Guitar genius, Django Reinhardt, along with violinist, Stephane Grappelli, formed the original Hot Club of France in 1937. By intertwining their European roots with American Swing rhythms, based on the masterful phrasings of Louis Armstrong, they subsequently created an entirely new, and yet refined, Jazz genre. The Genre has many names, Gypsy Swing, Jazz Manouche and Hot Swing; but, no matter what you call it, this music ranges from Sweet and Lowdown ballads to hard-swinging, heart-pumping tempos, whose antique harmony create an atmosphere that hooks any listener.
The 2009 Red Rock Hot Club release, “Gypsy Daydream” is receiving rave reviews from the world’s most distinguished Jazz critics. Django Biographer, and foremost Gypsy Jazz authority, Michael Dregni, says, “This album of Gypsy Jazz is the real deal… and lifts them above the ordinary” (Vintage Guitar Magazine June 09’). Frank Forte, (Just Jazz Guitar Magazine), calls the music, “Relaxed and tasteful with gigantic technique!” Veteran Jazz reviewer, Scott Yanow, has said, “Django would have enjoyed this CD, and would certainly sit in with the Red Rock Hot Club!”(L.A. Jazz Scene Magazine April 09’)