predecessors, it weaves together a clever mix of original compositions and standards, songs and instrumental pieces. The album brims with a ripe confidence that clearly reveals the evolution of the group. C’est l’heure de l’apéro marks the beginning of a new chapter for Christine Tassan et les Imposteures, who are once again touring Québec, Canada and the world to showcase their new sparkling and savory show.

The musicians

Christine Tassan 

 Lead guitar, lead vocals, songwriting, arrangements.

At the helm of les Imposteures since their formation, and with a successful career as a guitarist spanning over 20 years, Christine Tassan is now a prominent figure in the gypsy jazz scene. A loyal ambassador of the genre, she is also one of its rare female leading soloists. An excellent composer, a fine melodist, a first class improvisator, and a sensitive singer, Christine plies her craft with finesse, brilliance, self-confidence and an infectious dynamism.

More about Christine: www.christinetassan.com

Martine Gaumond

Violin, vocals, arrangements.

A remarkable violinist, Martine Gaumond makes her instrument vibrate with a high voltage that affects the crowd with equal intensity. An excellent improvisator, she handles her bow with disarming ease and opens the door to the most beautiful poetic bursts. She also makes use of incredible vocal talents, weaving subtle harmonies that elevate the ensemble.

Blanche Baillargeon

Double bass, vocals, songwriting, arrangements.

Shaped by a successful musical path which has seen her play an impressive variety of styles, Blanche Baillargeon is an accomplished musician, composer and arranger. She lays the rhythmic foundation of the group, as well as producing some heartfelt solos. Fine and delicate, she handles the upright bass with surprising force and softness, and she also brilliantly expresses her talent as an arranger within the group.

Jeffrey Moseley

classic, jazz, and manouche (gypsy-style) guitar.

Jeffrey Moseley is a working musician specializing in classic, jazz, and manouche (gypsy-style) guitar. Jeff also plays the trumpet, the bass and the upright bass, and the piano. As well as attending university full time, Jeff performs, composes and arranges for many jazz, gypsy jazz and swing bands.

China Tour Schedule

2019.10.16-11.04

2019.10.25|Heyuan

More to come...