WGJQ

Description
Wasa Gypsy Jazz quartet came to fruition when ostrobothnian guitar players Mikael Liikanen and Viktor Weijola noticed that they both had an interest for Django Reinhardts music some fifteen years ago. Bass player Roger Bäck joined early on and the guys have played joyfully together on different occasions ever since. Violinist Henrik Perelló joined the group in 2025.

What is gypsy jazz?

Gypsy jazz (also called jazz manouche) is a style of jazz that started in 1930s Paris, blending American swing with Romani (Manouche) European folk music. It was pioneered by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli, and it’s known for its lively, swinging feel played entirely on acoustic instruments. Instead of drums, rhythm guitars provide a strong, pulsing groove, giving the music a fast, danceable energy.

The sound is marked by rapid guitar runs, rich jazz harmonies, and frequent violin melodies, all driven by a distinctive rhythm style called la pompe. Typical groups include lead and rhythm guitars, violin, and upright bass.

Videos

Concert Dates

Band Members

Henrik Perelló - Violin

He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician with a wide classical repertoire, as a crossover violin artist in the fields of gypsy jazz, pop music and flamenco.

Viktor Weijola - Guitar

Viktor Weijola is a working guitar teacher, who has played with different Swedish and Finnish artists and bands over the years.

Mikael Liikanen - Guitar

Mikael Liikanen is known among friends and peers for his fierce electrical guitar playing and strong sense of melody.

Roger Bäck - Bass

Roger Bäck is an Ostrobothnia-based bass player who has played on numerous records and projects over the years.

contact INformation

For questions, gig requests and what not please first take contact per email at:

office(at)wgjband.fi

Thank You!