Reviews - DFLA 2007
DjangoFest Laguna
3rd Annual Gypsy Jazz Festival
by HARVEY BARKAN
DjangoFest Laguna completed its third annual gypsy jazz festival in Laguna Beach, on the beautiful Southern California coast. During the 1930s, guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli formed the famous Quintet of the Hot Club of France, with a unique driving style and sound of swinging jazz that became legendary. Called "gypsy jazz," it has experienced a strong resurgence of interest, as it amazes and delights new generations of fans. With variations on Django's style, some of the foremost gypsy jazz musicians presented their art at Laguna's Festival of Arts Forum Theater, coming from France, Sweden, Argentina, Netherlands, Nashville, Los Angeles, and yes, Laguna Beach. DjangoFest Laguna is one of several worldwide celebrations of and tribute to this inspired music, with a focus on the incredible and moving guitar tradition of Django.
As soon as the quartet featuring guitarist Angelo Debarre began their set, the crisp purity and delightfully melodic gypsy jazz style captivated this informed and dedicated audience. Based in the homeland of gypsy jazz, Paris, France, the group played with a depth of feeling and a deep sense of the art. The renowned Ludovic Beier, masterful accordionist, presented the high potential for his instrument, adding a European flavor, enhancing the guitar and in turn, enhanced by it. Tchavolo Hassan played tasteful and authentic driving rhythm guitar, so important for the success of this style, and Simon Planting was given more featured space on stand up bass than is often the case, and used it well. An excellent blending of authentic musicianship, this group was a bit of gypsy jazz heaven! Master guitarist Debarre's technique was beautifully smooth and precise, with a sensitivity, though retaining the strength and feel for this jazz that is inherently earthy and intense. It was a joy to hear this group, especially the duo of Debarre and Beier featured together.
Arriving from Sweden just two days prior, guitarist Andreas Oberg said his jet lag was almost gone, and there certainly was no indication of anything disturbing his spectacular guitar playing. The operative word for the tall musician with long blond hair is, indeed, "spectacular." A master of lightning-fast runs and innovative gypsy jazz guitar work, he also ventured into other styles, and featured techniques of changing bass string tuning as he played, and demonstrated simultaneous playing both guitar and bass parts on his guitar. He didn't keep his versatility a secret as he ventured into other modes and techniques. Accompaniment was Michael Horowitz, a splendid player, on the gypsy jazz rhythm guitar, and Simon Planting, a driving bassist who seemed to have nailed down all of the evening's bassist work, playing in all sets with tireless creativity.
A third band expected for this segment of DjangoFest Laguna was unable to make it, but a substitution band led by 19 year old Thomas Davy filled in for the spot. I couldn't have been more pleased with this selection! In May 2005, in this publication, you might have read my review, "The Emerging Trio Gonzalo," in which I mentioned a then 16 year old guitar student, Thomas Davy, was invited out of the audience to play a few tunes with the featured trio. He did a nice job, particularly for only one year of study, mostly playing rhythm guitar. With an intense interest in gypsy jazz guitar, the teenage novice guitarist was driven the 120 miles round trip to be there by understanding and supportive parents. In the next three years, after continued study and up to eight hours daily practice, we were now hearing that same young man leading his Thomas Davy Band, playing lead guitar! He demonstrated what desire, dedication, and lots of hard work can accomplish! Continuing his study and work on his playing, he will no doubt be a major force within another 2 or 3 years. With rhythm guitarists Jimmy Grant and Ivan Pena, and the iron-man bassist Simon Planting, the band did an excellent presentation featuring individualized lead guitar, earning a standing ovation from an appreciative audience, responding the same way as for the major international guitarists and groups.
Also playing at earlier sessions and the prior day, were The John Jorgenson Quintet, Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, and Hot Club Pacific. Guitar headliners Michael Horowitz, John Jorgenson, Andreas Oberg, and Angelo Debarre, each with an individualized focus, offered several gypsy jazz guitar workshops. With the many guitar enthusiasts in attendance, there were probably enough guitar picks in pockets of the audience to roof a doghouse!
Known for their support of the arts, the City of Laguna Beach and especially the management of the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts deserve big thanks from the DjangoFest Laguna musicians and fans for their hospitality and continued support of this brainchild of Nick Lehr, Founding Director. And, in case you wanted even more gypsy jazz, attendees were invited to join the musicians for an impromptu gypsy jazz party at the nearby Brussels Bistro (Saturday and Sunday) or the Bamboo Bar & Grill (Friday) in Laguna Beach after the evening shows! More than a concert, this was a celebration of the return of hard-driving, melodic gypsy jazz, building on the remarkable creativity of Django Reinhardt and his works, with dedicated fans that know what they want to hear!
For information on DjangoFest, check www.DjangoFest.com.
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