Douce Ambiance: Gypsy Jazz Classics

Most of the tunes on this CD are Gypsy jazz classics, many written in the early last century by the father of Gypsy jazz, Django Reinhardt. I selected these tunes for their beautiful melody lines, which especially lend themselves to the sound of my chromatic harmonica. Although the harmonica is rarely used in Gypsy jazz, Django himself recorded four tunes with chromatic harmonica virtuoso Larry Adler and played with a pioneer of jazz harmonica, Max Geldray. The chromatic harmonica fits Gypsy jazz because it's sound resembles the accordion, and when vibrato is applied, it's sound resembles a violin, both popular Gypsy jazz instruments. I've tried to use my harmonica to capture the fiery Gypsy jazz feel that is so different from other types of jazz. On this CD, Gonzalo Bergara plays lead and rhythm guitar. He is widely recognized as one of the finest Gypsy jazz guitarists. After touring the world for years with the John Jorgenson Quintet, he started his own band, playing a unique blend of traditional Gypsy jazz with a Latin sound stemming from his childhood in Buenos Aires. The legendary Pat Cloud plays the 5-string banjo. Although Django began his music career playing 6-string banjo, the banjo is even more unusual in Gypsy jazz than the harmonica. With Pat's mastery of melodic 5-string banjo, however, he introduces a new sound and approach to Gypsy jazz. Jeffrey Radaich plays rhythm guitar, but in Noto Swing he trades off some fine lead playing with Gonzalo. Brian Netzley plays the upright bass. Jeffrey and Brian are both members of The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet. David Naiditch.