Chris Ruppenthal
Lead/Rhythm Guitar, Bandleader
Chris Ruppenthal is Caravan G.S.E.'s founder, leader, and primary musical arranger. As a young child Chris began his musical studies as a trumpet player and later learned guitar. At age 19 he rediscovered his love of playing music through his discovery of jazz.

Chris’s early style was strongly influenced by Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and other American bebop-style jazz guitarists. Before perusing Gypsy Jazz Chris founded and lead numerous American-style jazz groups of his own. They include the alternative jazz quintet Project, the bebop trio Troika, and later The Chris Ruppenthal Trio.

"Madison's best Gypsy guitarist!"
ROBIN NOLAN, 2005

Soon after hearing a recording by the young Gypsy prodigy Jimmy Rosenberg, his musical path changed forever. Chris's style became primarily influenced by the legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. In early 2002 he formed Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble.

Although Chris is largely self taught he has studied with some great players including Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame honoree Bob Daudey, and Madison, Wisconsin, area jazz legend Cliff Frederiksen. He has attended master classes and taken lessons with Gypsy guitar greats Robin Nolan, Stephane Wrembel, Alfonzo Ponticelli.

Besides Caravan G.S.E. Chris has played and recorded with Mal-O-Dua, The Alison Margaret Quintet, and The Gadjo Players.

Outside the world of Gypsy Jazz guitar playing Chris is an experienced woodwind and brass repair technician. He deals and collects vintage cocktail shakers and barware. Chris also enjoys pretending to be a scotch-whiskey and vintage cocktail aficionado.


Ed Fila
Lead/Rhythm Guitar
"(Ed's) a lyrical guitarist ... his playing attains an emotional pitch that's comparatively rare among string players."
David Lewis, Cadence magazine

Ed currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin, and performs semi-regularly with his group Next Exit, and also performs various freelance work. The jazz group he co-led with Anders Svanoe, the Ed Anders Quartet, does not continue to perform although their music is still used in various settings.

In addition to freelance work, composition projects and occasionally teaching guitar, Ed is also a regular member of Caravan G.S.E. and The StellaNovas.

Performance highlights: Milwaukee's Summerfest, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (NY State), NPR's World Cafe radio program, numerous appearances on Wisconsin Public Radio, Big Top Chautauqua, and touring throughout the United States and Europe.

Ed also has performed with Cafe Noir, the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, NTSU's One O'Clock Lab Band, Harmonious Wail, the Richardson Symphony and more.


Kevin Tipple
Upright Bass
Kevin grew up in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, soaking in his parents' record collection of such diverse artists as Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago, Abba, various jazz and classical works, and the Muppets Christmas Album with John Denver.

He took up trumpet in sixth grade and was a passable band geek until his freshman year in college. He traded the horn for a Rickenbacker knockoff to join his younger brother's rock band. They were inspired by the likes of Geddy Lee and Chris Squire. Soon he was playing in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's jazz groups. This led him to a summer cruiseship lounge job, and eventually to the upright bass he plays in Caravan.

Post-college work in computer science brought Kevin to Chicago, then Madison, where he delved into the local scene. He began by playing in the group Poor Charlie and recording bass for Tim Penn. Kevin has also been involved with the Madison groups The sQuids and Montankus. Kevin was in attendance at Caravan's very first public performance at Madison Cigar and Spirits (now The Hemingway Lounge) long before joining the group.

Chris wonders if Kevin still often wishes he was Brak, the space cat-monkey.