Django's Music

After some five years with the Quintette du Hot Club de France, guitarist Django Reinhardt went solo in 1939 with his own big band and a few different combos. His most famous musical partner, violinist Stephane Grappelli, stayed in England during the war to pursue solo ventures of his own — and presumably to steer clear of Nazi forces. While the proven duo would eventually team up again for some quality recordings, Reinhardt's interim sides during the war still deserve some attention. This nicely remastered collection on the Hep label certainly helps in that regard. Including 25 sides from 1940-1943, Django's Music focuses on the guitarist's big band material, and features such past Reinhardt collaborators as multi-reed player Alix Combelle, brother and guitarist Joseph Reinhardt, and alto saxophonist Andre Ekyan. Clarinetist Hubert Rostaing is the standout on the combo dates. Among the highlights are Reinhardt classics like "Daphne," "Djangology," and "Nuages." A welcome addition to a catalog already brimming over with many fine collections.