Swing Star Jazz Band from Kula, HI

On first listen, One Leg Up’s swirling sounds owes much to the gypsy guitar of Django Reinhardt, but as the ear adapts, it’s clear that this quintet sounds like no other. It creates an exciting feeling as a dance band, soothing and elegant background music, or in a concert performance setting. Swing Star’s originality stems from being collective stars Like an astute big band, Swing Star’s musicians are equally luminescent. At any moment, a guitar, clarinet or bass will take center stage. One moment, the twin tickling of guitars traipsed through the streets of pre-WWII Paris, the next, a bustle of Latin licks spawn sounds hotter than a molten Brazilian night. Guitarist, Steve Elliott became smitten and inspired by the music and guitar mastery of Django. Shortly after moving from Southern California to Maui, he started searching for likeminded musicians. It wasn’t long after that when Michael Guzalak (clarinet, tenor sax, vocal, percussion) joined in, after working in similar style band, One Leg UP for 15 years in Asheville, NC. The band is driven on the low end by bassist David Graber, perhaps the finest bass player on Maui and a joy to hear. Our newest member, Bita Fonseca, is an extraordinary Brazilian guitarist the bring an authentic sound to the different styles of Latin and world music covered by the band. Accessible to even the most discerning ear, Swing Star cozies comfortably with large crowds or the most miniscule of private parties. Their blissful sounds spill onto the dance floor, creating an infectious aura that can arouse the dancer in everyone