Diknu Schneeberger is one of the world’s most prominent guitarists in the gypsy swing tradition. With his debut album “Rubina,” released in 2007, the then 17-year-old Viennese quickly became a shooting star on the scene and received invitations to major stages and festivals, where he caused an international sensation.

By a happy coincidence, his musical paths crossed with those of Austrian accordion virtuoso Christian Bakanic. Bakanic also made a name for himself in international jazz projects and classical chamber music ensembles and is now returning to the Styrian harmonica and his folk music roots for the first time in 20 years.

The basis for the creative flights of fancy of the two virtuosos is the equally well-rehearsed and sensitive rhythm section with Julian Wohlmuth on rhythm guitar and Martin Heinzle on double bass. Eagerly awaited by audiences and music industry insiders alike, the album “Avanti, Avanti” was released in September 2023 as a musical autumn fireworks display.

With their refreshing “Alpine Swing,” the Schneeberger & Bakanic quartet enchants audiences in a matter of seconds. The compositions of these Viennese musicians focus on the interplay between catchy melodies and virtuosity. A successful blend of gypsy swing, Balkan jazz, and new folk music carries the audience through the evening in a turbulent yet gentle manner, and after just a few bars it becomes clear that this quartet knows better than almost any other how to enchant both the heart and the ear.

Diknu Schneeberger, guitar
Christian Bakanic, accordion
Julian Wolmuth, guitar
Martin Heinzle, double bass