Customer Reviews

All Star Sessions

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD consists of several separate recording sessions, from 1935 to 1939, of the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt playing with some of the greatest American jazz musicians of that era while they were touring Europe. As amazing as Django's guitar playing is on these tracks (as always, for him), these are about the only recordings I know of where the other musicians are of the same caliber (except, of course, the recordings with his regular musical partner, Stephane Grappelli, who certainly must be the all-time greatest jazz violinist). Anyone familiar with the history of jazz will recognize the names of Rex Stewart and Barney Bigard (from Duke Ellington's band), Benny Carter, Coleman Hawkins, and many of the other "all stars" who join Reinhardt (and Grappelli on piano) on this CD. If you're a fan of the great Django Reinhardt, or of great jazz in general, don't miss this CD.

While I agree that this is an awesome CD, I must disagree with Ms. Dandy who says it is a good intro. This is NOT the sound that Django usually had, even though he definitely loved be-bop and american jazz. Part of what was so unique about his group, the Hot Club of France, was that there was no piano. Or Sax. Or Clarinet. Or Trumpet. Or Drums...

They were an all strings band, upright bass, acoustic guitars, and violin.

So, I HIGHLY recommend this CD, but if this is all you have heard, you haven't really heard Django yet...

I wanted to hear more from this artist after being introduced to him on Ken Burns Jazz; I had never heard of him before. I listened to cuts from this CD & decided to give it a try.

After listening, I must say that he has become one of my favorite artists. This is a nice starter CD that will allow you to become familiar with his music. Every track on it is stellar.