Indispensable Django Reinhardt (1949-1950) CD

This two-disc collection of postwar Django is comprised of material recorded in Rome in January/February of 1949 and April/May of 1950 with two different Italian rhythm sections of piano, bass and drums. The 1949 material has Reinhardt on acoustic guitar and features his most enduring and gifted musical companion, Stephane Grappelli, on violin. All but one of the tunes from BMG/Bluebird's DJANGOLOGY '49 can be found here, minus that collection's notes by Frank Vignola and any claims to digital remastering or modern noise reduction.

INDISPENSABLE also includes over a dozen cuts with Reinhardt on electric guitar, which feature Andre Ekyan on clarinet and alto saxophone. While the emphasis in this collection is more on jazz standards than Reinhardt or Reinhardt/Grappelli compositions, the essential originals are represented in the 1949 Grappelli sessions, with versions of "Minor Swing," "Nuages," "Djangology" and others. Most fans and critics consider the original 1930s Quintet of the Hot Club of France recordings to be the truly indispensable Django. However, as your one-stop shop for both the results of the Grappelli/Reinhardt postwar reunion and a taste of where the French Gypsy guitarist was headed with electricity before his untimely death in 1953, RCA/Jazz Tribune's collection will do nicely.

Recorded in Rome, Italy from January to February 1949 and April to May 1950. Includes liner notes by Richard Dartigues and Don Waterhouse.

This is part of RCA's Black & White Jazz Tribune series.

Personnel: Django Reinhardt (guitar); Stéphane Grappelli (violin); Andre Ekyan (clarinet, alto saxophone); Ralph Schecroun, Gianni Safred (piano); Roger Parabouschi, Aurelio de Carolis (drums).

Recording information: 01/1949-05/1950.

Personnel: Django Reinhardt (guitar); Andre Ekyan (alto saxophone, clarinet); Stephane Grappelli (violin); Ralph Schecroun, Gianno Safred (piano); Alf Masselier, Carlo Pecori (bass); Aurelio De Carolis, Roger Paraboschi (drums).