Gypsy Swing Jazz as a concept, is most directly credited to the body of work and the style of famed French guitarist Django Rheinhardt. The origins of this style are largely in 1930's France, which is why it is often called by the French name, "Jazz manouche," or alternatively, "manouche jazz."  Gypsy Swing Jazz is also the title of 2004 formed Japanese jazz ensemble Swing Amor's first album, directly defining what sort of music they are about, and the rich tradition they are attempting to embody.

If you, as this reviewer, are a connoisseur of this genre, you may first want to understand what separates this particular gypsy group from any of its other modern contemporaries. In play style, the rhythm guitar and the standing bass are particularly present and strong, creating a more defined bounce to the overall rhythm mechanics than some of the more etheral sounding gypsy groups currenlty on the landcape. For dancers, this creates a more definitive, driving force to work with.

In evaluating the obligatory Django songbook choice of "Minor Swing," which, in itself defines a gypsy ensemble with a flavor or quality that can classify them as if they were fine wine or coffee, it can be said to be precise in its elegant framework, a bit more uptempo than Django's traditional version, containing an audible and infectious bounce, a rich texture of solo work, and a refreshing bass solo (from Morimoto Katsuaki).

Gershwin's "Lady Be Good," teases with an artful and elegant introduction followed by a fierce driving rhythm that could make a small potted plant fall off a table at a live performance.  The gorgeous, and intricate rhythm provides a grand scaffold for the solo work that has so much relevant nuance; that a few choice adjectives from this reviewer could certainly not do it enough justice. The traditional "Dark Eyes" moves at a blinding pace with challenging riffs, bounce, and seductive complexity, as the subject material most definitely warrants, and then ending as abruptly as a dark eyed mystery woman might exit.

This reviewer is particularly impressed with the originals composed by Daijiro Tomoeda, such as the highly pleasing "Swing Easy," which delivers on its promise, with a danceable moderate tempo riff that should make it a perennial favorite in gypsy jazz dance circles for a long time. "Green Dance" is also a great find, exuding a positive energy and bounce that warms the heart and pleases the ears. Not enough can be said about the warm tones created by Takata Akira, Daijiro Tomoeda, and Teshima Daisuke with their guitars, but this light track certainly embodies it.

There are mood pieces to enjoy on this album, as well.  A pensive, almost wistful interpretation of Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood," featuring a simply strummed guitar rhythm and more marvelous solo work, and the elegant and magically romantic "Valse De Amor," a Teshima Daisuke composition, that takes a fast waltz into the firelight of a gypsy encampment and out into the night sky.

The only vocals to be found on this album occur in the final track "My One and Only Love," a Guy Wood composition, featuring the bluesy, exotic vocals of Kaori Kobiyama.  This slow blues track takes the gypsy sound to a dreamy, closing of the bar, slow dance, kind of place with a brief uptempo bridge.  A fitting, magically moonlit ending to an extremely satisfying collection of songs, bearing the title of Gypsy Swing Jazz with not only respect, but polish and inovation.

http://www.swingamor.com

Frankie Hagan is a certified professional dance instructor and a member of the NDTA (National Dance Teacher's Association), and the World Swing Dance Council. His articles and reviews have appeared in swing-dance publications for several years. Learn more about Frankie at his website: www.dancefrankie.com