First Recordings [2]

Performer: Django Reinhardt
Producer: Don Schlitten (Reissue)
Distributor: Fantasy (distributor)

Notes: /Quintet Of The Hot Club Of France. Personnel: Django Reinhardt, Joseph Reinhardt, Roger Chaput, Pierre Ferret (guitar); Alix Combelle (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Alphonse Cox, Pierrre Allier, Arthur Briggs (trumpet); Eugene d'Hellemmes (trombone); Stephane Grappelli (violin, piano); Louis Vola (bass). Recorded in 1934. Personnel: Django Reinhardt (guitar); St�phane Grappelli (violin, piano); Alix Combelle (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Alphonse Cox, Arthur Griggs, Pierre Allier, Arthur Briggs (trumpet); Eugene d'Hellemmes (trombone). Audio Remasterer: Kirk Felton. Liner Note Author: Martin Williams . Recording information: Paris, France (12/1934-09/1935). Unknown Contributor Role: Alix Combelle. The dozen recordings on this CD (a straight reissue of an earlier Prestige LP) are not Django Reinhardt's very first recordings, nor are these all of the early selections by the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Actually included are 11 of the classic string group's first 20 numbers, plus a version of "The Sheik of Araby" from a date led by Alix Combelle (doubling on clarinet and tenor). But although this CD is not for completists, there are many memorable and highly enjoyable performances. Guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli (backed by two rhythm guitars and bassist Louis Vola) made for a perfect team from the start, as can be heard on such numbers as "Tiger Rag," "Dinah" "Avalon" and even "Swanee River." A four-piece brass section (including trumpeter soloist Arthur Briggs) joins the quintet on "Avalon" and "Smoke Rings." An excellent introduction to early Reinhardt and Grappelli. ~ Scott Yanow

Belgian-born gypsy Django Reinhardt became the first European to have a significant impact on jazz. A childhood accident had crippled his left hand, leaving the use of just two fingers; nonetheless, Reinhardt played things on guitar people had only imagined. Fusing a lushly romantic sensibility with propulsive rhythmic drive, Reinhardt brought small-group swing to a creative peak in the 1930s with the Quintette du Hot Club de France, and his unique style continues to inspire generations of guitarists.

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