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Babik Reinhardt "Live"

Lyle R. Berry | Peekskill, NY | 01/14/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I recently became a fan of Django Reinhardt, the great gypsy guitarist who established the guitar as a lead instrument in both European and American jazz combos. I was amazed at his ability and speed and dazzled by the beautiful phrasing in his solos, especially in the early years with violinist Stephane Grappelli (1930's). In searching the "Web" to learn more about Django (who died in 1953 at the age of only 43), I learned he had a son - Babik, who is a popular jazz guitarist in Europe. "Live" was the first album I purchased featuring Babik Reinhardt and his quartet, which consists of three superlative sidemen on electric bass, keyboards and drums. Babik apparently did not study guitar at the knee of his father, but learned from uncles and other family members after Django's untimely death. However, the influence of the incredible little Belgian gypsy is heard in the power and speed of Babik's riffs. He is complemented by three excellent musicians who are soloists in their own right and the synergism of the four is very strong. Babik's is more of a jazz-fusion style than his dad, but innovative and great listening."