reviewed by Dr. Frank Forte for
Just Jazz Guitar, No.14,Feb., 1998
"As our European readers know, Gypsy Swing, dominated by Django Reinhardt styled guitarists, is quite alive in their hands. Players like Romane, Jon Larsen, the Rosenbergs, and Raphael Fays, are players who quickly come to mind.
North America is in the midst of a slow and persistently growing appreciation for this great music. John Jorgenson, Paul Mehling and his Hot Club of San Francisco, and the Washington-Vancouver based group Pearl Django, are becoming well known.
Raul Reynoso, a Southern Californian, totes a Selmer and a Dupont to Royal Street, his first CD. He has a multi-faceted backround in Blues, Rock, and Bluegrass, and was first introduced to Gypsy Jazz and Django by Larry McNeely, a banjo genius of the 70's.
On this warm and swinging set including seven Reynoso originals, Raul is joined by Johnny Frigo on violin, and Bob Reitmeier on clarinet. Doug Mattocks plays very substantial rhythm guitar and chord solos, and Dick Hardwick on drums, and Charles Warren on bass, round out a very capable rhythm section.
Django originals "Nuages," and "Daphne," Western Swing styled "Exactly Like You," "I'm Gonna Lock My Heart," and "Blues For Dixie, will get your feet moving. Even Raul's vocals are fun. Seven of his originals showcase his Django influenced mellow swinging guitar. His picking is superb, and produces wonderful dynamics and clarity. Gypsy Jazz is his bag.
Johnny Frigo, a time tempered swing violinist, contributes much with his round toned solos, comping lines, and unison playing. Bob Reitmeier on clarinet is another wonderful force, blending in to the swing of things, especially mellow in unison roles. Doug Mattocks gives us the proper rhythmic feel of the Gypsy jazzers, but is more flowing. His chord solos are a great departure and a surprise.
Raul's originals are compelling evidence that he's at home in Gypsy swing, Western Swing, Musette Waltz, as well as Rhumba and Samba. How nicely this group blended on Royal Street, a great street to visit. This recording is ample evidence that Gypsy Jazz is alive, and growing, and evolving."
Raul Reynoso
17300 17th Street, Suite J-304, Tustin, CA 92780
Fax: 714-667-1997
UK Distributor: Crimson Records
13B Northenden Rd. Sale, Cheshire, M33 1DF UK