The Gypsy Queens

The Gypsy Queens trace their origins to 2001, when Italian-born street performer Didier Casnati assembled the band. Early on they sustained themselves through gigs across the bars, cafés, and plazas of Southern France. Attention from industry figures arrived only after the ensemble began appearing at Nice’s celebrated La Petite Maison restaurant, a regular destination for high-profile visitors including Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Bono. Those connections soon translated into bookings at private events hosted by the restaurant’s elite clientele. In the midst of their customary set at La Petite Maison during 2010, the current roster—Manuel Polin on drums, Jay Metcalf on saxophone, Jason King on contrabass, Anders Klunderud on guitar, and Casnati handling lead vocals and guitar—drew the interest of London Records chief Nick Raphael, then vacationing with his wife. After signing with the label the group journeyed to Los Angeles to cut its first album under producer Larry Klein, longtime collaborator of Joni Mitchell. Released late in 2012, the self-titled collection showcased guest turns from Madeleine Peyroux, Graham Nash, and Booker T. Jones.