"Robbie Averill and Burke Goffe transport you to the warm cobbled streets of Europe" and bring you La Petite Manouche, a unique blend of Parisian war-time gypsy jazz with elements of classical, folk, modern jazz and more. Both accomplished guitarists in their own right, Robbie and Burke's mutual interest in gypsy jazz was realised in a dark, smoky inner-city Christchurch bar early on a Sunday morning in 2008, and since then has taken them all over New Zealand and Australia. Their music is listened to by enthusiasts from all walks of life, from all around the world.
La Petite Manouche have produced two studio albums. The most recent, Odd Times, Odd Places, is a step towards modern jazz and a shake in the direction of world percussion with the addition of friends Tim Sellars on cajon, pandeiro, shakers and ankle nuts, and Henare Kaa on congas, claps, laughs and occasionally vocals. Odd Times, Odd Places also features international violinist Fiona Pears following an immensely successful New Zealand tour in 2012 performing as a gypsy jazz trio.
Their debut album Legacy "breathes new life into classic jazz riffs and deliver lyrical melodies with flawless musicianship". A more traditional sound, Legacy features a mixture of Django Reinhardt anthems, original compositions and interpretations of well-known tunes with a modern twist.
Five years of performing together has taken Robbie and Burke to festivals such as the OzManouche Festival (QLD), New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival (Christchurch), Illawarra Folk Festival (NSW), The Ellerslie Flower Show (Christchurch) and more. It has seen them perform to packed out audiences in Whangarei and dark, empty bars in Napier, staging original compositions with a symphony orchestra and Top 40 interpretations at a university orientation festival. Their stage credits include performing with international violinist Fiona Pears and Wellington folk/gypsy jazz band Hot Club Sandwich, alongside Swedish guitar phenomenon Andreas Oberg and supporting and co-headlining countless shows with local legends from around New Zealand.
Regarded as one of the hottest new gypsy jazz acts to hit New Zealand, La Petite Manouche are busying themselves with upcoming local and international tours and festivals, and filling their time composing and working on future projects. http://www.lapetitemanouche.com