Customer Reviews

Avalon

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an astounding recording. Unlike typical acoustic swing outfits, that often come from more of a bluegrass perspective, Pearl Django's music is acoustic swing that finds its roots squarely in the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephen Grappelli.
Guitar soloist Neil Andersson has obviously paid his dues wearing out the grooves on his Reinhardt recordings - he sounds almost like Django reincarnated but with a difference, this is what Django would have sounded like had he lived through the 1950s and 60s and had taken in the influences of Wes Montgomery and Tal Farlow. Michael Grey's work on violin, while inspired by Grappelli, is likewise informed by bop as it is by swing (there are references to Charlie Parker's music found here). The range of material is extraordinary and, while jazz fans will naturally find much to like here, the unexpected thing about Pearl Django is that their music might find a fan base among those interested in world music, acoustic music of all kinds, and it has the added bonus of being steeped in a sense of history (a quality all too absent among younger jazz players, whose touchstone tend to be post-bop usually. But don't buy Avalon for the history, buy it for it is joyous music that will touch your soul.

I too heard about Pearl Django in the NPR story. This CD is a MUST have. You will not be disappointed. I play it over and over and over again and never tire of it. Swing 45 is my favorite. I'm now a hooked fan of this style of Jazz and will start adding Django Reinhardt's recordings to my collection as a result of this CD. You can't go wrong with AVALON for yourself or for a gift!

This is the album to get if you'ew only getting one. I got this one and Swing 48.

I originally heard this group on the radio, KKJZ out of Los Angeles. Check out their online stream of jazz: www.kkjz.org

All in all the sounds of Pearl Django and their innovative and sometimes unexpected twists on Rhinehart favourites make this a great addition to any collection.

I must say, this music was incredible. Rarely do you find such talent, emotion and energy in music as this band possesses. This CD and all the others are a must! I feel inadequate when I say "I highly recommend them". Just buy it.

Their earlier recordings are wonderful but in my opinion this is clearly their best yet and the one to buy if you are new to Pearl Django. The feature track Avalon swings with a wonderful grace and style and every other track calls for repeated plays. If it is possible to do so, you will wear this cd out.

This is a band that is sometimes classified as Americanized Gypsy Jazz. That seems to mean that it's less an athletic endeavor and more musical than some of what is currently popular in the Django Jazz field today. The musicality of this recording is unsurpassed. It is very accessible without losing the fiery excitement Gypsy Jazz is defined by. It's also got great production quality (the recording engineer is an exceptional musician too, and plays accordion with the band now). Other than Under Paris Skies, their next CD, I think this is their best; although I admit, every CD that Pearl Django has put out is in my list of favorites. Bravo! If you like Django, you'll appreciate this CD; if you like Dave Grisman, you will like it too.

Pearl Django, as their name suggests, follow the Django Reinhardt Hot Club of Paris Gypsy Jazz style. The music is great. Smooth, plenty of technique and melodic. Modern recording techniques mean that this group is likely to appeal more than some of the original Django recordings. Listen to the title track - if you like that one, you'll like them all. This recording should appeal both to jazz fans, who'll particularly enjoy the virtuoso technique, and to casual listeners who'll like the swinging melodies. Highly recommended.

Buy it here, "Django" is used too loosely by too many but these folks have got it down! Listen all you 'Jazzoids' and enjoy a Stein 'Two Thumbs Up'

First heard a snippet of "Avalon" on NPR radio...had to have it! Very sprightly and fresh.