Django Reinhardt: The Classic Early Recordings in Chronological Order (JSP, 2000) [recorded between 1934 and 1939]

The Quintet of the Hot Club of France isn’t legendary because of its rhythm sections. Nor does it hold its privileged place in history because of violinist Stéphane Grappelli, wonderful as he often is here. No, the irrepressible Django is the star from beginning to end of this indispensable five-disc set, and deservedly so. The passion of his guitar playing is at times almost overwhelming; he burns to pluck out the notes waiting impatiently in his left hand’s two-and-a-half working fingers, and he hasn’t a moment to spare. MAC RANDALL

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