Customer Reviews

Live at the North Sea Jazz Festival

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
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For fans of guitar-driven "Gyspy Swing" in the style pioneered by the late Django Reinhardt, this is one of the most remarkable recording ever done in this genre. I enjoyed the Rosenberg's CARAVAN CD, but I like this one even more. The interplay between the three is remarkable. The lead guitar work is so astounding that it sometimes eclipses the equally stellar rhythm guitar and bass support. The fire that comes from a live performance is definitely there and there is a great selection of tunes, from classic swing to more contemporary pieces (Pent Up House) along with a few classic Gypsy standards (Dark Eyes, here bearing its French title Les Yeux Noir). Highly recommended. One caveat....amateur guitarists may be inspired to quit practicing!

I have just listened to this CD and I now find myself in a dream-like state. It is astonishing that anyone could master an instrument in the manner displayed by Stochello Rosenbeg on this recording. His steel-string guitar solos are something to behold. His improvised lines on Chick Corea's "Spain" make Al DiMeola's version of this piece sound like something out of a "Mel Bay" songbook. { I wonder if Al or Mel could sue me for making this statement ?} Stochello's solos are performed with machine-like precision and breathtaking speed; yet they are sublimely melodic and tasty as well. The general style is similar to Django Reinhardt but these guys go well beyond mere imitation. That is not to suggest there are many mere mortals who could reasonably emulate Django. I can safely advise all who savor instrumental music [ and in particular guitar music ] to use all haste in reducing this CD to possession. You will not be disappointed. If you enjoy this kind of music I also recommend early Birelli LaGrene recordings { "Routes to Django" and "15" } and Martin Taylor's albums { including those with the inimitable Stephane Grappelli }.

I heard this trio for the first time in a live concert in Vienne, France, last July. Didnt know them before. The first piece they played, "For Sephora," blew me away. Stochello Rosenbeg's mastery of the guitar is phenomenal. His improvisations stay true to the tune, yet are complex enough to keep you on your tows. His synergy with his brothers is also remarkable.

title says it all. I own many gypsy CDs in the style of Django, and in my personal opinion, this one is by far the best one out there. Again, in my opinion, there is not ONE boring song at all , a few tracks may take a couple of listens to get used too (in my case, it was pent-up house and avalon) but otherwise, everything is top notch, from musicality, to technical performance (for the guitar freaks out there) to overall vibe. Fans of Al DiMeola's flamenco type stuff , Django Reinhardt, etc... should definitely check this recording out... I would also suggest visiting their webpage and order the videos and early CDs that are not available in north america ...

There is no CD in gypsy jazz guitar to equal this recording !!! the playing, the fire & the energy level of the concert is way beyond any of their studio efforts- simply awesome !!!! Stochelo Rosenberg achieved a standard of excellence in gypsy jazz with this recording similar to what Paco de Lucia achieved with his best recordings of Flamenco guitar... a level of virtuosity that is astounding to any guitarist or music lover... do yourself a favor & check it out !!!!

You can't go wrong with these guys. They are among the world's best on manouche guitar and now a lot easier to find. Used to have to send mail orders to Holland.

This disk by the Rosenbergs as you will see in the other reviews here is one of the better of the Rosenbergs CDs, and if trying to familiarize yourself with them, and Gypsy Jazz, Caravan and this one will be your safest bet. It's hard to believe that someone can play guitar that fast and still have it make sense and enjoy a melody, but they can do both....like Chuck Berry said in Johnny Be Goode, "...doesn't like modern jazz as they play so fast it sounds just like a symphony...." but that was written well before the Rosenbergs started playing and touring and the melody and tempo are quite interesting and the point of the music. If you're not used to the genre of Gypsy Jazz this is a good place to start and a watermark for other jazz players to meet when attempting to play this music..Excellent CD.......

Stochelo Rosenberg is one of the very few guitarists who can walk alongside Django Reinhardt, not just in his footsteps. The only other one that is close to his ability is Martin Taylor. Both guitarists have played extensively with Django's violinist, Stephane Grappelli. Try the Rosenberg Trio's "Caravan" as well, which is excellent and has a cameo by the great Jan Akkerman.

This particular CD was recorded during the last North Sea Jazz festival (if you've never been, GO!) that the original organiser would witness (he died shortly after), and it captures the atmosphere of this great festival very well. The playing is virtuoso without losing sight of the melody, and the inspiration just leaps of the fretboard. There is never a moment's hesitation as Stochelo tells you his beautiful stories. Highlights are: Bossa Dorado and For Sephora, apart from all the Django classics (Nuages, Minor Swing, Pent-up House etc.) which are flawlessly performed without copying them note for note. Stochelo has a distinct own style, although he does not veer away from Django's style as much as Martin Taylor does.

If you have any inclination for jazz, acoustic guitar, or traditional European music you need this CD.