Bireli Lagrene - Fifteen (1982)

Recorded shortly before his playing began to change, this Antilles release features guitarist Bireli Lagrene at the age of 15 jamming in the difficult-to-duplicate style of Django Reinhardt. Lagrene, who was one of the best Reinhardt soundalikes ever, is featured in small groups with other Europeans and sounds at his early best on "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Dark Eyes," "Blues for Bireli" and "I Can't Give You Anything but Love." It is a pity that Lagrene (who is so brilliant in this context) does not play this way very often anymore. Review by Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

1. Douce Ambiance
2. Dark Eyes
3. Balse D'Alsace
4. Sweet Georgia Brown
5. Blues For Bireli
6. Solo No. 1
7. Animeux
8. Solidarnosc
9. Micro
10. Autumn Leaves
11. I Can't Give You Anything But Love

Personnel:

Bass – Jan Jankeje
Drums – Thomas Zahn
Guitar – Bireli LaGrene
Rhythm Guitar – Gaiti LaGrene, Tschirglo Loeffler
Saxophone [Tenor] – Leszek Zadlo
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Thomas Wind