Remarkable!
Christopher Siebold | Chicago, IL USA | 02/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this disc! It is both celebratory and playful in it's scope. Django's "Delightful Precipice" big band sails through these knotty compositions with seeming ease and all of the soloists are extraordinary! The ensemble's feel, time, blend, and timbre are spot-on throughout! Highlights include: "And a Golden Pear", "NY, NY" (this version is far superior to the one on "Like Life"), "Early Bloomer", "Fox Across the Road", "Kookaburra Laughed" (absolutely subtle and beautiful) and "You Can't Have Everything (reprise)" (usually played at extremely high volumes while dancing around when the s*%t hits the fan). Django's "jazz" is heavily influenced by the rich musical traditions of Europe, yet maintains it's "Englishness": proud, yet self-deprecating and fraught with playful lunacy. You have to check this one out and spread the word. Show your muzo friends what's up!"