Since 2010, 4th Street Elevator has been captivating audiences across Milwaukee with their infectious gypsy swing music. However, the roots of this six-piece band stretch back even further, woven into the vibrant tapestry of Riverwest’s music scene. This Milwaukee-based ensemble has become a staple in local venues, bringing the energetic and unique sounds of gypsy jazz to eager listeners.
The story of 4th Street Elevator begins at the Bremen Cafe, a cornerstone of Riverwest culture located at 901 E. Clarke St. It was here, in 2007, that Gareth Lippe and Phil Schwinn’s musical journey began. “He had his mandolin, and I had my gypsy d-hole guitar,” recalls Lippe. “We ended up playing minor swing. I remember being really excited to find someone who actually knew about and wanted to play this kind of music.” This chance encounter sparked a musical partnership that would blossom into 4th Street Elevator.
The band’s lineup is completed by the captivating vocals of Jenniffer Cintrón Cuevas, the rhythmic guitar work of Ryan Eckert, and the melodic violin of Lodewijk Broekhuizen. Reflecting on the band’s early days, Lippe shares, “Phil and I started playing duets at Bremen Cafe, and then Ryan joined us. Later, Brad (Edwardson, our first bass player) came on board, and then we met Jenn, I think, at Bremen Cafe when she was singing and accompanying herself on guitar.” The final piece of the puzzle came in 2010 when upright bass player Mike DeNomie, also a software engineer, joined the group.
4th Street Elevator’s first public performance took place in the summer of 2008 at the Riverwest Farmers Market, marking the beginning of their journey into the Milwaukee music scene. Schwinn, a science teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools, had previously played with Eckert in another band, further solidifying the connections that would form 4th Street Elevator. “Gareth was the first person I ever met in Milwaukee who had a real gypsy jazz guitar,” Schwinn notes, emphasizing the shared passion for the genre that brought them together.
The distinctive “gypsy d-hole guitar” that Schwinn mentions is a key element of their sound. These guitars are modern versions of the Selmer guitars originally designed by Mario Maccaferri and famously played by Django Reinhardt, the father of gypsy jazz. Unlike the “archtop” electric guitars commonly used in jazz, Maccaferri-style guitars feature a unique d-shaped sound hole, setting them apart from both archtops with f-holes and other acoustic guitars with oval sound holes. Milwaukee Hot Club is another local band that shares this appreciation for Maccaferri-type guitars, highlighting the presence of gypsy swing in the city’s music landscape.
Gypsy jazz, or gypsy swing as it’s often called, is not just about the instruments; it’s about the “hot jazz” guitar sound pioneered by Reinhardt. Reinhardt, along with violinist Stephane Grappelli, formed the legendary Quintette du Hot Club de France, a foundational group in the genre. The members of 4th Street Elevator, initially neighbors in Riverwest, spent a year honing their sound.
“Gypsy Swing or Gypsy Jazz is the popular name used worldwide to describe our genre,” explains Schwinn. “It’s called ‘gypsy’ because Django Reinhardt was a Manouche gypsy. The Manouche are a specific Roma clan with nomadic roots in India. Reinhardt is the most famous of many Roma musicians who blended their passionate style with American jazz.” Schwinn cites David Grisman as a major influence, crediting him with popularizing the mandolin in gypsy jazz.
Lippe further elaborates on the genre’s eclectic nature: “To me, gypsy swing applies to pre-war American Jazz fundamentals, to European folk melodies, waltzes, polkas, Latin rhythms, etc.” He humorously adds, “Gypsy swing will not save your life, but it will make your life a happier one.” This sentiment captures the joyful and uplifting spirit of their music.
The band’s name, 4th Street Elevator, has a personal connection for Schwinn and Lippe. It originates from a landmark in Dubuque, Iowa, near their childhood homes, adding a touch of nostalgia to their Milwaukee musical endeavor.
Jenniffer Cintrón Cuevas’s path to 4th Street Elevator began in August 2008 when she was performing solo. She recalls seeing the band perform at Bremen Cafe and being immediately drawn to their sound. “It kinda reminded me of Buena Vista Social Club,” Cuevas says. “We started chatting, and they invited me to come jam, and I accepted.”
Ryan Eckert describes the band’s early days as a “workshop,” a gathering of musicians with shared interests. “Phil introduced me to a lot of good music, but my parents were the ones who first got me into gypsy jazz,” says Eckert, whose day job involves installing and repairing outdoor sprinkler systems. Mike DeNomie’s introduction to the genre was also through his family. “My dad used to play Hot Club records around the house when I was a kid,” DeNomie shares. “He is a big fan of Stephane Grappelli and even worked as a promoter for Grappelli when he played in Milwaukee in the early ’80s.”
While 4th Street Elevator once held a weekly spot at Bremen Cafe, they now grace the stages of various Milwaukee venues, including Circle-A Cafe, Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, and O’Keefe’s House of Hamburg. They also perform at The Hamilton, Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall, and Great Lakes Distillery, which Schwinn cites as a new favorite. OnMilwaukee.com recently caught their performance at Great Lakes Distillery, where a diverse crowd enjoyed craft cocktails and the band’s captivating sounds. Each member of 4th Street Elevator gets a chance to showcase their improvisational skills with solos during their performances, a hallmark of jazz music.
The band is constantly evolving their repertoire, adding new songs and experimenting with arrangements. Their song selection process is democratic, accommodating individual preferences, though members are expected to provide sheet music for new song suggestions. “One person in the band has to know it well enough to carry the theme and teach the nuances to the rest,” explains Schwinn. Looking ahead, Eckert mentions the band’s work on original material and plans to organize a festival celebrating local and broader gypsy swing acts.
While they don’t have a packaged album for sale, 4th Street Elevator has extensive recordings from their live shows. “We have many recordings,” Lippe confirms. Schwinn adds that they record nearly every performance and aim to release a new demo soon. Fans can explore their music and stay updated on their activities on their website, 4thstreetelevator.com.
Ultimately, 4th Street Elevator is about the joy of playing music and connecting with audiences. “We have played music festivals, one-year-old’s birthday parties, dive bars, art galleries, weddings, nightclubs, restaurants, private parties, clothing stores, art festivals, shopping malls – you name it,” says Schwinn. “My favorite show is whatever one I’m playing. Our band fits well into a variety of venues.” Their versatility and appeal are evident in their diverse performance history.
Reflecting on memorable shows, Cuevas recalls a “private wedding gig, a commitment ceremony for a same-sex couple who had been together for 20 years.” She describes the event as filled with dancing, laughter, and smiles, highlighting the band’s ability to create joyful experiences. DeNomie enjoys their daytime shows at farmers’ markets, while Eckert appreciates the vintage vibe of speakeasy-style performances. Looking to the future, Cuevas expresses a common musician’s aspiration: “And it would be great to play Summerfest one day.” Whether it’s Summerfest or a local cafe, 4th Street Elevator continues to bring the vibrant and timeless sounds of gypsy swing to Milwaukee and beyond.
