Hot Club of San Francisco

We've seen this band twice, and they immediately became one of our favorites. Here's what Cam Miller had to say about one of their CDs in his Choice Cuts column.

The Hot Club of San Francisco, Bohemian Maestro: Django Reinhardt And the Impressionists, Azica Records, 16 Selections, TT = 59:10


If you’ve seen the October issue of Jazz Times, it would have been pretty difficult not to notice a two-page photo spread devoted to the Hot Club of San Francisco used in conjunction with Andrew Gilbert’s account on the increasing popularity of gypsy bands.

Well-deserved recognition for the San Fran strings-only quintet (it also plays under the name of Le Jazz Hot) led by solo guitarist and banjoist Paul Mehling and whose personnel includess the versastile Clint Baker on bass and classical violinist Evan Price (Turtle Island Quartet).

Though solidly in the great Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt’s corner in terms of both music and instrumental make up, Mehling also leads his band into the land of Jelly Roll Morton on banjo with a delightful take of “The Pearls” and adds the suupport of the Aeros Quintet that includes clarinets, necessary for Django’s “Improvisation No. 3.” On three selections, the addition of pianist Jeffrey Kahane puts the band into a swinging mode, and for a closing statement in keeping with impressionists other than Reinhardt, Mehling’s group essays DeBussy’s glorious “Claire De Lune.” Credit Price with the exquisite arrangement.

In conclusion, unlike other Django band replications that seem to be more interested in the Belgian guitarist’s technique than his music, the Bay city fivesome puts more emphasis on the spirit of the melodies.

GRADE: A + (For info, orders: http://www.azica.com/)

On The Home Front

Earlier today I told Sandra (ManyHorsesMane) that I would post some artwork. Unfortunately, my camera turned everything into a fuzzy, colorless mess. So, as soon as I find out why it's doing that, I'll post photos of some of my artwork that I've kept. Things that were sold or given away are no longer available -- the photos were lost in the Great Computer Crash of '09.

Instead, you may now be in awe of the Valentine's Kit that I received from Loopy Ewe yesterday. I'm not sure what to do with this yarn -- most likely a shawl, but suggestions would be appreciated. I mean, it feels sacrilegious to even think about winding something called "Chocolate Strawbery Ganache!" It's so beautiful as is!

On the other hand, I know exactly what to do with Keri's 3AM KIP bag! She's an absolute wizard and I'm in awe of her talent.

It's time to watch the Super Bowl pre-game show and then the game. I'm guessing that the Colts will probably win, but hoping the Saints can do it. Who dat say they gonna beat dem Saints???  Who Dat!!!