La Résistance Gypsy Orleans Jazz is a Hong Kong based traditional jazz ensemble inspired by two greats: jazz trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong and the gypsy guitar master Django Reinhardt.
A La Résistance show is fun, educational, and interactive, as we take the audience on a musical trip around the world. We visit 1920s Paris and its smoky cafés where gypsy jazz was first created, to the streets of the French Quarter New Orleans, where bands continue to this day bringing their local style of jazz music to the streets.
La Résistance is made up of five musicians, led by trumpeter and vocalist Farley Sangels, with guitarists Geoff King Luk and Tjoe Man Cheung, bassist Jimmy Pittman, and special female vocalist Vera Ostroumova. The band is also available in 3 and 4 piece bands depending on the needs of the occasion.
The members of La Résistance
Farley Sangels: Trumpet and Vocals
The band’s frontman is Farley Sangels, a multi-instumental whiz with over 20 years experience playing music at the highest levels. In demand in Hong Kong and Asia for his polished, bright and attention-getting trumpeting, Farley is also an accomplished vocalist, bandleader and frontman. Known for his entertaining performance and ability to connect with audiences, Farley has performed with many of the world’s best artists including Yo Yo Ma, Lang Lang, Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinsen, Liza Minelli, Placido Domingo, Jaap Van Zweden, Yuja Wang, Joe Hisaishi, Leah Salonga, Blood Sweat and Tears, Idina Menzel, Lorin Maazel, Yuri Temirkanov, Vladimir Ashkenazy and many others.
Geoff King Luk: Acoustic Guitar
Geoff King Luk is one of Hong Kong’s finest guitarists and an asset to every musical situation. After a thorough study of the gypsy jazz tradition and in particular of the playing of Django Reinhardt, Geoff plays a “Manouche” style of guitar playing that is nuanced, virtuosic, authentic and soulful.
Tjoe Man Cheung: Electric guitar
Lamma Studios’ guitarist and composer Tjoe Man Cheung is a visionary artist who is gathering an international reputation for the freshness and originality of his compositions, inspired and energetic guitar playing and sure-handed bandleading. Tjoe is a Musicians Institute alumnus and a favoured sideman in the Hong Kong Pop scene, a talented Jazz & Blues guitarist and an inspired arranger and composer. Currently the official artist of Melancon, Tjoe is recognised by his creative approach, powerful soloing, unique improvisation and a splash of humour on stage.
Jimmy Pittman: Acoustic Bass
One of Hong Kong’s most respected acoustic bassists, Jimmy Pittman brings a wealth of gypsy jazz experience to La Résistance.
Jimmy Pittman, originally from outside Chicago, Illinois, USA, is a bassist and educator currently based in Hong Kong. Since 2012 he has been gigging consistently on both bass guitar and upright bass in Hong Kong. He studied music at Knox College, Illinois, USA, where he performed for three years as part of the award-winning Cherry St. Jazz Combo. Jimmy has experience with and is at ease performing a wide variety of styles including jazz, funk, reggae, rock, punk, folk, and much more.
Vera Ostroumova: Vocals
Vera is a unique vocal talent who brings creativity and musical surprises whenever she performs. Originally from Ukraine, Vera is based in Asia and is in-demand as a singer in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
La Resistance Typical Setlist:
Set 1:
Sweet Georgia Brown (up-tempo instrumental)
Star Dust (Featuring Geoff King Luk on the guitar and Farley on trumpet)
All of Me (Vera Sings)
It Aint Necessary So (Farley sings, with audience participation)
St Louis Blues (Vera sings)
Dinah (Farley sings)
What a Wonderful World (slow instrumental)
Honeysuckle Rose (fast instrumental)
Intermission
Set 2:
Amazing Grace (instrumental and vocal)
Mack the Knife (Farley sings)
Nuages (Featuring Geoff King Luk on the guitar)
Hello Dolly (Vera sings)
Daphne (up tempo instrumental)
Summertime (Vera sings)
Do you know what it Means (Farley sings)
Oh When The Saints (Farley and Vera sing, with audience participation)
I Got Rhythm (up tempo instrumental encore)
info@lammastudios.com