From Portland, Oregon, Swing Papillon is a quintet rooted in the tradition of gypsy jazz and the Hot Club of France. Originally a trio, Swing Papillon has now added Jason Okamoto (Nylon String Guitar) for a whole new direction in the progression of this beautiful music. Bryan Darby (Lead Guitar) has been into gypsy jazz long before the craze and it shows with his Django-like lines and machine gun tremolos. Also newly added, James Mason (Violin) is a truly remarkable soloist and has played alongside such greats as Andreas Oberg and Robin Nolan. Hyung Nam (Rhythm Guitar) pumps out the time with a joyous smile and you can set your watch by his tempo. Lastly, Michael Papillo (Double Bass), dubbed Papillon by Robin Nolan , has adopted a few of the gypsy guitar techniques to the double bass and is a pleasure to watch and hear. Together the quintet is completed and you can truly tell when you hear them that they have come to play and enjoy doing so.
Swing Papillon Quartet