There is something about Django style gypsy jazz that instantly puts a smile on my face, especially when played by a guitar legend like Martin Taylor. To mark the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Django Reinhardt, Martin Taylor has reformed his award group Spirit Of Django for this new album “Last Train To Hauteville”. Martin actually worked with Stephane Grapelli in the 70′s so who better to pay homage to one of the greats.
The album features the vocal talents of Alison Burns, Saxophonist Alan Barnes (Bjork, Van Morrison), and maestro Accordionist Jack Emblow.
I intend to do a lesson using the main theme from the opening track Last Train To Hauteville if I can ever figure out how to score it because it is such a fun little riff to play. If you want to hear this track in full there is a free download below. It is a fast paced fun track that conjures up images of rushing through the French countryside on an old Steam Train. The Accordion on tracks like “Le Jardin Anglais” and “La Javanaise” give the music that unmistakeable French flavour, kind of reminds me of the TV show ‘Allo ‘Allo, in the nicest possible way! The vocals of Alison Burns shine through on the cover of “La Mer” and “J’Attendrai” which make a nice addition to a mainly instrumental album.
If you like Gypsy Jazz then this is definitely an album worth checking out, Martin is a very talented musician who makes Django style soloing sound effortless, we all know it is incredibly difficult even with 4 fingers!
Still not sure? How about you download the free track below!
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