What happened when Jazz guitar legend Django Reinhardt met Hot Hawaiian steel guitar virtuoso Sol Ho’opi’i? A new type of driving acoustic swing music was born! Well, actually that never did really happen. However it's the exciting blending of styles that Christo's Novelty Combo is built on. They present is a unique mixture of the Vaudeville era, novelty infused hot steel guitar and ukulele of the teens and twenties “Hawaiian Craze” and the swinging sounds of French jazz from the 1930s and 40s. Think Hot Hawaiian guitar meets Jazz à la Django!
Christo’s Novelty Combo presents a high energy eclectic show. He peppers in historical anecdotes about the music presented to give it context. Christo has had extensive performance experience in many settings including large music festivals, concert series, night club gigs, and private events. His Combo is equally as comfortable on the main stage as is is in an intimate living room house concert. Their unique sound is always met with rave reviews!
Christo's Novelty Combo can offer a full set of exciting highly varied string music, a set of classic Hawaiian music perfect for your next backyard luau, or a set of high class jazz that's perfect for parties and events!
Christo Ruppenthal - Steel Guitar, Jazz Guitar, and Ukulele
Gian Compuesto - Jazz Guitar
Forrest Evans - Upright Bass
Check Christo's Performance Calendar for Novelty Combo gig dates!
The Combo's primary repertoire comes from Christo's Antique Aloha and Café Allongé records.
"The highlight of Make Music Madison 2021 for me was seeing Christo's Novelty Combo playing on the balcony of Bob Queen's house on Clemons Street. Chris' usual sharp guitar work was wonderfully supported in the new trio, particularly the bass player who took many engaging solos. Looking forward to hearing more from this band." - Terry O' - Diaspora
Here are some demos of my new band Christo's Novelty Combo. Check out some Hot Hawaiian guitar meets Jazz à la Django!
