During the last
decade in the UK there has been a slow
resurgence of ‘gypsy jazz’ even though
throughout the rest of Europe its popularity
has never waned. So, such names as Angelo
Debarre and Ludovic Beier are new to
most of us in this country.
‘Come Into My Swing’
features guitarist and jazz master Angelo
Debarre supported by the excellent accordionist
Ludovic Biere, bass player Antonio Licusati
and rhythm guitarist Niglo Micheli.
Debarre was born in
St. Denis, France into a Manush community
where the gypsy jazz tradition is transmitted
in family parties and gatherings. He
began playing at the age of eight. Although
his foremost influence was Django Reinhardt
he is equally at ease with the music
of Eastern Europe. Not only does this
CD allow us to experience his fine technique
it also highlights his composing talents.
There is little doubt that he is making
a memorable contribution to the annals
of gypsy jazz.
What possessed him
to include the hackneyed pop tune ‘Mr.
Sandman’ I cannot perceive but the rest
of the material is first class. The
opening track ‘Venez Donc Chez Moi’
sets the high standard that is maintained
throughout. The two titles that especially
caught my attention were both Debarre
compositions. ‘Stand By’ is a fast bossa
and gives ample opportunity for Debarre
and Biere to show us why they enjoy
such high reputation throughout the
rest of Europe. ‘Sonate Mystêrièuse’
is a solo piece by Debarre along classical
lines and again we are treated to another
facet of his performance.
This album is not
just for connoisseurs of gypsy jazz
– it is a ‘good old swinger’ and should
appeal to anybody who appreciates music
in the never dating Reinhardt tradition.
Jack Ashby
CD Reviews
Le Chant Du Monde – CDM 032
