Django Reinhardt - Best Of [Orange Spain Import]

Django Reinhardt's Best Of serves up twenty sides of dazzling Parisian swing on 180 gram orange vinyl, a Spain import that includes a bonus track.

The Belgian-born guitarist is often hailed as the first great European jazz innovator, building a staggering technique despite a caravan fire that badly damaged his fretting hand in 1928. With violinist Stéphane Grappelli he led the Quintette du Hot Club de France, an all-string group whose sound is now known around the world as gypsy jazz. This collection draws on that classic late-1930s era, along with sides cut alongside visiting American jazzmen.

"Minor Swing", co-written with Grappelli, is the quintessential Hot Club number, its hypnotic minor-key riff still played at jam sessions everywhere. "Tears" is a wistful, lyrical showcase for Django's singing tone, while "Mystery Pacific" races along at breakneck speed. His take on "Body and Soul" shows his gift for turning a familiar standard into something entirely his own.

Grappelli's soaring violin and the chugging rhythm guitars make the perfect frame for Django's fireworks, every run delivered with a showman's flair.

It is a superb introduction to one of the most original musicians of the twentieth century, and the orange vinyl adds a warm glow to music that already crackles with life.