Django's Castle
Product ID: 9332029
Legendary guitarist Hank Marvin, accordionist Nunzio Mondia and guitarist Gary Taylor, brought their passion for Gypsy Jazz to the recording studio and interpreted fourteen of their favourite songs of the genre. Seven of these being compositions by the great Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and swinging violinist extraordinare Stephane Grapelli, who with their group ' The Quintet of The Hot Club of France' started the innovative, acoustic, no drums or horns approach to swing music which is now known as Gypsy Jazz. Classic standards such as 'After you've Gone', Honeysuckle Rose', Coquette' and 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love' are approached with an energy and attitude which is infectious and the results are truly outstanding, with new arrangements making a respectful statement. The melodic sensitivities of the two lead players are apparent both in their interpretation of the themes and in their improvised solos, for example in the almost bluesy feel of the soulful French song 'Si Tu Savais'. Listen for the artfully phrased guitar and accordion unison lines, and the way the two quite distinct sounds blend so unexpectedly and satisfyingly bringing a new trademark sound to the mix. 'Noto Swing' a popular modern composition by Gypsy guitarist Lulu Reinhardt receives a powerful new treatment and boy does it rock. Hank, Nunzio and Gary are joined by Pete Jeavons, Robbie Pisano and Matt Willis who take turns sharing the bass playing duties. All superb musicians, their contribution is obvious with their swinging feel and driving lines locking in with Gary's powerful rhythm guitar to provide an inspirational platform for the lead lines of Hank and Nunzio. ' This album is truly magnificent! It's really brilliant! I can't stop playing it' Keith Hayman (Music Director for Sir Cliff Richard) 'Hank Marvin has demonstrated his love and commitment to the style of Django Reinhardt and gypsy jazz clearly with this new project. It's a testament to the strength of his own musicality that the elements well-known to his longtime fans are here in spades-impeccable tone, taste, phrasing, and arrangements, all showcased in a completely different genre that is at once true to the classic style of gypsy jazz and to the amazing style of Hank Marvin.' John Jorgenson (Award winning Gypsy Jazz Guitarist)
J**N
Happy to hear the latest evolution of Mr
Happy to hear the latest evolution of Mr. Marvin. The piano accordion gets a little baroque for my taste but it hardly impairs the overall experience.
J**K
A great achievement. This was just what I hoped it ...
A great achievement.This was just what I hoped it would be; Hank playing Django, his way. Just buy it!
S**C
Five Stars
Great players Hank Marvin in the first place. Great CD if you like that type of music
U**N
Five Stars
Thanks I receive it in good and safe conditions....A++ nice items
G**P
`The world of Gypsy Swing exploring the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapell'
Hank Marvin has been a major influence on guitar heroes ever since he first played lead guitar with The Shadows, the UK's top instrumental outfit during the 1960s. Hank's metallic echoed picking on a red Fender Stratocaster - with generous employment of tremolo arm - is often cited as the inspirational source of the fretboard pyrotechnics for the big guys. In 1982 Hank charted with a solo single `Don't Talk' and went on to record a sustained series of solo albums throughout the following two decades, several of which reached the Top 10 and Gold Record status. During the recording and subsequent live performances of these albums Hank introduced more of his acoustic guitar work than before, which met with audience approval, this audience response was the catalyst for his top ten acoustic Guitar Player CD in 2002. Hank's professional journey has repeatedly taken him around the globe and seen him acknowledged as one of the world's leading musical talents.Nunzio Mondia began his professional career at 16, as a Pianist and Musical Director. He graduated from the Conservatorium of Music and Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, with a Bachelor of Education, Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies and a Master of Education. His extensive training covers jazz, arranging, composition, music education and experimental music research.Gary Taylor was a founding member of UK band The Herd, which featured an equally young Peter Frampton. In the 1970's, having established a secondary career as a BBC radio disc jockey and presenter, Gary was also in demand as a session bass player and guitarist and performed on many hit records.The ensemble is Hank Marvin - lead guitar, Nunzio Mondia - accordion, Gary Taylor - rhythm guitar, Pete Jeavons - double bass, with guests Robbie Pisano and Matt Wills, bassThe tracks are as follows:Swing 42Swingtime in SpringtimeNoto SwingAfter You've GoneSi Tu SavaisHoneysuckle RoseCoquetteMicroViper's DreamDjango's CastleMinor SwingSwing GuitarsI Can't Give Anything but LoveBellevilleAll guns fully loaded - this is a special treat all around. Grady Harp, November 14
J**B
So saying an excellent disc.
Hank needs to do more of this as he has been leaning towards Jazz but he may have left it too late to bring it to a wider audience. Shame it couldn't have had a British release. So saying an excellent disc.
T**Y
I absolutely love it. I'm tapping my feet to it while ...
I've been a shads/hank fan since I first saw them at the Southend Odeon in 1962 with Cliff. While this is not a typical Hank album, I absolutely love it. I'm tapping my feet to it while I'm tapping the keyboard for this review. Shame his gypsy jazz tour is only in the antipodes. 5 star. Tony
J**N
excellent
The Man who made the Shadows .showing his versatility in the swing world of jazz,excellent CD
D**S
Five Stars
Excellent album of gypsy jazz guitar.
A**R
Excellent, totally different genre for Hank Marvin to perform
Excellent,totally different genre for Hank Marvin to perform.It is really good and I had never heard about it!
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