David Naiditch - Douce Ambiance: Gypsy Jazz Classics (2012)

Virtuoso renditions of Gypsy jazz classics, featuring the melodic chromatic harmonica jazz of David Naiditch, the fiery guitar lines of Gonzalo Bergara, and the unmatched 5-string banjo playing of the legendary Pat Cloud.

On this most recent release from the stylistically-diverse chromatic harmonica master David Naiditch, he comes out swinging in his quintet with a spritely accordionesque tone, then he doubles, for a sound like horns, and then, finally, gives soaring string-like runs a la Grappelli. Suddenly Gonzalo Bergara comes in with a Django-esque cascade of guitar notes, above the Paris-cobblestone-solid solid rhythm section of Jeffrey Raidaich s guitar and Brian Netzley s bass, and in that first song you re transported to a manouche jam at a smokey café in the 14th arrondisement of Paris! When Pat Cloud s 5-string banjo chimes in to the mix, you re now in the provinces, with sunflowers and fresh red wine. With slight and tasty detours to the States for some Gershwin, and to Spain for a bossa nova, one arrives finally at Gonzalo s Castle, guitarist Bergara s stately, yet comfy-like-a- blanket, homage to the magical, cinematic world of Gypsy music. It s 2012, but it feels like a fresh day in 1936, what a treat! This is an album to play while you're - doing anything! Douce Ambience means sweet atmosphere, this is it. The whole ensemble is spot on and at ease, but it s the chromatic harmonica that really is at the core of this set. And although chromatic harp, in the hands of lesser players, can often sound like technical note-chasing, here Naiditch s easy, animated chromatic brings life to old classics and a few newer originals. If this album hasn t put you in a Douce Ambience, check your pulse! -- Dave Fertig, Pasadena