Search - Victor Saumarez :: Djypsical

Djypiscal, as the name suggests, is another nod in the gypsy jazz direction from Los Angeles based guitarist Victor Saumarez, following in the tradition of his previous two CDs, Swing Strings, and Chunkin'. The CD kicks off with an uptempo rendition of Duke Ellington's At Sundown, with Kyle Newmaster on trumpet. The next track is a swinging version of East of the Sun, with Diane Hubka on vocals, Ruben Ramos on upright bass, and James Doyle on drums. Victor owes his distinctive style to a blending of American influences, such as Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Martino, and European gypsy jazz. All tracks are recorded acoustically, and attempt to recreate some of the atmosphere of a bygone era of earlier jazz standards. The relentless four-in-bar rhythm guitar is what drives the swinging pulse, while the melodic sensitivity keeps the listener constantly engaged.