Franco-American Swing

John Jorgenson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 22, 2004)
• Original Release Date: May 1, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Pharaoh Records
• ASIN: B00023XGZG
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,307 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. F.A Swing

2. Mirror in Blue

3. Man of Mystery

4. Snowflake Waltz

5. In Memory of Danny Gatton

6. J'Attendrai

7. Valse de Samois

8. Smoldering Ashes

9. Swing Junction

10. Waltz for Mary

11. Cher Jaqueline

12. Crimson Waltz

13. F.A. Swing Alt.

14. Blue Drag

15. Minor Swing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly authentic, December 22, 2004

By 

Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Franco-American Swing (Audio CD)

John Jorgenson is not just a jack of all trades- he's a master, too. I knew him first as a member of the "Hellcasters" C&W instrumental trio, but he's every bit as good- or better- playing the jazz manouche music of Django Reinhardt. Turns out (according to an interview in Guitar Player) that his fascination with Django's music goes back decades, long before his involvment with the Hellcasters or Elton John or any of the other pop names he's played with.

And this love of Django and the Gypsies has translated into a feel for the music that few non-Gypsies can approach. Combine that with Jorgenson's astounding technique, and you think you're listening to one of the great old timers. If that wasn't enough, he's added a number of new tunes to the repetoir that capture the essence of the manouche style.

A must have for fans of the genre, and for Jorgenson fans, too.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece - An essential recording to be sure!, May 25, 2004

By 

James B. Cowan (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Franco-American Swing (Audio CD)

Franco-American Swing is a true musical magnum opus created by John Jorgenson, one of the top musicians in the world. John is not an artist to be pigeon-holed as just a brilliant guitarist, a Hellecaster, a rocker, or one of the most requested and highly demanded hired guns in Nashville today. Although he fits in with all of the above, there is more...much more!
This time around John reveals to us the musical style that holds the dearest part of his harmonious spirit. Franco-American Swing is not just an extraordinary nod to the legendary Django Reinhardt. Franco-American Swing is an authentic and original work of art that triumphantly transports the genre of Gypsy Jazz into the 21st century.
John's amazing performances on guitar, clarinet and sax are aptly accompanied by some world-class players who help create the many moods that are gleeful, care-free, nostalgic, haunting and sometimes mournful.
Musical trends come and go. Franco-American Swing is a true musical masterpiece that will endure in countless hearts and minds for many years to come.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If this is Swing, sign me up!, May 5, 2005

By 

John Lyons (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Franco-American Swing (Audio CD)

Whoah, who IS this guy? I have a rule that you should listen to an album at least 3-4 times before forming an initial judgement. Well, I've got to break that one, this is a minor masterpiece. A friend lent this to me on speculation, I know nothing about the genre, but this will definitely be my next purchase.

The liner notes label one cut "Gypsy Jazz", which a as good a summary of the album as any. The Swing part of the title suggests up tempo vibrant melodies and they sure are! Even the slow numbers seem full of life. The music weaves complex melody lines around a wonderful base of swing rhythms and chord progressions, with some dazzling guitar work and equally wonderful clarinet. And there's more, but you should see for yourself.

This is a must-have if you fit any of the following (please check one):

- You are a guitar or clarinet player.

- You are interested in discovering new music.

- You have any interest in the swing style.

This is a rare find! This kind of unexpected discovery really makes my day!