Rose Room | It’s Been A Long, Long Time | April 18, 2025

Crowned ‘Best Band’ twice at the Scottish Jazz Awards, Rose Room have firmly established themselves as Scotland’s premier Gypsy Jazz ensemble. Sharing a passion for the Swing era and the legendary sounds of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, the band has dazzled audiences with their virtuosic, high-energy performances, serving up 1930s ‘Hot Club’ standards, Gypsy Jazz favourites, and original compositions with finesse and flair.

Their highly anticipated fourth album ‘It’s Been A Long, Long Time’ is set for release on April 18th, 2025.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Glasgow-based quartet, fronted by award-winning violinist and singer Seonaid Aitken. Aitken, who was voted ‘Best Vocalist’ at the Scottish Jazz Awards in both 2017 and 2018, has also spent six years presenting BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Jazz Nights’ and regularly tutors at the prestigious Grappelli-Django Camp in The Netherlands. She is joined by Scotland’s foremost luthier Jimmy Moon on double bass, Celtic Connections award-winner Tam Gallagher on rhythm guitar and vocals, and the group’s newest addition, acclaimed guitarist Conor Smith, known for his work with The Vintage Explosion.

With a decade since their last studio release (The High Life, 2015), the new album is a heartfelt celebration of the band’s impressive journey. Presenting a collection of personal interpretations of their favorite songs by all-time greats like Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael and Django Reinhardt, each performance is characterized by the ensemble’s rich sense of melody, groove and texture. From the classic Gypsy jazz sound of duelling violin and guitar, to playful vocal-led swing and soaring ballads accompanied by lush string quartet arrangements, the record puts the ensemble’s deep love and understanding of the sounds of the 1930’s in the spotlight.

It’s Been A Long, Long Time showcases not only Rose Room’s signature swing and tight-knit musicianship but also the exceptional talents of their special guests. Roma accordionist Artek Siwak lends his virtuosic flair to ‘I Wish You Love,’ infusing the track with Parisian charm. Celebrated Shetland fiddler Bryan Gear joins Aitken for a rousing ‘twin fiddle’ rendition of ‘Lady Be Good,’ capturing the fusion of Scottish traditional music and Western Swing. World-class Welsh percussionist Owen Gunnell brings a dreamy, atmospheric energy to the iconic Django Reinhardt ballad ‘Nuages’.

Reflecting on their 15-year journey, Rose Room acknowledges the incredible support from their fans and collaborators: “We started out in May 2010 rehearsing in Jimmy’s living room, hoping for a few pub gigs. Fifteen years later, we’ve headlined major jazz festivals, played with legends of the genre, and had our music featured on national radio. Not bad for a band with humble aspirations!”

Line up

Seonaid Aitken | Violin, Vocals, String Arrangements
Tam Gallagher | Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Jimmy Moon | Double Bass
Conor Smith | Solo Guitar, Backing Vocals
Kristan Harvey | Violin 2
Patsy Reid | Viola
Alice Allen | Cello

Artek Siwak | Accordion (Track 4) Owen Gunnell | Vibraphone (Tracks 7, 13)
Bryan Gear | Fiddle (Track 2)

Track Listing

Joseph Joseph
It’s Been A Long, Long Time
Swing Gitan
I Wish You Love
On The Alamo
I Found a New Baby
Nuages
Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
I’ve Got A Feelin’ I’m Fallin’
Troublant Bolero
The Nearness Of You
Lady Be Good
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?

Cuttings