Urban Gypsies began in Perth, Western Australia in 1998 with a view to play a mix of original, cross cultural acoustic guitar music including a mix of styles such as bossa nova, blues, funk, rumba, gypsy swing and other world music influences.

The original members of the group were noted Australian guitarists Gavin Libotte and Glenn Rogers. From this fiery duo came the album Gypsy Fever and a series of concerts at the Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth Jazz Society, Kulcha, Fairbridge Festival, Joondalup Festival, support to international artists such as Cassandra Wilson and at the Perth Concert Hall and for the “Buena Vista Social Club’s Australian tour.

Following this period Gavin Libotte’s move to Sydney prompted guitarist Gordon Tan to join him to create a more progressive version of the group in NSW. These two guitarists capitalised on their energetic musical prowess. The production of the second album Sauvage (which was released April 2003) reflects such qualities.

They have since had huge success playing at the Barossa Valley Wine Festival, Braidwood Festival, Sydney Acoustic Guitar Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival and many more. They have held residencies and concerts in exclusive Sydney venues including Cargo Bar, The Basement, Watershed Hotel in Darling Harbour, Side on Cafe, and Hemmesphere. They recently impressed large audiences at the Bellingen Global Carnival.

Sauvage: untamed
If we observe the animal world, we can learn all we need to learn. The natural systems & the animals that inhabit it could be our greatest teachers. We have faith that people will one day embrace the symbols & teachings of nature to reach a place where all is respected & cared for in such a way that this gift of planet earth will be live in a sustainable manner. To be mindful of one's actions is all it takes to set the ripples in motion. Compassion & love for all living things will yield a fruitful & eventful life for all. We hope our music elevates your life above the mundane, helps you triumph over adversity & lifts your untamed spirit to freedom!
- from the cover booklet of Sauvage, album released 2003

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