DJANGO REINHARDT – 1934-1935 | The Classics Chronological Series – 703 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This first installment in Classics' multi-volume Reinhardt series is a fine place to start your Django collection. Recorded between 1934-1935, the 23 tracks include many of first sides from the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, which Reinhardt formed with frequent cohort and violinist Stephane Grappelli. Cut for the French Ultraphone label, the material includes such top-notch QHCF sides as "I Saw Stars," "I'm Confessin'," and "Dinah." There's also a few numbers Reinhardt cut with the Michel Warlop Orchestra before teaming up with QHCF. And while JSP's Reinhardt discs often beat out many of the Classics titles for sound quality, this early offering ranks as one that stands up just fine. Stephen Cook       Tracklist :

DJANGO REINHARDT – 1935-1936 | The Classics Chronological Series – 739 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Moving on from its initial Ultraphone sides, the Quintette du Hot Club de France hit a sort of early zenith with two 1936 sessions cut for the HMV label. This volume of Classics' Chronological series features 12 sides from those May and October HMV dates, including such perennial Reinhardt and Grappelli performances as "Shine," "After You've Gone," and "Georgia on My Mind" -- Freddy Taylor, the fine Armstrong-inspired vocalist, only adds to the charm of these and a few other numbers here. The disc also finds the guitar and violin duo on two dates headed up respectively by pianist Garnet Clark and bandleader Michel Warlop (the handful of Warlop numbers also feature the great French clarinetist Alix Combelle). Topped off with some nice trumpet work by American ex-pat Bill Coleman, this Reinhardt disc qualifies as one of a handful of top-notch retrospectives of the guitarist's prime '30s output. Stephen Cook   Tracklist :

DJANGO REINHARDT – 1937, Vol. 2 | The Classics Chronological Series – 762 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This volume of the Classics Django Reinhardt chronology was expressly dedicated by the producers to the memory of Philippe Brun, a fine and forceful trumpeter whose primary inspiration was Louis Armstrong. Brun, who passed away in 1994, seems to have recorded regularly with Django and company. In addition to a fascinating version of Larry Clinton's "Whoa Babe" -- made famous among jazz fans after Lionel Hampton recorded it with Johnny Hodges and Cootie Williams in April 1937 -- Brun's two essays on the blues are honest and subtle, while his "College Stomp" is a fine example of Parisian big-band swing. The other noteworthy guest instrumentalist is violinist Michel Warlop, who appears either as a member of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France or as featured fiddler leading his own ensembles. Warlop's pleasantly looming "Taj Mahal" typifies a European's idyllic notion of a scene in "exotic" southern Asia. Anyone familiar with Fats Waller's monumental 1934 recording of Reginald Foresythe's "Serenade for a Wealthy Widow" will derive a new thrill from Warlop's equally feisty rendition. This disc also contains several unforgettable experiments by the Quintet. A marvelous "Minor Swing," with vocal exclamations and encouragements by Django, is perfectly amended by the famous "Viper's Dream." Everything recorded on December 14, 1937, has a pleasantly bracing dissonance about it, beginning with a hypnotic set of bolero variations played by a 13-piece band featuring flutist Maurice Cizeron and three violinists. But the real feature seems always to be Django Reinhardt, guitarist supreme. He is prominently featured on "St. Louis Blues" and "Bouncin' Around," accompanied only by a second guitar and string bass, and on a lovely series of duets with either bassist Louis Vola ("You Rascal You") or violinist/pianist Stéphane Grappelli. arwulf arwulf         Tracklist :

DJANGO REINHARDT – 1937-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 777 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Here's another in a long line of chronological Reinhardt discs on the Classics label. This time up, more from the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, featuring Reinhardt cohort and violinist Stephane Grappelli, guitarist Roger Chaput, and bassist Louis Vola. Having already cut many sides for the Ultraphone and HMV labels, Reinhardt and company were now recording for Decca; most of these performances were taped in London. Highlights include such Reinhardt and Grappelli staples as "Daphné," "Souvenirs," and "Paris Swing," not to mention fine renditions of "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Sweet Georgia Brown." There are also cuts spotlighting French harmonica great Larry Adler and trumpeter Philippe Brun. With many Reinhardt collections to choose from, this somewhat below-par addition to the Classics series is probably best left to completists. Stephen Cook       Tracklist + Credits :

DJANGO REINHARDT – 1941-1942 | The Classics Chronological Series – 877 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There's no danger of this volume sounding too much like any of the previous installments in the Classics Django Reinhardt chronology, as the guitarist conducted unprecedented experiments with different instrumentation and participated in an unusual number of big-band sessions. Five sides waxed in Paris on September 11, 1941, feature the Benny Carter-inspired alto saxophonist Andre Ekyan and clarinetist supreme Hubert Rostaing. These reconstituted Hot Club Quintets were expertly driven by premier percussionist Pierre Fouad. Later that month another monstrous get-together involving an enormous number of top-notch European jazz musicians yielded something called "Festival Swing 1942." Note that it was common practice to name these jam numbers for the year that was yet to come, implying that progressive musicians are always looking ahead. Other soloists in addition to Django were violinist Michel Warlop, vibraphonist Willy Kett, and Dany Kane, who played harmonica in a manner similar to Larry Adler. Django's next appearance in front of the recording microphones was as part of Hubert Rostaing's septet with Aimé Barelli playing trumpet and Noel Chiboust on tenor sax. "Première Idée d'Eddie," dated March 31, 1942, is the only known recording featuring Django Reinhardt playing the string bass! His bowed solo is worth the cost of the whole package. Four more titles from the same session cover the usual wide spectrum of tones, textures, and moods. Flutist Maurice Cizeron is featured on the beautiful reverie "Nymphéas" and "Féerie" is a frantic, driving big-band stomp. Hubert Rostaing is featured on the friendly bounce "Belleville" and a sort of guitar/clarinet sonata entitled "Lentement, Mademoiselle." In April and May of 1942, Django toured Belgium and made a fascinating series of great recordings in Brussels for the Rhythme label. First came four exquisite duets with pianist Ivon de Bie. Two of these, "Blues en Mineur" and "Vous et Moi," featured Django playing the violin. The seven remaining tracks find Django leading his own "Grand Orchestre" or sitting in with equally large bands led either by reedman Fud Candrix or Stan Brenders, who seems to have been trying for an Artie Shaw sound with a string quartet added to the congregation. Everything heard here is guaranteed to satisfy, even the sweet big-band sides, for there's no resisting any band with Django Reinhardt soloing right down in front. arwulf arwulf        Tracklist :

DJANGO REINHARDT – 1942-1943 | The Classics Chronological Series – 905 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is Django Reinhardt during the war years, without the services of perennial partner Stephane Grappelli and leading a large band in Paris (Grappelli would return for stretches after the war). Even sans his friend's simpatico violin, Reinhardt is still impressive on these 21 quality sides, picking nicely throughout. Heavy on his own material, set highlights include a two-part "Improvisation No. 3," "Belleville," and "Douce Ambiance." The sound remains anchored in Reinhardt's earlier Hot Club days of the late '30s, touched by a bluesier-than-normal strain and some hardened swing. A nice bet for dedicated listeners. Stephen Cook      Tracklist :

STÉPHANE GRAPPELLY – 1935-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 708 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Classics CD has all of the recordings made under violinist Stephane Grappelli's name during the 1935-1940 period. The earlier selections (with his Hot Four) match his violin with Django Reinhardt's guitar in what was essentially the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. There are also nine duets with Reinhardt; a couple find Grappelli switching to piano. The set concludes in 1940 with Grappelli (in London) leading an octet on two numbers that also feature the young pianist George Shearing. Scott Yanow    Tracklist + Credits :

EDDIE SOUTH – 1923-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 707 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Twenty songs covering Eddie South's chronological history up to World War II -- this disc starts with his recording debut as a member of Jimmy Wade's Syncopators, jumps to his solo stuff, and then South's work in Europe in association with the Swing label in Paris, through which his name became widely known. South's New York-based Columbia and Okeh sides never sold as well as what he did for Swing, but they're equally worthwhile. Bruce Eder             Tracklist + Credits :

GARLAND WILSON – 1931-1938 | The Chronogical Classics – 808 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With the exception of five songs cut in 1951, this CD has every recording from the sessions led by Garland Wilson. The excellent swing pianist (who was influenced a bit by Earl Hines) is at his best on slower to medium material, for on the faster performances his ideas run a bit thin. On two numbers Wilson accompanies actress Nina Mae McKinney and two others are spirited duets with violinist Michel Warlop; the remaining 20 selections are all piano solos. This formerly rare music should be enjoyed by fans of swing piano. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

GARLAND WILSON – 1931-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 808 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With the exception of five songs cut in 1951, this CD has every recording from the sessions led by Garland Wilson. The excellent swing pianist (who was influenced a bit by Earl Hines) is at his best on slower to medium material, for on the faster performances his ideas run a bit thin. On two numbers Wilson accompanies actress Nina Mae McKinney and two others are spirited duets with violinist Michel Warlop; the remaining 20 selections are all piano solos. This formerly rare music should be enjoyed by fans of swing piano. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

COLEMAN HAWKINS | BENNY CARTER – Coleman Hawkins & Benny Carter (1985) APE (image+.cue), lossless

This attractive LP (which contains quite a few photos in its gateway liners) is drawn from four separate recording sessions. Hawkins is heard as the main soloist with Michel Warlop's orchestra in 1935, and he teams up with Benny Carter, two of Europe's best saxophonists (Alix Combelle on tenor and altoist Andre Ekyan), and Django Reinhardt for the famous "Crazy Rhythm" all-star session of 1937. In addition, Benny Carter is heard in Europe in 1938 and with his Chocolate Dandies (featuring trumpeter Buck Clayton and Ben Webster on tenor) in 1946. Superb music, all of which has since been reissued. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Coleman Hawkins–    Blue Moon    3:12
2    Coleman Hawkins–    Avalon    3:02
3    Coleman Hawkins–    What A Difference A Day Made    3:15
4    Coleman Hawkins–    Stardust    3:11
5    Coleman Hawkins–    Honeysuckle Rose    2:42
6    Coleman Hawkins–    Crazy Rhythm    2:58
7    Coleman Hawkins–    Out Of Nowhere    3:14
8    Coleman Hawkins–    Sweet Georgia Brown    2:56
9    Benny Carter–    I'm Coming, Virginia    3:00
10    Benny Carter–    Farewell Blues    3:12
11    Benny Carter–    Blue Light Blues    3:03
12    Benny Carter–    Sweet Georgia Brown    2:35
13    Benny Carter–    Out Of My Way    3:00
14    Benny Carter–    What'll It Be    3:14
15    Benny Carter–    Cadillac Slim    3:02

COLEMAN HAWKINS – 1934-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 602 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Coleman Hawkins was already well on his way to becoming the first master of the tenor saxophone when these sides were recorded. With his ten-year incubation with the heralded Fletcher Henderson band in the past (not to mention fine stints with McKinney's Cotton Pickers and various session outfits), Hawkins moved to Europe in 1934 and proceeded to hone his tough yet romantic sound with a variety of overseas groups. This Classics disc covers the first half of his eventual five-year sojourn. In addition to the four sides with pianist Stanley Black that kick things off, the 22 cuts find Hawkins in the adequate, yet somewhat stiff, company of continental contingents from The Hague, Paris, and various other locales. Hawkins is impressive throughout, though, in spite of the less than swinging environs; thankfully, the ensemble playing heats up quite nicely on the cuts with Django Reinhardt. A few reservations having been aired, this disc's good overall sound and sufficient enough supply of quality solos and cuts make it a title Hawkins fans should seek out. Stephen Cook
Tracklist :
1     Lullaby 2:55
Stanley Black    
2     Oh, Lady Be Good 2:43
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
3     Lost in a Fog 3:03
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh    
4     Honeysuckle Rose 3:04
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller    
5     Some of These Days 2:31
Shelton Brooks    
6     After You've Gone 2:36
Henry Creamer / Turner Layton    
7     I Only Have Eyes for You 2:42
Al Dubin / Harry Warren    
8     I Wish I Were Twins 2:31
Eddie DeLange / Frank Loesser / Joseph Meyer    
9     Hands Across the Table 3:04
Jean Delettre / Mitchell Parish    
10     Blue Moon 3:12
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers    
11     Avalon 3:01
Buddy DeSylva / Al Jolson / Vincent Rose
12     What a Diff'rence a Day Made 3:15
Stanley Adams / María Mendez Grever
13     Stardust 3:11
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish    
14     Chicago 3:00
Fred Fisher    
15     Meditation 3:00
Jack Bulterman    
16     What Harlem Is to Me 2:44
Paul Denniker / Andy Razaf / Sam Wooding    
17     Netcha's Dream 2:34
Coleman Hawkins    
18     Love Cries 3:05
Coleman Hawkins
19     Sorrow 3:05
Shelton Brooks    
20     Tiger Rag 2:18
Harry Da Costa / Eddie Edwards / Nick LaRocca / Henry W. Ragas / Tony Sbarbaro / Larry Shields
21     It May Not Be True 3:07
Coleman Hawkins    
22     I'm in the Mood for Love 3:09
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh