Customer Reviews

Django Latino

5 star:		(4)
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Amidst the sudden blizzard of Django Reinhardt copy bands, Joe Craven's cd, Django Latino, is a fresh and sunny day.

With guitar heard on only 3 tracks and never aiming to sound like Django, Craven gives a new twist, sweet, vivid and deep, to 16 compositions by the great Gypsy guitarist. The recording gives all the tribute with none of the imitation.

Joe, shining bright on violin, mandolin and percussion, brings along several of his compadres from the David Grisman band and a choice selection of lively friends and fine players. Apt arrangements and a unique rhythmic approach, from cumbia to tango, expertly tailored to each tune, the album dances, graceful and hot, from start to finish.

I saw Joe Craven play at DjangoFest San Francisco in 2004. A truly wonderful musician who seems to be a master of any instrument he touches. On this CD he takes tunes written or made famous by Django, and interprets each in a different latin style. His choice for musicians is absolutely beyond reproach and they breath a whole new life into gypsy jazz standards. I think you'll enjoy this as a gypsy, jazz, or even a bluegrass fan.

This is my favorite CD. Salsa meets gypsy jazz rocks. Each country gives a unique flavor I found myself wanting mucho mucho more. This is an excellent CD give it to people you love.

I scratched my first copy, so I'm here to order a replacement. Folks that would enjoy this work are ones that appreciate non-classical strings, Hot Club jazz, Latino and of course, Joe's regular fans. If you're curious about Latino styles, this would serve as a great primer. Joe covers Grapelli's violin work as well as many other instruments. Fusion at its best.