This is the first installment of a new addition to Life & Times. The Editor’s Spotlight will feature a different notable local or campus artist each time.

Vavavoom is bringing sexy back to New Orleans, one gig at a time.

In the vein and tribute of Belgian-born and French-made jazz legend Django Reinhardt, Vavavoom plays sultry gypsy jazz with their own New Orleans flair.

With regular shows on Frenchmen Street at d.b.a., the Spotted Cat, and at Mimi’s in the Marigny, their performances bring generous turnouts and accolades such as the 2007 Big Easy Awards’ pick for Best Emerging Band.

Although their live shows are an experience all their own, you can get to know the local group with their latest album “Swingphonicity,” released this past October.

The appropriately feminine track, “Anouman,” features Neti Vaan’s fiddle flirting with Aurora Nealand’s sensual saxophone solos, which makes for some pleasing musical chemistry.

Pianist and lead vocalist Bart Ramsey’s transitionally raspy and full voice lends itself to a complimentary jazz sound.

Guitarists Pierre Pichon and Raphael Bas, who go way back as high school buddies in France, play quick, moody guitar solos that transport the audience to a square in Paris, but also seem fitting for Frenchmen Street’s charm.

The beauty of this ensemble is its balance – each element is treated with delicate equality and no instrument outshines another. Whether it’s fancy string or brass work that turns you on, Vavavoom will be sure to put you in the mood to dance, to talk to that handsome stranger across the room or to buy another round of drinks.