Grisman & Garcia

Amazon.com essential recording
After nearly dying in 1986, Jerry Garcia not only spiritually revived the Grateful Dead but also rekindled his love for acoustic music. To that end, in 1989 he recorded Almost Acoustic with his 1960s Palo Alto folkie pals and also began collaborating with his longtime friend and mandolin master David Grisman. This 1991 set offers a brilliant assortment of acoustic music that ranges from bluegrass-inspired stomps to B.B. King covers, age-old folk songs, standards by Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael, and an exotic album-ending modal-jazz journey. The playing is stellar throughout, but the mood is warm and welcoming as well. --Marc Greilsamer

Grisman & Garcia,David Grisman,Jerry Garcia,Acoustic Disc,Alternative Pop/Rock,Bluegrass,Indie Rock,Jazz,Pop,Popular Music,Post-Grunge,Rock/Pop,United States of America

Average customer rating: We Love This Music! Loved it! Perfect for long car trips with children....... fun, but not appropriate for kids - violent lyrics Breath of Fresh Air

Not for Kids Only Jerry Garcia , and David Grisman Manufacturer: Acoustic Disc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Folk Music | Children's Music | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jambands | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: For The Kids Jazz for Kids: Sing, Clap, Wiggle and Shake For the Kids Too! No! Mary Had a Little Amp ASIN: B000003913 Release Date: 1993-10-20

Tracks:

1. Jenny Jenkins
2. Freight Train
3. A Horse Named Bill
4. Three Men Went A-Hunting
5. When First Unto This Country
6. Arkansas Traveler
7. Hopalong Peter
8. Teddy Bears' Picnic
9. There Ain't No Bugs On Me
10. The Miller's Will
11. Hot Corn, Cold Corn
12. A Shenandoah Lullaby

Amazon.com

An aptly named album if ever there was one, Not for Kids Only combines the talents of two legendary performers, the late Jerry Garcia, singer-guitarist of the Grateful Dead, and David Grisman, mandolinist and father of "dawg music," a melding of bluegrass, jazz, swing, Latin, and Jewish klezmer sounds. On this 1993 recording, the two devoted friends make seemingly effortless music, adapting traditional and old-time folk into a personalized sound so "homemade" (with jew's-harp and tambourine) as to inspire any child, young or old, to pick up whatever's at hand to play along. From the jaunty rhythms of "Jenny Jenkins" to the cornball humor of "Arkansas Traveler" and the laugh-out-loud lyrics of "A Horse Named Bill" ("I had a girl and her name was Daisy / And when she sang the cat went crazy"), this album, with Garcia's delightful hand-drawn cover art, tickles from top to bottom. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews:

We Love This Music!.......2007-05-23

This CD is wonderful and every member of my family loves it. It is perfect for my preschooler, who can listen to it any time of day or night. Appropriate for daytime listening because the lyrics in many songs are hilarious, and also mellow enough for his bedtime. The CD closes with a beautiful Brahm's lullaby. My husband and I are happy to expose our child to music that is played beautifully by talented musicians, with fun and clever lyrics. Plus we know that the purchase of this CD helps sick children, so we feel really good about having bought it.

My 3 year old just walked in, saw the picture of the CD on the screen, and said "I love that CD! For Kids Not Only!" How's that for a testimonial?!

Loved it!.......2007-03-16

We were looking for a new motivator to get our three year old to stay in his bed at nightime. He loves this CD! Funny, relaxing songs that work in the bedroom, but can also be great in the car. The songs are kid and adult friendly as well. It's a great combination of songs!

Perfect for long car trips with children..............2007-01-10

If you are tired of listening to Barney or the Wiggles, or any other obnoxious children's CD in the car with your kids, buy this CD. This is a collection of perfectly played children's favorites by two of the best bluegrass musicians of their time: Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. Yes, the very same man who fronted the Grateful Dead played bluegrass music and was very very good at it. Children will love the fun sing-a-longs like "Ain't no Bugs", and "Freight Train", and you won't mind them either. Adults will laugh every time they hear "Arkansas Traveler" because the jokes are so corny, they are funny. Everyone will have "Hot Corn, Cold Corn" in their mind after a listen.

As the title says "Not for Kids Only", this CD will make any long drive a pleasurable experience vs. one that you wish you had brought along the sedatives.

fun, but not appropriate for kids - violent lyrics.......2006-09-24

This CD is fun and musically intriguing, but not appropriate for kids... one song talks about "what can you do in a case like that but stamp on your mother, and your toothbrush, and on everything that's helpless." Another talks of being an immigrant to the country and says "and they beat me, and they banged me, and they left me on the ground." And another says "I'm a great sharpshootress. There is nothing that I can't shoot in the eyes, or the ears, or the teeth, or the fingers." Musically it's fun and goofy and intriguing, but I was appalled when I realized what I was encouraging my young child to listen to.

Breath of Fresh Air.......2006-07-14

Wonderful instrumentals and lyrics. A Shenandoah Lullaby is simply beautiful. I love the way the ending segues into Brahm's lullaby. His version of Arkansas traveller is refreshing. Teddy Bears' Picnic is a quaint song that few people have heard. There Ain't No Bugs On Me is my two-year-old daughter's favorite, judging from the way she belts out this song and giggles from time to time. I like all the songs on the CD. A breath of fresh air for parents who prefer real instruments to synthesized pop.

Average customer rating: Shady Grove Review Shady Grove Pure Brilliance Jerry without the Dead in a different style!! An instant favorite

Shady Grove Jerry Garcia & David Grisman Manufacturer: Acoustic Disc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jambands | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Grisman & Garcia The Pizza Tapes Not for Kids Only Breakdown: Live Recordings 1973 That High Lonesome Sound ASIN: B00000391J Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

1. Shady Grove
2. Stealin'
3. Off To Sea Once More - Jerry Garcia and David Grisman
4. The Sweet Sunny South
5. Louis Collins
6. Fair Ellender
7. Jackaroo
8. Casey Jones
9. Dreadful Wind And Rain
10. I Truly Understand
11. The Handsome Cabin Boy
12. Whiskey In The Jar
13. Down In The Valley

Amazon.com

Throughout his life, Jerry Garcia had an abiding fondness for the banjo, bluegrass, and roots-folk music. It not only helped shape the Grateful Dead's vast repertoire, but also led him on various musical excursions outside of the Dead. One of his most consistent collaborators in his extra-Dead adventures was "newgrass" mandolin master and bandleader David Grisman. The two of them formed the nucleus of the short-lived but influential bluegrass ensemble Old & In the Way in the early 1970s. These 13 delightful folk songs were culled from numerous laid-back Garcia-Grisman sessions that took place in Grisman's studio between 1990 and 1995, often joined by Joe Craven on fiddle and percussion and Jim Kerwin on bass. Garcia and Grisman pulled these songs--some of them quite obscure--from a variety of American eras and genres. Included is a vivid rendition of Mississippi John Hurt's "Louis Collins," as well as folk odes like "Casey Jones," "Whiskey in the Jar," and "The Handsome Cabin Boy." Throughout, the resulting music is mellow and evocative, likely to appeal to both neo-folkies and open-minded Deadheads. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews:

Shady Grove Review.......2007-05-20

Garcia and Grisman were superb together. this particular album is unique.

Shady Grove.......2007-05-12

If you likes The Grateful Dead and if you like bluegrass, then this is something you have to have

Pure Brilliance.......2006-02-22

My musical journey hasn't even reached a 2 digit number of years yet, but it's been quite profound so far. I count my album collection by the hundreds. I really truly love all the albums I own, but I've been blown away by an album only so little times. (Nevermind, Dark side of the Moon, Blue, Moon Safari).
Now - when I say blown away - I mean it. Literaly. Blown away, to me, means having to sit back and re-think everything you thought you knew about music and discovering a whole new genre, a new approach. Discovering you like something else. That's blown away, as far as I'm concerned. And this album definately blew the hell out of me.
I remember hearing it for the first time, on some early morning train ride, that went through the sun, through the rain, and back to sun light again. From that first string pluck to that very last "truly obnoxious instrument" monolog, I was simply amazed. I never thought I'd like country music, or anything related to it, for that matter.
And the whole atmosphere of the album - so relaxed, so free, so "we're here just for the fun of it. really" kind of feeling. I've only heard that feeling come out of one other album - "Traveling Wilburys Volume 1". The only thing David and Jerry wanted to get/achieve in these recordings was the shere pleasue of hearing each other play together, and the excitement of what the music may do while they play.
If you're a dead head, you'll probably get this album anyway. If you're not, if you only have a couple (or less) "dead" albums, then pick this one up. You're exactly where I was when i pressed that "play" button.

Jerry without the Dead in a different style!!.......2006-01-15

Different styles of bluegrass,and old tunes make this a very interesting musical find!!! Once you hear the title track you will find it hard to keep the song out of your head,I cant quit ,singing ,humming and whistling it.

An instant favorite.......2006-01-06

My ears first delighted to this jewel of an album on a driftboat trip through the Rogue River valley, and it's been one of my favorites ever since. Highly recommended to anyone with an appreciation for great music.

Average customer rating: Breakdown: Live Recordings Real Bluegrass But With An Innovative Approach Just Excellent!! Vassar--Goodbye and Hello Fantastic album

Breakdown: Live Recordings 1973 Old & in the Way , Jerry Garcia , and David Grisman Manufacturer: Acoustic Disc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Bluegrass Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Jam Bands | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jambands | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: That High Lonesome Sound Old & In the Gray The Pizza Tapes Shady Grove Grisman & Garcia ASIN: B00000391Q Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

1. Introduction-Peter Rowan
2. Home Is Where The Heart Is
3. Down Where The River Bends
4. On And On
5. The Hobo Song
6. Old & In The Way Breakdown
7. 'Til The End Of The World Rolls 'Round
8. Panama Red
9. You'll Find Her Name Written There
10. Kissimee Kid
11. Goin' To The Races
12. Midnight Moonlight
13. Working On a Building
14. Muleskinner Blues
15. Pig In A Pen
16. Drifting Too Far From Shore
17. Jerry's Breakdown
18. Wild Horses
19. Blue Mule

Amazon.com

Short-lived and with only a limited output, this five-piece bluegrass band nevertheless helped spread the gospel of this extraordinary genre via the famous coattails of its most notorious member: Jerry Garcia. However, they were no novelty act. Breakdown is the second posthumous release culled from a series of 1973 concerts in San Francisco. At a robust 70 minutes, the album flows like a complete live set, featuring scrumptious musicianship and harmonious camaraderie. Much better than the eponymous debut from 1975--and a perfect second volume companion to 1996's equally worthy That High Lonesome Sound--Breakdown features covers of greats Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs, originals by the band's guitarist Peter Rowan, fiddler Vassar Clements and banjoist Garcia. A must own for any fan of acoustic music and a great primer for bluegrass neophytes. --Greg Emmanuel

Customer Reviews:

Breakdown: Live Recordings.......2007-05-12

Great Bluegrass music! A must have for the fan of the genre.

Real Bluegrass But With An Innovative Approach.......2006-01-20

What I like about this band is that is they are able to mix authentic bluegrass with a little something more experimental and unique. For example, the songs include several covers from bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers. But also some originals, mostly written by guitarist Peter Rowan. Actually I think Rowan demonstrates outstanding song writing ability on songs like "Panama Red" and "Midnight Moonlight". So it's a shame that he remained in relative obscurity as a musician. But still his music shines through on this album. I also love the mandolin sound of David Grisman and Vassar Clements' fiddle playing!

Among the traditional songs, I especially liked the patriotic "Down Where The River Bends" and the old gospel tune "Drifting Too Far From The Shore". It's ironic because the lyrics of these songs are so different from my personal experience and yet they manage to move me deeply. It's funny how music can do that to you. In any case, this is a fine album and I recommend it highly to both straight-up bluegrass lovers and rock fans drawn to it by Jerry Garcia. Good stuff!

Just Excellent!!.......2005-09-15

I grew up on bluegrass, and then as i got older I grew away from it. Years later I was listening to Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, etc.. It was after listening to "Cumberland Blues" off the Dead's Workingmans Dead album that I heard the banjo in the background. I found out later it was Garcia. Looked into it further and found Old & In the Way years ago. I've been playing banjo going on 14 years now because of Jerry, and the love for the music that I rediscovered. A lot of people put down his playing, but you try picking a banjo with your thumb, pointy and ring (middle finger was chopped off in accident as a child) and you'll see his handicap didn't slow him down. The rest of the musicians are excellent as well. Vassar was a fiddling Wonder! And the "dawg" is great as well.All three OAITW albums are classics!

Vassar--Goodbye and Hello.......2005-08-19

I agree wholeheartedly with reviewer Cox here. Most will come for Garcia, but will stay for Vassar. The group playing is a little ragged here and there (a live performance, after all), but so much is first rate bluegrass, and I've never heard Vassar Clements so fiery--more daring than on his work with Nitty Gritty DB (which is also splendid), Bela Fleck, or even on his solo albums. Grisman is a delight as always, bur VC steals the show. Sorry to say, I just read Vassar's obit in the NYTimes yesterday. Alas. But this CD is a reminder of his great talent.

Fantastic album.......2005-08-15

In short, this is one immensely satisfying bluegrass album. The three soloists (Garcia, Clements, and Grisman) are excellent, and Clements' fiddling is jaw-dropping. Grisman, as usual, displays a keen sense of phrasing and a still-astonishing speed. Garcia can actually play the banjo with some ability, though his solo breaks are usually restricted to the melody or some spruced-up chord progression. It's interesting that after almost every solo, Jerry gets some cheers--from G.D. fans, I imagine--while Grisman and Clements (both of whom are vastly superior to Garcia in bluegrass terms) rarely get much individual applause.
I'm not trying to disparage Garcia's playing--he definitely holds it together, and considering his G.D. history, I was surprised by his abilities.
The group excells at making the songs accessible, both in the choice of songs and in the playing.

Some particularly enjoyable songs:
Kissimmee Kid (Clements and Grisman shine)
Wild Horses
Midnight Moonlight
The Hobo Song

Buy this album immediately. It's certainly worth it; when I first bought it, it didn't leave my car stereo for about 2 weeks.

Average customer rating: The Pizza Tapes What becomes a legend most Greatness Enjoy this tasty acoustic treat... It's HOT!! a view from the studio

The Pizza Tapes Jerry Garcia , David Grisman , and Tony Rice Manufacturer: Acoustic Disc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Contemporary Folk | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jambands | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shady Grove Grisman & Garcia Breakdown: Live Recordings 1973 That High Lonesome Sound Been All Around This World ASIN: B00004SBZ6 Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Appetizer
2. Man Of Constant Sorrow
3. Appetizer
4. Louis Collins
5. Shady Jam
6. Shady Grove
7. Always Late
8. Guitar Space/Summertime
9. Appetizer
10. Long Black Veil
11. Rosalee McFall
12. Appetizer
13. Drifting Too Far From The Shore
14. Amazing Grace
15. Little Sadie
16. Knockin' On Heaven's Door
17. Space Jam
18. So What
19. Appetizer
20. House of the Rising Sun

Amazon.com

Chances are, the most devoted fans of these three musicians have heard these tunes before, thanks to the crafty pizza-delivery boy who filched the tapes from Garcia's kitchen soon after they were recorded in 1993. That said, the warm, intimate performances here are very much worth an official CD release. The sessions came about when Tony Rice was in Northern California to record the delightful duet-collection Tone Poems with David Grisman. Garcia stopped by to hang out and jam with his old buddy Grisman and with Rice, one of his guitar idols. The disc retains all of the joy and spontaneity you'd expect from such an informal setting--Grisman even elected to leave in the between-song banter, which mostly consists of genuine overflowing mutual praise. The music itself, primarily traditional folk songs, is quite engaging thanks to Garcia's affecting, soulful, pained vocals and to the picking of all three. The contrast in flat-picking-guitar styles makes for an interesting combination: while Rice is technically superb, marvelously quick, and of remarkably clarion tone, Garcia is much more emotional and visceral, feeling his way along. There are a handful of exploratory, off-the-cuff jams that add to the impulsive nature of the whole project. Had the threesome actually intended this to be released, it probably wouldn't have the appeal it does, for this is the product of friends and music lovers, not recording artists. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

The Pizza Tapes.......2007-05-12

If you likes The Grateful Dead and if you like bluegrass, then this is something you must have.

What becomes a legend most.......2006-12-24

Legend has it this remarkable recording was swiped by a pizza delivery boy from David Grisman's kitchen shortly after it was completed. Sounds a little far fetched to me, but no matter how the recording ultimately came to see the light of day, we, the fans, are the lucky beneficiaries.

I've been a Dead aficionado (most people probably wouldn't describe me as a "deadhead") for the last 20 years or so. During that time, I've amassed close to 100 of their recordings, official and bootlegs. I've also perused Jerry's solo works, and by and large, can't say anything has really gripped me as much as his work with the Dead.

There are two exceptions to that: The pizza tapes and Shady Grove. Both were recorded very shortly before Jerry passed on to the big Dead concert in the sky, and both are just incredibly beautiful documents of his bluegrass/banjo/mountain picking roots.

These two recordings are absolutely essential for anyone who has been captivated by the incredible treasure that is Jerry Garcia and the Dead.

Greatness.......2006-10-16

This is perfect relaxing music, a must have for any dead heads, this is the stuff that hippies are made out of, pure dedication to music spreading peace and love.

Enjoy this tasty acoustic treat... It's HOT!!.......2006-03-06

When I make a long night drive home after a loud concert, I like to listen to something quiet and soothing. THE PIZZA TAPES is one of my favorite quiet and soothing picks, it's a sweet masterpiece of acoustic jamming and inspired playing. During two days in February of 1993 Garcia, Grisman and Rice got together to fiddle around with some tunes and see how they came out on tape. As we all know, the recordings were stolen by the infamous "Pizza boy" and soon they became property of the formidable Grateful Dead tape and CD trading community. Several years later Grisman remastered the recordings and put out the best takes on this album. This isn't an album of electric jams, it's rather impromptu, quiet and easygoing. Some people might dismiss it as "background music." However if you take a closer listen, the trio handles the traditional tunes and Bob Dylan tunes and the Gershwin (!) tunes with such skill, there's hardly an uninspired or false note anywhere to be found. Garcia screws up here and there but even those mistakes are a pleasure to listen to. Definitely a classic album and something I received with anticipation. I still enjoy putting this on and it gets better with successive listenings.

By the way, I love the cover art... the CD case is made to resemble a pizza box. Open it up and the disc is a pizza pie with all the toppings. On the back is a menu of all the treats including some spicy items (choice words from Garcia!)
I actually get the craving for pizza when I'm listening to the album. The PIZZA TAPES sure is one tasty album. Great music and great pizza, what a winning combination!!

a view from the studio.......2005-12-21

This CD really is a lot of fun. The music is great, but the banter between the musicians is even better. Just buy it and enjoy.

By the way, if you're new to the Acoustic Disc label, note that they often bury a little surprise at the end of their CD's. It won't be listed on the menu of tunes or mentioned in the liner notes. It's usually a little snippet or out-take, and it's always a treat. You can't even find it with the "fast forward" button; you have to wait for the last song to end, then there will be a rather long pause and then the trailer will start playing. So, don't be in such a rush to remove the CD from the player; there might be more to come.

Average customer rating: Grisman and Garcia Lovely addition to any music collection! Friend of a friend This duo is hot One of the first I would re-buy . . .

Grisman & Garcia David Grisman , and Jerry Garcia Manufacturer: Acoustic Disc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jambands | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shady Grove The Pizza Tapes Breakdown: Live Recordings 1973 Not for Kids Only That High Lonesome Sound ASIN: B00000390S Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. The Thrill Is Gone
2. Grateful Dawg
3. Two Soldiers
4. Friend Of The Devil
5. Russian Lullaby
6. Dawg's Waltz
7. Walkin' Boss
8. Rockin' Chair
9. Arabia

Amazon.com essential recording

After nearly dying in 1986, Jerry Garcia not only spiritually revived the Grateful Dead but also rekindled his love for acoustic music. To that end, in 1989 he recorded Almost Acoustic with his 1960s Palo Alto folkie pals and also began collaborating with his longtime friend and mandolin master David Grisman. This 1991 set offers a brilliant assortment of acoustic music that ranges from bluegrass-inspired stomps to B.B. King covers, age-old folk songs, standards by Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael, and an exotic album-ending modal-jazz journey. The playing is stellar throughout, but the mood is warm and welcoming as well. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Grisman and Garcia.......2007-01-10

If you like Old and In the Way you'll love this cd.

Lovely addition to any music collection!.......2006-01-13

Jerry Garcia/David Grisman's 1991 self-titled album is an acoustic delight that everyone, from die hard Deadheads to casual fans looking for some excellent guitar and mandolin picking, will enjoy.

Jerry Garcia, legendary leader of the now defunct Grateful Dead, teams with the less widely known (but supremely talented) David Grisman for 58:28 minutes of sublime music sure to soothe substance seeking listeners.

This collection of songs includes a cover of the BB King classic 'The Thrill is Gone' and an amazing reworking of the Dead's beloved 'Friend of the Devil'. Also especially noteworthy is 'Russian Lullaby' and 'Dawg's Waltz', which showcases Grisman's ability to make the mandolin sing. The traditional rendition of `Walkin' Boss' is so exceptionally authentic that one can practically see the mist rising off the
Appalachian Mountains. Even the ample 16:25 minutes of 'Arabia' doesn't feel unnecessarily long.

This album would be a delightful addition to any music lovers collection, but particularly those interested in acoustic music. It has also been a welcome break from more traditional lullaby collections and works like a charm to lull my four children (ages 5, 4, 3 & 1) off to dreamland. A rare find indeed - something complex enough for adults yet dulcet enough for slumbering kids.

Friend of a friend.......2005-08-29

I heard the acoustic version of "Friend of the Devil" on my local
public radio station, and I was blown away. I had to have it, but
was worried the rest of the album would not be as good. Not to
worry, a fantastic album throughout. "Russian Lullaby" is catchy,
"The Thrill is Gone" is done so you forget B.B. King, "Arabia" the
last song on the album is 16:25 long, and not a second too long.

If it helps to know where I'm coming from, I'm a fan of acoustic
music and have been learning the mandolin myself. This album is
more for the acoustic music fan; I can't speak for the deadheads.

This duo is hot.......2005-03-29

I love the last track on this cd. I think that it clocks in over 16 min.

One of the first I would re-buy . . ........2004-01-10

if, heaven forbid, all my CDs were stolen. There is not a bad moment on this CD, and it's a must for acoustic fans. Some find the last track a bit tiresome. I did too at the beginning. Repeated careful listenings, though, bring out subtlies in the structure that a casual hearing misses.

The musicianship, of course, is excellent. It's difficult to chose a stand-out, but both Garcia's and Grisman's solos in "Friend of the Devil" are literally other-worldly.

In short, a must.

Average customer rating: Fantastic The best Original Dawg The Original Dawg Album Simply put, the finest bluegrass album ever!!!

The David Grisman Quintet David Grisman Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hot Dawg Stephane Grappelli and David Grisman Live Tone Poems Grisman & Garcia DGBX ASIN: B00000333S Release Date: 1993-09-28

Tracks:

1. E.M.D.
2. Swing 51
3. Opus 57
4. Blue Midnite
5. Pneumonia
6. Minor Swing
7. Fish Scale
8. 16-16
9. Richochet
10. Dawg's Rag

Amazon.com

A string band pilgrim who had already soldiered through bluegrass, folk, and rock, mandolinist David Grisman helped jump start a new chapter in instrumental music with the release of this 1977 album, carving out a jubilant acoustic style borrowing equally from Bill Monroe's bluegrass legacy and Django Reinhardt's '30s swing as immortalized by his Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Grisman's band, including violinist Darol Anger and multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall, bring jaunty lyricism to a set that introduces this hybrid fully- formed. Grisman would continue to explore its boundaries with various lineups (including collaborations with the peerless Stephane Grappelli, violinist for the original Hot Club), but he would never improve on the music here. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-03-16

This man needs to be shared with more people. I just wish more albums were produced with his music

The best.......2007-02-12

As a bluegrass, newgrass and Tony Rice fan - this is simply the best. I needed the CD to replace my vinyl copy that I've had since the early 80's

Original Dawg.......2006-02-02

This is the original Dawg. Before the Latin beat, the South American guitarist, the flutes and the African drum. It is still beyond bluegrass, with jazzy and Latin overtones in parts, just a little closer to a "roots" sound than the albums after Hot Dawg.

The Original Dawg Album.......2004-04-20

This is the album that started it all - the whole Dawg Music phenomenon. As a result artists like Mark O'Connor, Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, and Bela Fleck were later able to launch similar careers further expanding the boundaries of music. Stephane Grappelli gained widespread exposure in the US by touring and recording with the DGQ in 1979. Jerry Garcia later joined in the fun by recording numerous dawg tunes.

EMD (as Grisman explains, it was written for a bad movie about hot rods entitled Eat My Dust ... he was embarrassed to be a part of such a juvenile project so he named it with the initials) is one hot tune offering ample opportunity for fast pickin and fiddlin. Minor Swing is a Django Reinhardt/Stephane Grappelli tune done dawggy style. 16/16 is named after the time signature which is rarely used in mandolin compositions. Ricochet is a great little tune featuring 3 mandolins playing melody and harmony throughout.

I would consider this album the Seargent Pepper of dawg music. This album more than any other opened the door to new ideas about acoustic music, making it okay for bluegrass musicians to play jazz, funk, or maybe even dabble a bit in classical. Likewise many classical and jazz musicians have discovered the pure joy of playing more traditional forms of music upon discovering the genius of some of these artists. Highly recommended.

Simply put, the finest bluegrass album ever!!!.......2002-11-04

This album, that started off the David Grissman Quintets career is a masterpiece. Those looking for vocal-less bluegrass that focuses on outstanding changes and climaxing soloing, this is it. A thousand listens later, this cd still sends tingles down my spine, this album is full of grissman classics that make up the bulk of his live shows today. Buy this album, you won't be sorry.

Average customer rating: Dawg Music of the Highest Order Great tunes, but not as coherent an album wow A must for any music collection [Great] Blue-Grass!!

Hot Dawg David Grisman Manufacturer: Fontana a&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Bluegrass | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Bluegrass | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The David Grisman Quintet Stephane Grappelli and David Grisman Live Dawg's Groove Grisman & Garcia Dawganova ASIN: B000002GD1 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Dawg's Bull
2. Devlin'
3. Minor Swing
4. Dawgology
5. Neon Tetra
6. Janice
7. Dawg-ola
8. 16...16

Customer Reviews:

Dawg Music of the Highest Order.......2007-06-02

With a recording career that now extends more than thirty years, this is the David Grisman album that I return to most often. It features like-minded musicians Tony Rice (arguably the finest acoustic guitar player on the planet), violinist Darol Anger, and a variety of bassists including Todd Phillips, Eddie Gomez and Buell Neidlinger. The acoustic jazz--or "dawg" music as Grisman dubbed it--swings like Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. In fact, Grappelli plays violin on "Minor Swing" (a Grapelli/Reinhardt composition) and "16/16" (an original Grisman tune). The entire album swings from beginning to end. This is the place to begin your David Grisman collection. Powerful stuff! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Great tunes, but not as coherent an album.......2007-01-26

I remember sitting up until midnight to catch the "radio premier" of the Hot Dawg album on WRVR in New York - a lifetime ago it seems. Shortly after I saw them for the first time, sans Grappelli, at the Bottom Line, with an unknown Pierre Bensusan on his first American tour as the opening act.

After Bill Wolf set the bar so high for sheer sound with the previous album, the production on Hot Dawg still seems a little reverb-heavy with some uneven spots in the mix. My fantasy is to hear the tunes on Hot Dawg re-mastered to sound like the first Quintet album. I thought Rice's guitar lacked bottom and warmth - this was before the shocking disclosure that Tony had used an (gasp!) Ovation for some of the solo tracks. I still recall sniffing at those ads he did at the time for them.

Sound aside, "Dawg's Bull" is one of Grisman's arranging highpoints, the triple-mandolin voicings still shimmer. In retrospect, there are strong latin hints of things to come in the middle-samba blowing section of "16-16" as well as "Janice", one of Grisman's most concise and beautiful melodies. Along with the phrygian half-step 6/8 from one of Grisman's most expansive tunes, "Dawgology", there was a lot to chew on, compositionally. The playing was a very fresh sounding fusion of bluegrass pentatonicism with a good dose of swing vocabulary. Darol Anger's "On Broadway" quote from the Devlin' solo still sticks in my mind after all these years.

So what's the gripe? The first DGQ album had a balance and consistency that all true masterpieces have. Perhaps it's unfair to expect a followup to match it, but Hot Dawg always felt more like a great collection of tracks assembled over time rather than a well-conceived album. I could be completely wrong on both counts, and in this age of resequencing and repeating, the point's probably moot. But I guess that's why we all get to write our own reviews.

wow.......2005-10-25

This CD opened my mind up to the mandolin and to this type of jazz!!! One day I hope to play mandolin! I just love this CD.... Grateful DAWG is my next favorite!

A must for any music collection.......2004-09-25

I first had a copy of "Hot Dawg" on 8 track many years ago. I later found an lp and will soon upgade to CD form. This is without question an ageless masterpiece. It doesn't matter if you enjoy Bluegrass or not, there is no denying passion in music. I do agree with one reviewer that it's difficult to categorize this as bluegrass. It is a fusion of several influences that meld together like nothing else. It's obvious with a listen or two that all the musicians/artist who contributed had a desire to produce something very special. This album grabbed me from the start. I read back then that David Grisman practiced his Mandolin eight hours a day, and it shows. Grismans' playing is flawless. Include this one in your music collection. It's fun, enegetic and alluring.

[Great] Blue-Grass!!.......2003-07-10

This is some awesome progressive bluegrass here. I have always been a huge fan of the Grateful Dead. Listening to Jerry Garcia and his influences in music has gotten me interested in the roots of American music. David Grisman is a master of the mandolin, and his covers are refreshing renditions of previously recorded tunes. This is a good record to start expanding your musical library. Also check out some Garcia/Grisman recordings, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and, a bit unrelated, The String Cheese Incident.

Average customer rating: New Shabbos Waltz

New Shabbos Waltz David Grisman , and Andy Statman Manufacturer: Acoustic Disc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: East Flatbush Blues Songs of Our Fathers Awakening from Above Between Heaven And Earth: Music Of The Jewish Mystics Avodas Halevi ASIN: B000G8NVYS Release Date: 2006-08-08

Tracks:

1. Avinu Malkeinu
2. Anim Zemiros
3. Pischu Li
4. Shabbos Ha Yom LaShem
5. Mim'komkha
6. New Shabbos Waltz
7. Ya'aleh
8. Oifen Pripitchik
9. Old Klezmer
10. Yerushalayim Irkhah
11. Yerushalayim Shel Zahav
12. Lekha Dodi
13. Ani Ma'amin

Amazon.com

Master mandolinist David Grisman and clarinet virtuoso Andy Statman, in a long-awaited follow-up to Songs of Our Fathers (1995), have again combined their shared Jewish heritages. That both men are veterans of the "newgrass" and folk scenes comes across in the Appalachian-like swing of the title selection and their collaboration sounds unforced and mutually sympathetic throughout. Statman's honking, shrieking clarinet, with its echoes of past masters like Giora Feidman and Dave Tarras, soars and swoops along, just this side of spoken language. Grisman's plangent yet mellifluous plucked strings are miracles of flawless technique and taste, and he is periodically joined by Statman on the same instrument. The duo are assisted by studio drummer Hal Blaine and Enrique Coria on acoustic guitar, both of whom also appeared on Songs of Our Fathers, plus noted slide guitarist Bob Brozman and Grisman's son, Samson, who ably sits in on bass. Highlights include "Oifen Pripitchik" (On the Hearth), a sweetly melancholy 19th-century Yiddish song, and the Chassidic niggun, "Ani Ma'amin" (I Believe), composed by Rabbi Ezriel Dovid Fastag in a cattle car en route to the Treblinka death camp-- it later became a survivalist anthem sung in other such hell-holes. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

New Shabbos Waltz .......2006-11-07

New Shabbos Waltz is a fitting follow-up record to the acclaimed Songs of Our Fathers.
Again, the combined talents of David Grisman and Andy Stanton transport the listener to the spiritual relms with their hauntingly beautiful Chasidic and classical Jewish music. And you don't have to be Jewish to take the trip!

Average customer rating: It froze me in my tracks! Greatest violinist 3 Geniuses in One Band Encounter Knockout!

Stephane Grappelli and David Grisman Live Stephane Grappelli , and David Grisman Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music European Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Bluegrass | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Bluegrass | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The David Grisman Quintet Hot Dawg Quintette du Hot Club de France: 25 Classics 1934-1940 Afternoon in Paris Jazz in Paris: Oscar Peterson-Stephanie Grapelli Quartet, Vol. 1 ASIN: B000002KMA Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

1. Shine
2. Pent-up House
3. Misty
4. Sweet Georgia Brown
5. Tiger Rag (Hold That Tiger)
6. Satin Doll
7. Swing '42
8. Tzigani/Tisztorza/Fulginiti

Customer Reviews:

It froze me in my tracks!.......2006-11-16

I recall hearing this for the first time in "Feldman's Apartment" in NYC 20 or so years ago. Feldman's roommate was playing the album and I just HAD to run out and get a copy.

The musicians on this album were truly on fire during the live sessions, and the audience was certainly sending the love back to the stage.

Grappelli was truly a genius with the jazz violin, and I had the good fortune to see him concert both in Rochester, NY and at Ravinia in Chicago before he passed away. Thank goodness the work of Django's kindred spirit is saved for us mortals.

Greatest violinist.......2006-11-10

I had this album on vinyl years ago, it reflects Stephane Grappelli's full range of talent and skill. It was recorded to CD with great results.

3 Geniuses in One Band.......2003-08-28

Grappelli, Grisman, and Mark O'Connor all playing together in a classic performance. My favorite piece is Tiger Rag where Grappelli and then 18 year old O'Connor play a transcription for two violins with lots of improvising throughout. Grappelli commented later that O'Connor would do great things with his music, and his prediction has come true. O'Connor displays his virtuosity on guitar as well on the other tunes. Grisman, O'Connor, Marshall, and Wasserman provide a great acoustic background for Grappelli's legendary sound. These are tunes that were not typically in the DGQ repertoire, but they sound like they've been playing them for years. Another bonus is Tiny Moore's electric mandolin solo on Satin Doll. This album is a true classic.

Encounter.......2003-06-14

All the DAWG grandchildren seem like really happy to play with this fabulous Jazz Violin Player.
During this concert, Grappelli must have found the image of Django on the performance of Grisman. Grappelli's elegant and sophisticated playing was a complete contrast to Grisman's totally extravagant and free pikin style. This is almost same as assortment of QHCP. I was rearlly impressed with their tender-hearted tones.

Knockout!.......2003-04-26

I defy anyone to listen to this CD without grinning. This music is pure joy. If you play a string instrument, your jaw will drop down to your knees. Grappelli's technical virtuosity is astonishing; what's even more remarkable is how effortless he makes it sound. And Grisman smokes. This is why God gave us fingers.

Average customer rating: Review by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide Sure-fire album by the Hot Club of San Francisco Gong Oh has arrived, and so has the Hot Club of San Francisco

Yerba Buena Bounce Hot Club of San Francisco , and David Grisman Manufacturer: Reference Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Postcards from Gypsyland Django Latino Chasing Shadows Clair de Lune Garden of Dreams ASIN: B000N60H5O Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. Mystery Pacific
2. Hot Lips
3. I'm Happy Just To Dance With You
4. Sway
5. Number Two
6. Souvenir De Villingen
7. Tickle Toe
8. Black And White
9. Lullaby
10. Rhythme Futur
11. Yerba Buena Bounce
12. Stardust
13. Borneo
14. Georgia Cabin
15. Improvisation #2
16. Gong Oh
17. Jam: Some Of These Days

Album Description

The Hot Club of San Francisco is a quintet of acoustic string virtuosos and one of the premier exponents of "gypsy jazz" inspired by Django Reinhardt's Hot Club of Paris. Special guest David Grisman, the world's best-known mandolin player, has a huge following.

Customer Reviews:

Review by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide.......2007-05-11

Review by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
The Hot Club of San Francisco is more than a tribute band re-creating the recordings of Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Quintette du Hot Club de France; the group covers pieces from many different eras never performed by the group which inspired them. On their tenth CD, Yerba Buena Bounce, the Hot Club of San Francisco, which has identical instrumentation to the French group (lead guitar, violin, two rhythm guitars and a bass), leader Paul Mehling, violinist Evan Price and the rhythm section swing like mad in their updated treatment of the QHCF's speeding locomotive represented by "Mystery Pacific" and the brisk, chugging "Black and White." But they also successfully convert modern pop songs into gypsy swing material, such as the Beatles' ballad "I'm Happy Just to Dance with You" (adding Seth Asarnow on bandoneon) and Norman Gimbel's "Sway" (which adds mandolin master David Grisman). Mehling proves himself as a composer as well, contributing the upbeat "Number Two" and the tender "Lullaby" (the latter adding both Asarnow and Grisman). If that's not enough, Mehling adds campy vocals to "Gong Oh" and "Some of These Days." Fans of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli owe it to themselves to investigate these swinging, beautifully recorded sessions by the Hot Club of San Francisco; gypsy swing is very much alive in their hands!

Sure-fire album by the Hot Club of San Francisco.......2007-04-13

"Yerba Buena Bounce," the newest album by Paul Mehling's Hot Club of San Francisco, really stunned me, though I have long been aware of this fine band. This album is a must for any fan of Gypsy jazz, or of "old jazz" in general. It has the right spirit, great execution, and vibrant recording methods.

First, the acoustics generated at legendary Fantasy Studios are as good as it gets. One feels throughout that he's seated right before a live bank of hot guitars playing in perfect unison, as in the old Parisian haunts of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. You've got to hear the sound of the guitar wall on "Tickle Toe" and the brightness of the horns played by friends who sat in for "Some of These Days."

Paul Mehling has always had a classic "Django band," with his lead guitar, two accompanying guitars, a solo violin, and bass. Though he has tweaked the band a bit in the past twenty years or so, this classic format has usually prevailed and it reaches its zenith in this recording. Paul's own playing is superb as he romps over some of the brisker and more difficult Django tunes, like "Mystery Pacific," "Rythme futur," and "Black and White."

Evan Price's viloin lead on Pres' "Tickle Toe" is superb, and just when you think it can't get get any better than that, he launches into a swinging chorus or two of "Black and White." Evan has been a stalwart in Paul's band for a long time, bowing with a boppish flair that just ain't that easy on violin. And for fans of the double bass, Ari Monkres is a never-fail chord-keeper who gets an overdue break on "Stardust," where he takes the lead.

There are two tunes on the CD that seem to me inherently infelicitous,
Dean Martin's saw "Sway (With Me)" and Henry Busse's "Hot Lips," yet the Hot Club makes good sense out of them. I would have said that "Hot Lips"--much like Clyde McCoy's "Sugar Blues"--was a one-man, one-band, one-time song. Yet played by this solid band, "Hot Lips" bobs along, sort of an upside-down "J'Attendrai," which HCSF has in fact recorded elsewhere. With the addition of Dave Grisman's mandolin, the minor chord sequences on "Sway" sound as if they they emanate from a Gypsy camp.

Leader Mehling is a fine composer. On this CD, his "Number Two" and "Lullabye" are really noteworthy. "Number Two" is a typical Paul, where the tempo is brisk and there are lots of surprises, as in stops and starts and changes from minor to major. "Lullabye" represent's Paul's other side: a lovely, wistful ballad on a par with his earlier "Giselle."
Paul sings on "Some of these Days," and is in fine, humorous form on Paolo Conte's "Gong Oh."

Speed and instrumental tours de force seem to be the sine qua non of most Gypsy bands. And that is here. But what always impresses me with Paul's band is that everyone plays with good tone quality and intonation. This album ain't no dog. In fact it is four paws up--and a tail and a muzzle. And a swooping canine bow to the grooving rhythm guitarists!

Gong Oh has arrived, and so has the Hot Club of San Francisco.......2007-04-08

The reverence gypsy jazz musicians all feel for Django Reinhardt, the inventor and perfecter of the idiom, makes them step cautiously into innovation, and that has served the culture well...and the Hot Club of San Francisco has always had the tightest grip on what the authentic guts of the sound require. As the pre-eminent American gypsy jazz ensemble, HCSF triumphs with Yerba Buena Bounce, preserving that 1930's sound while propelling gypsy jazz well into the 21st century.

On their 2005 release, Postcards from Gypsyland, the HCSF set new, high standards for themselves or anyone wishing to enter the game: in recording quality, professionalism, and fidelity to the gypsy jazz idiom, most curious because the geologic pace of its evolution that never seems to detract from its endless energy. If Postcards set out to impress, Yerba Buena Bounce finds the group even more comfortable in their musical skins; it's more a session where they found great material and arrangements and decided to just have some fun, play great. The result is music that impresses even more.

Paul "Pazzo" Mehling, the founder and leader, sticks to what has always worked well before, and concentrated on doing it better than he ever has: four Django tunes, and classics from Bechet, Carmichael, Lester Young, Lennon/McCartney, and as always, some sparkling originals. Reinhardt's Mystery Pacific, the opener, draws you into the fun and magical space of gypsy jazz freedom, impeccably recorded, authentically reproduced. On the Beatle's I'm Happy Just To Dance With You (yes, the only Lennon/McCartney tune sung by George!), the melody is re-phrased to fit the Hot Club's mien, but HCSF enhances and deepens the original sentiment, treating it not just as a melody, but capturing the whole romance of the early Beatles, and breathing new life into an old tune that makes this more than a reminiscence. Sway is one of two tunes that feature David Grisman on mandolin, and Pazzo's solo has an exceptional quote from Suicide is Painless, that is simultaneously hilarious and sublime. Grisman returns, along with Seth Asarno on bandoneon for Pazzo's 'Lullabye,' to which they both bring a delicate, tender touch.

Of course, the whole band swings from head to toe, but shout outs must go to Evan `Zeppo' Price, whose violin playing consistently takes tuneful flight, yet is always locked in to the the ensemble rhythm...this is great jazz playing. On Tickle Toe, his playing and the SOUND evoke the great Duke Ellington Jazz Violin Session with Ray Nance, Svend Asmussen, and Stephane Grappelli . Reinhardt/Grappelli's 'Black and White' features the quintessential Pazzo solo, where one of Reinhardt's arpeggio techniques, usually used for a three or four bar flourish, is taken to delightful extremes for what seems like an entire chorus.

And the recording: the combination of Reference Recordings persnickety microphone technique and the underground chambers of the Fantasy recording studios in Berkeley worked like a charm. While audiophile recordings will often obsess on brilliance and clarity to the point of sterility, the recording on this album is transcendently natural. The instruments sound, not crystalline and clean, but like MUSIC, with all the warmth left in and nothing in between. The naturalness of the sound occupies that sublime and elusive middle ground between the technical advantages of a studio and the warmth of a live recording.

There's plenty more to enjoy here, from the heebie jeebies of 'Rhythme Futur,' the jamming of 'Borneo,' Pazzo's gorgeous reading of Django's 'Improvisation #2' that closes the set, and an absolutely amazing bonus cut, Paulo Conte's 'Gong Oh,' that will have you reaching for your absinthe and cigar, bumping up with the great gypsy culture that has blessed us with a unique jazz form that only grows more enduring and more exciting, due in no small part to the raucous, sweet-tight sounds of the Hot Club of San Francisco.

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