Formed in 2001 by Italian-born busker Didier Casnati, the Gypsy Queens originally eked out their living by performing in bars, cafés, and squares in Southern France. It wasn't until the outfit started playing at the prestigious La Petite Maison restaurant in Nice that they would become noticed by the music industry. A popular haunt of the stars -- Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Bono being regular customers -- the group started playing private parties thrown by the restaurant’s A-list clientele. While playing their usual slot at La Petite Maison in 2010, the group -- now made up of Manuel Polin (drums), Jay Metcalf (saxophone), Jason King (contrabass), and Anders Klunderud (guitar), with Casnati leading on vocals and guitar -- caught the ear of London Records boss Nick Raphael, who was on holiday with his wife. Signing to London, the group headed off to Los Angeles to record its debut album with producer Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell). The self-titled album was released at the end of 2012 and featured guest appearances from Madeleine Peyroux, Graham Nash, and Booker T. Jones. ~ Richard Wilson