The music of
Django Reinhardt and
Stéphane Grappelli has long been a favorite of swing fans. Their approach is adapted by
the Hot Club of San Francisco in arrangements of modern jazz compositions, pop tunes, classical music, and their own originals. Guitarist Paul Mehling (who plays all of the guitar solos, while also doubling on viola) contributed the upbeat "Swing This," which also features
Jenny Scheinman's swinging violin, as does the toe-tapping arrangement of "The Man I Love" (a favorite of
Grappelli). Both
Horace Silver's "Nica's Dream" and
Gerry Mulligan's "Limelight" also sound great recast in a new light. An enchanting cover of
the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" works very well in a gypsy swing setting, adding accordionist Rob Berger. This salute by
the Hot Club of San Francisco to the style of
the Quintet of the Hot Club of France (without slavishly sticking to their repertoire) merits high praise. ~ Ken Dryden