The Gipsy Jazz Violin Summit - The Gipsy Jazz Violin Summit (1979/2015) [Hi-Res]

Here’s something special for jazz violin fans: accompanied by a top-flight rhythm section, four exceptional German gypsy violinists trade scintillating solos on five standards and three originals. The four follow in the tradition of the legendary gypsy guitarist Django Rheinhardt and his musical soulmate French violinist Stephane Grappelli, but here there is a taste of something more modern. Leader of the pack Zipflo Rheinhardt is descended from Django, but admits to being influenced by Jean-Luc Ponty. The album swings infectiously, with the violinists trading phrases on lively renditions of Satin Doll and Autumn Leaves, as well as a surprisingly up-tempo Bye Bye Blackbird. Gipso Nipso has a Latin feel to the theme before the band gets down to a swinging blues and some background vocalese. Zipflo’s Orpheus has an intro sounding of ancient Greece, then transforms into a minor blues with some hip rhythmic acrobatics for the solos. A treat times four for those who love jazz violin and swing.

Hannes Beckmann, violin
Nipso Brantner, violin
Schmitto Kling, violin
Zipflo Reinhardt, violin
Otto Weiss, piano
Gary Todd, bass
Charly Antolini, drums

Recorded on May 1-3, 1979 at MPS Studio Villingen
Produced by Willi Fruth