The Tipsy Gypsy Trio

Trevel has been playing guitar since he was a teenager in a variety of musical genres and ensembles. While studying jazz at San Francisco State University, Trevel had the honor of learning from such musical talents as Dee Spencer, Wayne Wallace, Jim Witzel, Francis Wong, and Ron Caltabiano. Performing and recording for years with many songwriters, jazz artists, and his own original collaborations, Trevel is currently committed to the study and performance of Gypsy Jazz.

Jazz violinist Benito Cortez fell in love with swing jazz after listening to a Stephane Grappelli record while in high school youth symphony. After years of orchestral and chamber music, Benito explored improvised violin with bands covering a range of styles from Burt Bacharach songs to progressive rock to Cuban charanga and Portuguese fado. Since finally finding kindred spirits jamming with other gypsy jazz musicians at DjangoFest Northwest on Whidbey Island, WA in 2003, he has performed with various gypsy jazz bands around the San Francisco Bay Area. Benito Cortez has been with the Tipsy Gypsy Trio since 2008 and also currently tours with Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks.

Troy has performed in and around the Bay Area with a variety of swing and gypsy jazz bands. He studied the music of Django Reinhardt with the great gypsy jazz artist Alphonso Ponticelli at the Old Town School of Music in Chicago.

Kenan O'Brien is a Bay Area native who currently resides in San Francisco. Kenan has developed his skill as a bassist by backing up countless singers and instrumentalists in the area. His background is primarily in vintage American music, including jazz, blues, and country Western. Kenan also enjoys playing Gypsy Jazz and has had the opportunity to play with many great musicians in this style.