Search - Djngo Reinhardt :: Crazy Rhythm

If Django Reinhardt had left us nothing but these 48 tracks, his reputation as a genius of the guitar would still be secure. The first disc of this two-CD set focuses on the 1936 and 1937 recordings he made with his musical soulmate Stephane Grappelli and their group the Quintette of the Hot Club of France. These were not the first recordings the Qunitette made, but they were the best. Reinhardt's angular guitar solos and propulsive rhythms are perfectly balanced by the casual elegance of Grappelli's violin. On the second disc Reinhardt is heard in a variety of settings, including a solo performance of "Improvisation," a three-minute tour de force that guitarists have been mining for inspiration for decades; as a member of the Coleman Hawkins All-Star Jam Band; and as the guitarist for the jazz violin summit meeting between Grappelli, Eddie South, and Michel Warlop. This set comes with a 30-page booklet in French and English that includes many rare photos of Reinhardt. Crazy Rhythm is an excellent collection of tracks from Reinhardt's most creative period, and is a joy to listen to from start to finish. --Michael Simmons