Swing 39: Jazz in Paris

Django Reinhardt | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 24, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1957
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Umvd Labels
• ASIN: B00004YWEZ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #233,022 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must for Django fans, May 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Swing 39: Jazz in Paris (Audio CD)

Any fan of Django will enjoy this CD. It is a part of Verve's "Jazz in Paris" collection, recorded in 1939 in Paris.

Some of the tracks are repeated which is interesting because it shows how Django and Grappelli can improvise and never play the same way twice.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Infectious, May 18, 2003

By 

Ben Thompson (Cheverly, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swing 39: Jazz in Paris (Audio CD)

This album is quite simply infectious. Once you turn it on, you can't turn it off.

The Amazon reviewer calls some of the tracks "light-hearted swing" and they hit the nail on the head. The all string rhythm section (two guitars, double bass) creates a very relaxed and "light-hearted" mood over which Django and Stephane Grappelli play.

Then there is Django. His playing is inspired throughout, and with his virtuoso technique he creates simply magical solos. His solos range from joyous swing to extremely beautiful and expressive (check out "Time on my Hands"). Grappelli plays excellently as well, creating beautiful solos. Also, his playing perfectly complements Django. Actually, the entire band has terrific chemistry.

Overall, a great album and a great introduction to Django. All the titles are good. One of the most amazing things about this album is how individual each alternate take is (ex. each of the 3 versions of "Tea for Two" are different; and excellent). So don't skip over the alternate tracks!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must for lovers of early jazz., June 25, 2005

By 

I. Sondel "I. Sondel - lover of the arts" (Tallahassee, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swing 39: Jazz in Paris (Audio CD)

Django Reinhardt's "Swing 39" is a gem. The music is joyous. "Jeeper Creepers," "Swing 39," and "Japanese Sandman" are infectious. This recording, as well as the soundtrack to Allen's "Sweet and Lowdown" and Bunny Berigan's "A Melody From the Sky" are among my favorites to slip in the player while I read or putter around the house. Couldn't recommend this more.