Search - John Jorgenson :: Franco-American Swing

Amazingly authentic

Michael J Edelman | Huntington Woods, MI USA | 12/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Jorgenson is not just a jack of all trades- he's a master, too. I knew him first as a member of the "Hellcasters" C&W instrumental trio, but he's every bit as good- or better- playing the jazz manouche music of Django Reinhardt. Turns out (according to an interview in Guitar Player) that his fascination with Django's music goes back decades, long before his involvment with the Hellcasters or Elton John or any of the other pop names he's played with.



And this love of Django and the Gypsies has translated into a feel for the music that few non-Gypsies can approach. Combine that with Jorgenson's astounding technique, and you think you're listening to one of the great old timers. If that wasn't enough, he's added a number of new tunes to the repetoir that capture the essence of the manouche style.



A must have for fans of the genre, and for Jorgenson fans, too."

A masterpiece - An essential recording to be sure!

James B. Cowan | California | 05/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Franco-American Swing is a true musical magnum opus created by John Jorgenson, one of the top musicians in the world. John is not an artist to be pigeon-holed as just a brilliant guitarist, a Hellecaster, a rocker, or one of the most requested and highly demanded hired guns in Nashville today. Although he fits in with all of the above, there is more...much more!
This time around John reveals to us the musical style that holds the dearest part of his harmonious spirit. Franco-American Swing is not just an extraordinary nod to the legendary Django Reinhardt. Franco-American Swing is an authentic and original work of art that triumphantly transports the genre of Gypsy Jazz into the 21st century.
John's amazing performances on guitar, clarinet and sax are aptly accompanied by some world-class players who help create the many moods that are gleeful, care-free, nostalgic, haunting and sometimes mournful.
Musical trends come and go. Franco-American Swing is a true musical masterpiece that will endure in countless hearts and minds for many years to come."

Simply Fantastic! A perfect homage to Django Reinhardt!

Justin | Marseille | 06/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album at DjangoFest San Francisco, immediately after the John Jorgenson Quintet performed it's stunning Saturday evening set. I will never forget the set as it was THE BEST live performance I have ever experienced, and I've been to quite a few shows.The album Franco American Swing is an absolutely fantastic mix of intense gypsy jazz songs like "F.A. Swing", "Swing Junction, and "J'Attendrai", beautiful waltzes like "Valse de Samois" and "Snowflake Waltz", and fantastic recreations of "Blue Drag" and "Minor Swing" of which even Django could be proud.The title track in particular "F.A. Swing" grabs you and won't let go. You'll have the song playing over and over in your head even after you're done listening to the CD. And this is the kind of music you want lingering in your consciousness, as everyone around you will notice your perpetual smile!Buy this album and enjoy! You won't regret it! I give it my absolute highest recommendation!!-- Justin Cheung"