Bio

“They have us racing around, peeking into other worlds… tapping toes and grinning from ear to ear” (Bristol 24/7)

Cooking up a storm since 2012, The Schmoozenbergs bring you their special blend of musical delights. Original Hot Club-esque Jazz, Eastern European flavours and a liberal sprinkling of high-energy folk.

With two guitars, violin and double bass, they play spirited instrumental tunes,  brimming with bouncing rhythm, irresistible melody and playful improvisation.

As a live band, they have played throughout the country, from tiny shows to huge shows, including performances at some of the UK’s biggest festivals (Glastonbury, Boomtown, Shambala, Green Man), concert halls, arts centres, jazz clubs, bars, swing dance events, village halls, cafés, campfires and street corners.

Based in Bristol, UK, The Schmoozenbergs started life as a duo, born out of the living room guitar twiddling of old friends Sam Stennett and Tom Brydon-Smith. Over the years they expanded, with double bassist Ron Phelan joining in 2015, and violinist Gina Griffin joining in 2017. In 2017 they recorded their first album (Produce by Ben Capp, Bristol). Consisting of lively interpretations of a selection of classic jazz tunes, this album was inspired by the timeless music of some of their great musical influencers (the likes of Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, Duke Ellington and Fats Waller). In 2019, supported by funding from Arts Council England, they recorded their second album, this time a collection of original music entitled ‘Awaken’ (Produced by Ben Capp, Real World Studios, Box). This was their moment to bring something new to the table, and to create a repertoire of fresh compositions that both paid homage to the roots of the musical style they play and love, whilst also incorporating wider influences and ideas to allow their own personalities and identity as a band to shine through. In their 5 star review, The Morning Star said that Awaken was ‘played throughout with much gusto…it projects an infectious joie de vivre that will healthily up any heart beat.’

In March 2024 they released their third studio album, ‘Mouse’, an energetic and eclectic collection of new original music (recorded at Rant & Rave Studio near Bath, produced by Pete Not Bombs).

So…there we are…Heart-warming, hip-swinging music for all.

Press Quotes:

 “a quartet of classy musicians who clearly like to have fun”

(Songlines)

“With their inventive take on acoustic roots music, The Schmoozenbergs have created a truly feel-good sound” 

(RnR Magazine)

“They are special simply because they are very good at what they do, mixing impressive playing with contagious enthusiasm” 

(Songlines)

“They have us racing around, peeking into other worlds… tapping toes and grinning from ear to ear”

(Bristol 24/7)

“Simply sublime”
(folkworld.eu)

“A voyage of delight, a foot tapping whirl of expressive energy”
(Liverpool Sound and Vision)

“Unashamedly good time, beautifully played music”
(Fatea Magazine)

“The musicianship is excellent, laidback and accomplished…played with love and abandon”
(Folkradio.co.uk)