In its meticulously researched Integrale series the
Fremeaux & Associes label devoted no less than 20 double-CD sets to the legacy of master jazz guitarist
Django Reinhardt. While each of those volumes is packed with richly rewarding vintage recordings, the addition of two supplementary samplers offers an approachably encapsulated overview.
The Quintessence: Paris-Bruxelles 1934-1943 is especially welcome as a vividly variegated core sample of Parisian swing with just enough material recorded in Brussels to invite closer inspection of
Reinhardt's adventures there midway through the Second World War.
Jean Baptiste Django Reinhardt was born in Liberchies, Belgium in January 1910. While most of his recordings were cut in Paris and Rome, it is intriguing to have an opportunity to hear him gigging on his native turf as guest soloist with a band under the direction of
Stan Brenders ("Blues Clair"). Other bright moments on the chronologically jumbled first disc involve violinist
Stephane Grappelli, trumpeter
Philippe Brun, saxophonist
Coleman Hawkins, and trombonist
Dicky Wells, in addition to several other visiting U.S. jazzmen. Disc one opens and closes with unaccompanied guitar solos and includes an exhilarating big-band jam on "Festival Swing," a dance-inciting theme by saxophonist
Alix Combelle, with each member clearly introduced in French by jazz critic
Charles Delaunay. By way of contrast, the second disc lines up 18 selections by
the Hot Club de France in exact chronological order, leap-frogging session by session from late 1934 through to the middle of 1939. This exceptionally fine
Reinhardt collection is highly recommended for anyone seeking a solid introduction to or a convincing affirmation of
Reinhardt's enduring artistry. ~ arwulf arwulf
![Rodrigo y Gabriela [Deluxe Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0880882292829_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Rodrigo y Gabriela [Deluxe Edition]")
![Paris and London: 1937-1948, Vol. 2 [4 Disc]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0788065900427_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Paris and London: 1937-1948, Vol. 2 [4 Disc]")
![Djangology [Columbia]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/mimages/0000000000000_p0_v0_s192x300.jpg "Djangology [Columbia]")
![Borat [Original Soundtrack]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0075679457325_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Borat [Original Soundtrack]")
