Hank Marvin - Django's Castle (2013)

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Hank Marvin - Django's Castle (2013)

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Legendary guitarist Hank Marvin, accordionist Nunzio Mondia and guitarist Gary Taylor, brought their passion for Gypsy Jazz to the recording studio and interpreted fourteen of their favourite songs of the genre. Seven of these being compositions by the great Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and swinging violinist extraordinare Stephane Grapelli, who with their group " The Quintet of The Hot Club of France" started the innovative, acoustic, no drums or horns approach to swing music which is now known as Gypsy Jazz.

Classic standards such as 'After you've Gone', Honeysuckle Rose', Coquette' and 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love' are approached with an energy and attitude which is infectious and the results are truly outstanding, with new arrangements making a respectful statement.

The melodic sensitivities of the two lead players are apparent both in their interpretation of the themes and in their improvised solos, for example in the almost bluesy feel of the soulful French song 'Si Tu Savais'.

Listen for the artfully phrased guitar and accordion unison lines, and the way the two quite distinct sounds blend so unexpectedly and satisfyingly bringing a new trademark sound to the mix.

'Noto Swing' a popular modern composition by Gypsy guitarist Lulu Reinhardt receives a powerful new treatment and boy does it rock.

Hank, Nunzio and Gary are joined by Pete Jeavons, Robbie Pisano and Matt Willis who take turns sharing the bass playing duties. All superb musicians, their contribution is obvious with their swinging feel and driving lines locking in with Gary's powerful rhythm guitar to provide an inspirational platform for the lead lines of Hank and Nunzio.