This Gypsy Jazz band local to Asheville, NC plays a unique blend of acoustic swing music, 30s-40s jazz tunes and american folk music. Their years of experience playing together and small footprint allow them to accomidate any type and size event.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, One Leg Up performs a vibrant mixture of upbeat Gypsy Jazz, Latin, Swing and original jazz compositions. They are a favorite of club, concert, and festival stages throughout the southeastern United States. Members of One Leg Up include John Stineman (guitar, vocals), Jim Tanner (Guitar), Zack Page (bass), Mike Guzalak (Clarinet, Sax) and Steve Trismen (violin, vocals). The band was formed in 2003 as a “String Swing” band in the style of famed French gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt.
One Leg Up FAQs
Q. What style of music do you play?
A. ONE LEG UP plays acoustic swing music, “American songbook” and 30s-40s jazz tunes. We can also play Americana and folk music.
Q. How many pieces do you typically play as and what instruments are they?
A. We are usually a 4-piece – 2 guitars, violin, and bass. We can add a horn (clarinet/sax) as a fifth.
Q. Do you play in other configurations?
A. Yes. We play as a duo (guitar, violin), or trio (guitar, violin, bass). Instead of bass, we sometimes use banjo or mandolin for folk/bluegrass shows.
Q. Why did you become a professional musician?
A. I [band leader Steve Trismen] love to play, and nobody has told me to stop yet. I’ve been lucky enough to find enough work to go pro, and I love the direct person to person transactions – both business and musical. Music is so inherently human. It truly is its own language, and for the most part speaks to love and understanding between us all.
Q. Where are you located?
A. Weaverville, NC
Q. Do you travel?
A. Yes.
Q. Why should an event professional book you?
A. ONE LEG UP is a veteran group of 20 years standing. All that experience means we are easy to work with and are used to rolling with the punches. Being drumless, we are especially good for small venues with space and/or volume concerns. Our footprint is small and we are capable of playing totally acoustically. The music is highly accessible; people have heard and love these tunes! The musicianship in ONE LEG UP is high, the ensemble playing is accomplished, and our attitude is friendly and accommodating.
Q. Do you have the capability of providing your own sound & lights?
A. We provide our own sound. We do not provide lights.
