The Rosenberg trio consists three of their cousins, Nonnie Rosenberg, Nous’che Rosenberg and Stochelo Rosenberg. Since their childhood, all three of them have been playing musical instruments. They learned music by watching and listening to their families at family gatherings and celebrations as children. They learned to play the classics by ear from the great gipsy musical tradition. Although neither of them can read or write music, they are one of the most outstanding jazz bands today, and perhaps the best in “Gipsy Jazz”. The trio’s cohesion, Nonnie and Nous’che’s uncatchable rhythms, strength, and precision, as well as Stochelo’s lead guitarist’s effortless singing and swinging above the rhythm section make this band an exceptional act in Jazz. Stephane died in the end, but this friendship did not end. They recorded together on Stephane’s birthday album “85 and still swinging”, on Manhattan Transfer’s 1997 album “Swing “…” (Verve 1994), and Stephane’s 1997 album ‘Caravan’ (Verve 1997). On Stephane’s 100th birthday, 2008, The Rosenbergs paid a beautiful tribute (see below). The Rosenberg Trio is a true family affair. It embodies the essence of gipsy musical mastery, magic, and has been passed down from generation to generation through countless jam sessions, camp meetings, and family heritage. The three cousins were playing together since childhood at family reunions and religious celebrations. As their talents grew, so did their demand for their music. Stochelo won the prize for best child musician in a contest for children on Dutch television at the age of 12. Since then, the trio has continued to rise on a path that has taken them around the globe to perform on some of the most famous stages alongside the greatest musicians. This included a memorable performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall, for Stephane Grapelli, the legendary violonist, as well as many other magical moments. The discographic debut of the Rosenberg trio, “Seresta”, was the beginning of a series that has been acknowledged by music critics, jazz fans, and gipsy musicians alike as “must-haves”. “Roots”, a 2007 album, was released. It pays tribute to Django and features some Stochelo compositions. The latest album, “Tribute To Stephane Grappelli”, was released in March 2008. You can see a preview of the new album here. Nonnie Rosenberg was born in 1956 and is the double-bass player for the trio. Nonnie grew up with guitars and was taught by his uncles and father. Nonnie was a child who was surrounded by guitars from his father and uncles. He wanted to be a Flamenco guitarist so he attempted to get his father’s guitar to play whenever he was not there. It can be difficult to be born into a family with so many guitarists. Nonnie was quickly asked to get a double basse to join his family band. Teamwork. Nonnie is a proud Gallistrings RC-300 bass string user. Born in 1965, Nous’che Rosenberg plays rhythm guitar. It’s no surprise that Nous’che began playing the rhythm guitar in his childhood, just as any young Rosenberg boy would. He played in churches, local meetings and continued to play all day. He was 16 years old when the Dutch TV’s music contest won the first prize. At 24 the Rosenberg trio stormed the Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois and performed a memorable set that earned them a high ranking in the gipsy jazz world. The reputation of the Rosenberg trio is steadily growing and Nous’che has been recognized worldwide as one of the most skilled rhythm guiter players. Nous’che plays Selmer Guitars and Eimers, strung with Gallistrings’ 11/47 Gipsy strings. Stochelo Rosenberg was born in 1968 and is the lead guitarist. Stochelo Rosenberg was born in 1968. He began playing guitar at 10 years old. This is a rare occurrence in such a musical family. Stochelo picked up the guitar quickly, rehearsing Django’s solos over-and-over when he wasn’t learning from his uncle Wasso Grunholz and his father Mimer. Stochelo was quickly recognized as an outstanding talent and had many opportunities to sign with various record companies early on. But his parents wanted him to be protected from the world of “show business”. So he continued to play with his cousins, which would eventually become one of the most influential formations in the history gipsy jazz. Stochelo’s distinctive, highly melodic playing is widely regarded as one the greatest forms of guitar plaing. He doesn’t want anyone to hear it… “Forget Stochelo and all of the others,” he said. “If you want gipsy music, learn and understand Django, who is the greatest guitarist that ever existed.” Stochelo is wrong, but his playing seems to be proving him wrong. Even in the sinti community, he is considered a legitimate heir to the untouchable Icon. His rendition of Django’s classics at Samois Festival brought tears of joy to Django’s sister Carmen. Stochelo is more than a talented player. He is also the author of compositions like “For Sephora”, which is a song that has won the hearts of many guitarists. (See Stochelo explain it in this video Section). The beautiful “Rumba Sunset” is another example of Stochelo’s ability to bring the melody to life for even the most wild and runnig solos. His playing is a mixture of incredible virtuosity and mindblowing technique, and pure musical beauty. Stochelo is one such guitarist, and his music transcends all genres. Stochelo received the Guitarist Magazine “Golden Guitar” award in 1992. He has worked with many musicians, bands, and orchestras live and in studio. This includes Bireli Lagrene’s Gipsy Project and his albums with French Guitarist Romane, which are must-haves for anyone who enjoys his playing. Stochelo plays Eimers Guitars and Selmer Guitars with Gallistrings’ 10/45 Gipsy strings. The names of The Rosenberg Trio and Stochelo Rosenberg are now synonymous with “gipsy jazz”, lighting a special light in the eyes of all guitar players around the world, and keeping a magic flame burning in the hearts of all music lovers… from http://www.therosenbergtrio.com
