Gypsies of Bohemia formed when lead guitarist and band leader Jim Wallace met rhythm guitarist and vocalist Matthew Whitaker in 2003. Inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt the pair began to explore both the traditional and modern gypsy repertoire and performed regularly together as a guitar duo for over 2 years.It was upon the arrival of double bassist Frank Grime and their first explorations into arranging and writing together that the group really began to take shape. Matthew, a trained classical guitarist and singer songwriter then performing regularly with Manchester band Whiskycats and Jim, a graduate of Newcastle University's Jazz Popular and Commercial music degree formed a unique musical partnership with Matthew's compositional skills and strong rhythmic foundation the perfect compliment to Jim's love of jazz harmony and improvisation.Over the last few years the group have worked hard compiling a catalogue of original arrangements of contemporary and popular tunes which, rather than being merely a gimmick, are meticulously crafted arrangements which showcase both the personalities and the strengths of all the performers. Whilst paying homage to the traditional hot club sound the group aren't afraid to sidestep into more modern territory. Sweet swinging and lyrical passages often give way to dissonance and angularity whilst the groups good nature and humour is evident throughout.Many say that if the original hot club were still performing today they'd be covering Britney Spears and Beyoncé. Gypsies of Bohemia are going someway toward realising what this may have sounded like.