Customer Reviews

Hot Club of Detroit

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

 

 

Although initially not made curious by the cover or the fact that there's now a "Hot Club" in virtually every major city, still, being originally from Michigan myself, I had to give this cd a try--and was glad I did. This is a solid first recording for the band, which, besides the brilliant guitar of Evan Perri, features a clarinet (reminiscent of Django's later Hot Club sound--but no violin) and button accordion. I enjoyed this recording for its focus on the songs rather than the 27 notes per mili-second pyro-technics offered by some players. That being said, it doesn't lack speed or energy. reviewing music in a genre is always a very subjective endeavor, so I'll conclude by saying, if you like the approach of Pearl Django, you'll definitely like this group. I'm listening to it as a I write this. Really fine! It's been a long time since Detroit's been this hot.

When I first heard this album, released in August of 2006, I thought it was Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France. But when I heard a clarinet and an accordion, instrumentation I was almost certain Django Renhardt didn't use, I became curious. This album is terrific. Most songs are Django Reinhardt compositions sounding much like the Hot Club of France style of the 30's and 40's but with a more modern style mixed in, including some be-bop like phrasing. I heard a Charlie Parker quote on at least one occasion. These guys are immensely talented and have impeccable chops, playing rapidly with seeming ease. Anyone who enjoys good music will love this album. I recommend it highly.

Another great group from Detroit. If you are into gypsy jazz this CD is great

I became aware of the Hot Club of Detroit by creating a Django Reinhardt "station" on the internet radio, Pandora. The 1st cut I heard by them caused me to stop what I was doing and find out who the musicians were. This CD affirmed my first impression. This is great gypsy jazz and swing music. With 2 guitars, bass, button accordion, and clarinet, the HCOD captures the Reinhardt spirit--with Evan Peri on lead guitar, Carl Cafagna on clarinet, and Julien Labro on the accordion, the solos and melodies soar. Andrew Kratzat on stand up string bass and Paul Brady on guitar provide the solid rhythm. Buy this CD if you love gypsy jazz; heck, buy this CD if you love good music!

A very fun, well balanced album. Great individual performances. The theme from the Godfather is outstanding.

"Hot Club of Detroit" is an accomplished and technically proficient project. Amazon reviewer Stephen Howe described this as Gypsy Jazz with a more modern sound. I have the opposite point of view: these boys are trying too hard to keep it traditional. Without trying to phonographically copy the original, a great tribute innovates. The addition of an accordion has the adverse effect of making this music feel more formative than what Django Reinhardt played in even the early 30's. When Parisian Cafe music meets Gypsy Jazz, it makes Django seem downright avant garde. Aside from the accordion, this project treats Gypsy Jazz as a classical form or an endeavor that's mostly worthy of faithful reproduction. While there's merit in this pursuit, why not just play the original Hot Club of France recordings? While this type of studio music is redundant, I look forward to experiencing what must be a scintillating Hot Club of Detroit live performance.

If you like Django Reinhardt's Music then you will like this album. If you don't know who Django Reinhart is, then you need to question your existance. It adds a touch of modern flavor to the Reinhardt/Grappelli Music.