Serpentine Orchestra

Sobre

The Serpentine Orchestra is a ten-piece ensemble based in Paris, inspired by the great orchestras of the late 1920s and early 1930s. What makes the orchestra truly unique is its distinctly French touch, drawing from a repertoire that includes figures such as Charles Trenet, Ray Ventura, and Boris Vian. Naturally, the orchestra also identifies with the iconic American bands of the era—from Duke Ellington to Jelly Roll Morton, and of course Louis Armstrong. But beyond the legends of New Orleans jazz, the Serpentine Orchestra also draws inspiration from the so-called “commercial” big bands of the same period, notably those led by Al Bowlly, Annette Hanshaw, and Paul Whiteman—blending elegance, swing, and popular song into a vibrant and authentic sound. Led by trumpeter Joë Santoni, the Serpentine Orchestra brings together some of the most talented and promising musicians of the new generation of French jazz. The group offers original arrangements that revisit the rich repertoire of the period, from rare gems to well-known standards. The name of the orchestra, much like Duke Ellington’s Cotton Club, echoes Le Serpent à Plume, located on Place des Vosges in Paris, where the group performs several times a month. Ils sont aussi partenaires d’un très beau club situé place du Tertre à Montmartre, le Non Sense, où ils se produisent plusieurs fois par mois. They also appear at venues such as La Coupole and the Bal Blomet, as well as on stages around the world: balls, cruises, hotels, private events, and specialized festivals.