Customer Reviews

Franco-American Swing

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I bought this album at DjangoFest San Francisco, immediately after the John Jorgenson Quintet performed it's stunning Saturday evening set. I will never forget the set as it was THE BEST live performance I have ever experienced, and I've been to quite a few shows.

The album Franco American Swing is an absolutely fantastic mix of intense gypsy jazz songs like "F.A. Swing", "Swing Junction, and "J'Attendrai", beautiful waltzes like "Valse de Samois" and "Snowflake Waltz", and fantastic recreations of "Blue Drag" and "Minor Swing" of which even Django could be proud.

The title track in particular "F.A. Swing" grabs you and won't let go. You'll have the song playing over and over in your head even after you're done listening to the CD. And this is the kind of music you want lingering in your consciousness, as everyone around you will notice your perpetual smile!

Buy this album and enjoy! You won't regret it! I give it my absolute highest recommendation!!

-- Justin Cheung

John Jorgenson's "Franco-American Swing" is a must-have CD for guitarists and also for anyone interested in Django-style music. His stellar playing and lyricism are in evidence on every track as is his tasteful compositional skill. ( I can't stop humming "Cher Jaqueline" - Track 11 - - among others). Equally impressive is John's multi-instrumental talent. A mere "five star" rating is really an injustice to this wonderfalu album and talented, multi-faceted musician.

An excellent, brilliant, outstanding recording. John Jorgenson has played many types of music , but gypsy jazz or swing is by far my preference for him to play.....such a tight band...excellent arrangement of all these classics....I really feel that Django Reinhardt is smiling when this recording is played. If you live in the Nashville, TN. area, you owe it to yourself to visit the Station Inn and see him play with the 'Hot Club of Nashville'. These guys are a group of Nashville area musicians who just cook when it comes to Django-style jazz/swing. John Jorgenson will knock your socks off in addition to Richard Smith, Stuart Duncan, Charlie Chadwick, and Pat Bergeson. These guys play about once every 5 to 6 weeks, and what a treat they are. You won't be sorry you went to see them. Not only are they at the top of their game in this style of music, you can feel their excitement and love of this music. Another recording you must have is 'Gypsy Swing-the Nashville Tribute to Django Reinhardt'. Jorgenson does not play on this album, but all the others do, and it is excellent!

My wife and I just returned from the John Jorgenson concert in Jonesborough, TN. We agreed that neither of us expects to ever hear a finer guitarist! We bought two of his CDs during intermission (including Franco-American Swing). As much as we will enjoy listening to them for years to come, nothing will replace the rare privilege of "seeing" this master play. The experience can't be described with words. The audience even gave him a standing ovation at the intermission of his two set show! And two more before the end of the evening's concert.
Buy this CD ... you aren't likely to regret it. And check out his web site www.johnjorgenson.com to see if he is playing anywhere near you. It will be worth the drive to catch his show.

John Jorgenson must be one of the most underrated and understated musical artists today. His music is technically perfect, emotionally charged, and entertaining beyond adequate description.

This album presents an aura of mystery and intrigue reflected by the sounds of the gypsy jazz music of the 30's. In it's day, the gypsy jazz music of Djanjo Rheinhardt was unique, pushing the boundaries of current musical idioms and today, it retains much of the same feeling. The music is energetic, uplifting and at the same time, reflective. I think that the interplay between John Jorgenson's wonderful guitar sounds and the beautiful and talented music coming from the jazz violin of Stephan Dudash will make the mysterious nature of this album haunt you for a long time.

John's expertise on the guitar is evident in every song. His mastery of the clarinet in 'Mystery Man' comes as a wonderful treat in this mainly strings album.

This recording is like a jewel in a field of rough rocks scattered over the field of popular music. I listen to it over and over. I always come away inspired. I feel as though I've just taken a gentle and relaxing trip to the country side of France.

Don't think twice about buying this album. (I found this album on iTunes too, so if you want to sample a few tunes..)

The is a virtuostic swinging performance. The guitar playing is hot and the clarinet is fine. This is old time hot club playing - so fine. I here he is even better live!!!

John Jorgenson plays in the gypsy jazz style of French guitarist Django Reinhardt and The Hot Club of Paris. He's very good. This recording has all the bouce and life you'd expect in this style of music. I prefer the tracks where the backing is simpler (a couple have bigger orchestrations). I love what he does with the old Shadows hit "Apache" - it really shows what this style does to a tune! Enjoyable.