"An understanding of and familiarity with French ‘gipsy-jazz’ is certainly an advantage for any would-be swing (or swing-blues) guitarist, and this CD – basically Marcel and his guitarist son Chriss with fellow guitar player Romane and a subtle rhythm section is a masterpiece of control. The string arrangements on some numbers can sometimes be a little too intrusive, though they do add shading and variety, and the programme is a strong one – the title track is an original, a strong piece of first-class Django Reinhardt flavoured playing, whilst many of the others are “immortal melodies associated with the funfair”, which seems strange until the likes of Charlie Chaplin’s ‘Limelight’ make it obvious! Those looking for Blues connections have to dig deep – ‘September Song’ has been covered by James Brown and at least a couple of R&B saxmen that I am aware of, and ‘’Confessin’ (I’m Confessin’ That I Love You’) was popular with the likes of Count Basie and Lionel Hampton. Basically though, this is a fine album of highly accomplished jazz guitar that stands in its own right."
by Norman DARWEN - BLUES ART
by Norman DARWEN - BLUES ART
