Reviews
DJANGOFEST
NORTHWEST 2002
October 3 - 6, 2002
By Ted Gottsegen
originally printed in Just Jazz Guitar, July 2003
Bigger, stronger, better - three adjectives used to describe a myriad of things the last of which is a music festival. However it's the best way to describe the second annual Northwest Djangofest in Langley Washington which more than doubled in size since it's inauguration in the fall of 2001. With 9 bands playing over four days and four workshops spread over four days, this has become the Samois of the US.
Like its progenitor, the opening night featured some up and coming acts who've been working hard in the shadows. Savitrio, featuring this writer on rhythm guitar, Hot Club Sandwich and Florida's Pretty Boy Freud (featuring two thirds of Savitrio in the rhythm section) each brought their own vision of Jazz Manouche to an enthusiastic and very supportive audience.
Making a special trip up was the Hot Club of San Francisco, this country's oldest and most consistent band. Paul Mehling's ever changing cast of characters swung and grooved their way through the first set, followed by festival favorites Robin Nolan Trio with guest rhythm guitarist Jan P. Brouwer of Pigalle 44 and Fapy Lafertin fame who never cease to excite the crowd.
Saturday and Sunday was a day dedicated as much to learning as to playing. Pearl Django fiddler Michael Grey gave a special jazz masterclass followed by Robin Nolan's "Gypsy Jazz 101" workshop. As with all of the workshops, these were entirely sold out. The Gypsy Jazz buffet was a way for the fans to mingle with the performers and get tips, ask questions or just plain talk about equipment. Kicking the evening's concerts off with a bang was the Hot Club of San Diego featuring Alain Cola of Dell'Arte instruments. Cola and lead guitarist Patrick Berrogoin performed fine originals and covers. Hometown heroes Pearl Django sans co-founding member Dudley Hill brought their unique vision of 52nd street via Montmarte. Another unique group, featuring Michael Dunn and Romanian violinist Leche Cercel played a set mostly devoted to the Eastern European music of Cercel's homeland. While not necessarily "Jazz Manouche", it offered a different flavor and was eaten up by the audience. Dunn's master class, "Django's Rhythm" on Sunday was also sold out, a great entry level course into playing rhythm guitar and a good precursor to Nolan's class.
Jamming ensued at the campgrounds and the Doghouse pub both day and night. With it's small capacity, the groups tended to be large. Sadly, with so many new faces, jam session etiquette was in short supply. One must realize that there is a science to the jam session: one must be aware of their surroundings and pay attention to the tune being played, wait for their turn to solo and depending on the size of the jam, keep solo lengths down to a chorus or two. With people playing on top of one another it got difficult to keep the sessions from dissolving into a gelatinous mess. However, with the plans for extended jamming space at this year's upcoming festival, the problems will become moot.
With all this info calling the festival successful is an understatement. To say that Jazz Manouche in this country is a fad is to disregard the facts. With attendees coming from places like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego and elsewhere, the lure of hearing this great music is strong. This promises more of the same and I urge one and all to hop a plane on out. Keep checking the festivals website at www.djangofest.com for updates on Djangofest '03. For those interested in learning about the other bands that played, check their websites. Who knows, there might be a band in your area!
Ted
Gottsegen
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