Paris InMinneapolis
author: Jerry Dean
I'm glad a DVD has been filmed,because the vibe is so intense,& joyful,especially with the dancers,live;nonetheless,this CD is an addiction,to those who appreciate how evocative this music is,& the virtuosity of these players.Technical wizards,but with sense of humor intact.
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Great CD for Hot Club Jazz Fans!
author: Jason B.
The music on the CD is awesome. If you are a fan of Hot Club music you will definately like this CD. For dancers, a number of the tracks are easily danceable. When it comes to the TC Hot Club it is difficult for me to picture any of the songs they play not being danceable. This music is pure rhythm with a strong, clear, agressive beat with a lyrical melody that rides on top of it. If you have ever been to The Times Sunday nights you will know exactly what I am talking about.
The standards on the CD, Jersey Bounce, All of Me, Minor Swing and Honeysuckle Rose all swing HARD. Out of those four Minor Swing is still my favorite. While Matt Senjem lays down the hard driving rhythm that Hot Club Jazz is known for the rest of the band trade solos throughout the track. Gary Shulte as shown throughout the CD is a virtuoso on the violin and his solo on this track shows how well the violin can swing. Whether it is Robert Bell or Reynold Philipsek soloing the other seamlessly takes up the rhythm while letting the other shine showing that both players are excellent soloists and rhythm players.
My favorite track, Bossa Dorado, is also my favorite track on Robert's solo CD Gypsy Tendencies (which also has Matt Senjem on Bass) . It has a driving rhythm and flare to it that just makes me want to move. A very close second on this CD is Dark Eyes, which is a traditional gypsy song. Ever since the first time i heard them play this song it has remained one of my favorites in their book. Every time I hear it my head just perks up.
There are slower tracks on the CD that showcase the other end of the Hot Club Jazz range as well. Sweet Chours and Manoir Des Me Reves both have a beautiful melody that drifts and you feel compeled to follow it where it may go. However the most notable of the slower tracks on the CD is Butterfly an original composition by Reynold Philipsek. It is a musette with a haunting melody. It truly makes you think of the old smoky clubs in Paris where music like this was born.
The CD is a great buy not only for its danceabilty but for the fact that the music itself is wonderfully performed and recorded. If you are a fan of Hot Club Music this is a definite must buy.
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