No one can stay grumpy while listening to Gyspy Jazz
Renata Barone | Marin, CA | 04/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Where there's music, romance and adventure are never completely out of reach. I highly recommend BE That Way(Panda Digital) , the latest collection of intoxicating Gyspsy jazz from the Hot Club of San Francisco. Inspired by storied Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt's landmark recordings from the 30's and 40's, the all-acoustic quintet (bass, violin and three guitars) excels at creating carefree cafe atmosphere in the least likely of places -my toy and crmpb-strewn living room, for example.
Be That Way is the groups' second album of all-original tunes by Oakland-based guitarist/composer Paul Mehling, ranges from rouguisly rambuncitons ('Pazzo's Fifth', the title tune "Be That Way" ) to whimsical ("Waltz Magique" co-written with longtime Hot Club associate Dan Hicks) to making-out-in-the-moonlight mellow ("Pas de Trois" - "It's Not Exactly a Sonata for Renata"). And those mischievous song titles? Dont't even get me started. www.HCSF.com"