Customer Reviews

Ultraspontane

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a big fan of the jazz of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. To hear something new, different and so lively while keeping within their genre with the same kind of artistry and brilliance is a real treat. This one is a keeper.
I told my wife about it last week, but she forgot the name. Later, she heard the interview of NPR with John and she made a note to tell me about "this great music." For the interview, see http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18343640&ft=1&f=1105

American pop/country guitarist John Jorgenson has a long and abiding love for the gypsy jazz style of Django Reinhardt and Serane Ferrat... Here he indulges that passion in a lively acoustic set featuring a strong instrumental quintet and even a guest appearance by Beryl Davis, a grand dame of the British big band era who once worked with violinist Stephane Grappelli. All the songs are Jorgenson originals, and they match the playful, dynamic glory of the classic gypsy jazz of the 1930s... A nice surprise! If you like the style, this is definitely worth checking out. (DJ Joe Sixpack)

John Jorgensen is one of the great hot jazz guitar players of our era. His group harkens back to Le Jazz Hot and Django Reinhart's playing in Paris in the 40's. Check out his first album of hot jazz guitar (Franco-American Swing). You'll love it, too!

I heard John Jorgenson interviewed on NPR a few weeks back. The clips appealed to me, so I bought the album. Wow -- I just can't stop listening to it. Loud!

If you like Gipsy Kings (I do), you'll probably also like this, but it's really quite different in a number of ways. For one, it's not so clearly and uniformly gypsy music -- there are certainly a lot of references, and many strong, driving rhythms and phrases that make it clear that the roots here are strong. But then, a piece called Lucky Sevens comes in with a pretty amazing clarinet lead that would make Benny Goodman proud. And several other pieces that reminded me more of Bela Fleck's bluegrass stuff. And while clearly not improvised, this music seems as untethered and liberated to go in whatever direction is right as Keith Jarret.

In short, this album has quickly ascended to a place in my library that is reserved for a few true heroes of modern music. Plus, it's just a blast, and great for parties.

I live in Ketchikan, AK, population about 8,000 with maybe 14,000 on the entire island. The John Jorgenson Quintet recently toured through here, giving a concert in Kayhi Auditorium, about 600 seats. This intimate setting, with great acoustics, made for a fantastic performance. At the end, they shut off the electronics, gathered at the front of the stage, and called for the audience to crowd forward--giving a delightful all-acoustic encore. What a treat!

About half of the performance was from the Ultraspontane album, which I immediately sought out. Score two! Every number on it is great. My favorite gems were "El Camino de Che," "Swingapore," "Lucky Sevens" (Jorgenson on clarinet for this one), "Bossa Orpheum," "Ghost Dance" (devilishly fast-paced), and "La Journee des Tziganes" (The Day of the Gypsies).

These all are in the idiom of Django Reinhardt/Stephane Grapelli, enlivened with a variety of influences from oriental to Latin American. This gives freshness to every selection. Highly recommended for lovers of almost any genre. Enjoy!

Two weeks ago I sat in one of the most enthralling live musical performances in all my years and I've been to many. John Jorgenson and his quintet played in St Andrews, Scotland and we were royally entertained with original compositions, a few of the classics, masterful musicianship and a swinging virtuouso performance. The sound was so authentic, you'd swear it was Paris in 1939 and Django was on stage. I bought both Franco American Swing and his latest CD Ultrasponte. Both are beautifully recorded and display the full creative genius of this wonderful musician on both guitar and clarinet, and his truly excellent quintet. It doesn't get any better than this...you need to own both CD's if you are fan of the QHC or swing, or great guitar.
Ultraspontane is an amazing album which showcases John's complete mastery of a broad set of rythyms and styles in all original material from affectionate tributes to the QHC as well as exciting written by John. Great vocal by Bery Davis, on Don't Worry About Me. Favorites, Bossa Orpheum, El Camino Del Che, Lucky Sevens.
The DVD in Italy is wonderful as well...the best Jazz DVD Ive seen period.

This is a great album of great guitar playing in the Django mold. Jorgenson blazes on some of the tracks, his tremendous skill level on full display. If you like Gypsy Jazz, or just appreciate great guitar playing and musicianship, then by all means, buy this album, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.

I was introduced to Jorgensen when he was a member of the Desert Rose Band. Then, listened while he was a member of the Hellcasters. He also spent time as lead guitarist for Elton John. Not to mention the multitude of albums he has played guitar on including a grammy winning album from Peter Frampton. To say the least, he has a very impressive musical resume.

His performance in Dillon was going to put the spotlight on Gypsy Jazz. I got online and read rave reviews about the quintent. I wasn't that familiar with gypsy jazz and having never been much of a believer in reviews, I went to hear for myself.

Damn, the reveiws were right. The music and performance of quintent was phenomenal! Buy their music, see them when you can. You won't be disappointed.

I heard Mr. Jorgenson recently at the Sheldon auditorium in St. Louis. It was a wonderful concert by him and his band and I am not dissapointed with this CD. I highly recommend it.

if you ever want to hear some great guitar then go straight for jorgenson. but with this album its not just his playing thats amazing, its the music as well. the 2 meld together to make a great product. check this out.