Panique is a gypsy jazz band from San Francisco specializing in Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli‘s music of the ’30s and ’40s. Think of the backdrop to romantic Paris cafes, smoky underground jazz clubs, and Woody Allen flicks.

The group features Vic Wong on lead guitar, Benito Cortez on violin, and Nick Christie on rhythm guitar. Hailing from prestigious local acts like Gaucho, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, they are experts in the struttin’ swing, passionate ballads, dazzling waltzes, and blazing bossas.

“Panique is a rare group, subtle and inventive… In their mix of standards and less-known material, they embody the great virtues of memorable swing improvisation: a speaking eloquence in their solos; delightful ensemble interplay; extraordinary subtlety in their dynamics, tempos, and shadings; and a real understanding of how deeply listeners need melodies.  Although the members of the group look youthful, they are mature improvisers with well-developed imaginations, ears, hearts, and wit.” —Michael Steinman, Jazz Lives