The Django Reinhardt Collection 1935-46

Django Reinhardt provides one of those unique strands of jazz which was hugely significant and distinctive, and which effectively stand on their own as an expression of one man’s thoroughly individual style, influences and sound. Born in Belgium of Manouche Romany descent, he became the focus of the “hot” jazz movement in France with his unique guitar style (he used only two fingers of his left hand, the others having been paralysed in a fire). With violinist Stephane Grappelli, he created the Quintette du Hot Club de France in Paris in the mid-30s, recording not only with that line-up, but with other musicians and leaders, as well as solo and in duets with Grappelli. This 52-track 2-CD collection covers the core of his career, most notably the concentrated period of creative activity during the late ‘30s before WWII made the use of dual recording centres in Paris and London impossible, and he was separated from Grappelli. It is an excellent and entertaining overview of his work and a great introduction to a unique talent and one of the most innovative jazz guitarists of all time.