Search - Django Reinhardt :: Souvenirs

Hot! Hot! Hot!

jazzfanmn | St Cloud, MN United States | 03/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd features guitar great Django Reinhardt and his longtime musical partner, violinist Stephane Grappelly in a variety of settings, chiefly a quintet. Few guitarists combined techncal dexterity with a fertile musical imagination and sense of swing like Django. His solo lines are as thrilling and lightning quick as any Charlie Parker solo, and his sound is packed with a bright tone, sharp attack, and subtle vibrato that is instantly recognizable. Complimented by the more laidback, cooler Grappelly, the two swing through the 20 tracks and leave you breathless, check out Grappelly's hot solo supported by Django's on frenetic chording on "My Sweet". Every cut is a brilliant performance that holds up under multiple listenings. This cd is as suited to the newcomer as it is to the long time fan and is highly recommended."

Mastery Through Accomplishment

Warren Peace | 11/14/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What can be said about Django that has not already been said? He is unique, no one even comes close. The Rosenberg Trio is about the only other group that even sounds somewhat the same and they don't have Stephan Grapelli. There is a kind of vibrato at the end of many of Django's notes that is totally unique. And he bends the strings with such perfection. Wish he were recording on current technology. Some of the cuts sound good while other show their age, but throughout Django and Stephan are fantastic."

AN INCOMPLETE SOUVENIR OF THE LONDON SESSIONS

Barry McCanna | Normandy, France | 11/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Quintette (not Quintet) of the Hot Club of France, or QHCF, recorded a total of 15 sides for Decca in London in January and August 1938 and August 1939, and guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelly recorded eight duets in February and September 1938. They were separated by the onset of war and but for a brief reunion in 1946 that was the end of their professional association.



This compilation (which has been in the catalogue for 20 years) contains all of the QHCF's London recordings but for "The Flat Foot Floogie" (which was coupled with "The Lambeth Walk") and "Why Shouldn't I Care?" (which was issued only in Argentina). As to the duets, three have been omitted, but two of the 1946 titles are included.



I mention that detail because by today's standards 20 tracks with a running time of just under 57 minutes is not full measure. This is wonderful timeless jazz which has never been surpassed, but I would like to see it remastered to give us the 1938/39 London sessions in full, preferably in chronological order."