This two disc set from Acrobat Records demonstrates how Django Reinhardt’s unique style of guitar playing still has an influence that ripples to this day. There are dozens of “gypsy jazz” bands and guitarists that got bitten by Reinhardt’s bohemian swing; in fact I gave up the guitar for the sax when I finally realized I could never break the code of Django’s Rosetta Stone.
The classic recordings have Reinhardt in his various settings of either the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, Stephane Grappelly and His Hot Four, meetings with Eddie South, with American All Stars or in solo format. His affinity for swinging violins is in evidence with his symbiotic relationship with Grappelly as they swoon with relentless delight on pieces such as “Dinah,””Tiger,” and “Swing Guitar.” The unison lines of the two are like a stringed chariot race, breaking away like stallions during their solos. Solo moments display the guitarists suave timing as on “Tea For Two” while spartan support on bass and/or guitar make pieces such as “St. Louis Blues” or “You Rascal You” cooing delights. There is a one-off jam session with Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter for a wonderful stomp of “Honeysuckle Rose” and a take of “Clouds,” while not as famous as “Nuages,” is still a casually cirrus bon mot. If you don’t have anything by this Belgian gypsy, there’s no better place to start than here, as this is the material that will get you hooked on the pulse that never lets go.