REVIEWS OF DJANGO REINHARDT
What critics say about Nuages:
- "Out of the vaults: These historic cuts, recorded between 1936 and 1940 at the Hot Club of France, show Reinhardt at the apex of his career, after the fire that left him with two unusable fingers on his fret hand…Kudos to Arkadia for bringing this one back from the great beyond."
--Pete, Soundboard
- "***** (5 stars)"
--Jim Macnie, Down Beat
- "As the fledgling Arkadia Jazz label’s first historical project, they have scored a musical bullseye, hitting Django Reinhardt’s most fabled period down the center. Arkadia has actually done a better job of remastering these tracks than a lot of the major labels’ attempts…the variable yet decent sound is usually bright and forward with little distortion. As a single-disc introduction to an ingratiating group of great musicians, this release is very competitive."
--Richard S. Ginell, All-Music Guide
- "Nothing more need be said about this material...it is bona fide classic. It is amazing how well his guitar was recorded on these sixty year old performances!"
--20th Century Guitar Magazine
- "…one for collectors, 18 remastered gems, prime."
--Jack Burke, Waxworks
- "These are remastered classic sides by the great Swing-era gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, including the cream of his recordings with the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, which was founded in 1934. Included in the 18 cuts are newly restored sessions with American Swing giants Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter and Dicky Wells."
--Marvin Randolph, Florida Sun-Sentinel
- "Wild set that finds the gypsy great not only in familiar settings but working out with Benny Carter and Coleman Hawkins as well. A tasty find with state of the art remastering and good vibes for all ax fans."
--Midwest Record Recap
- "No self respecting guitar player should be without this disc. The 18 tracks presented here have been digitally remastered…this superb package is a fine way into the Reinhardt legacy if you’re on a limited budget."
--ID Magazine, Canada
- "For anyone who appreciates the feel and sounds of swing, the CD is a pure joy. The recording not only gives you an opportunity to revisit the talents of Django but also jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, who died only recently, and who was an essential ingredient in the Reinhardt quintet. Each of the 18 cuts is a gem."
--Cam Miller, The Union Entertainment
- "The liner notes do a more than adequate job at dissecting the individual pieces on Nuages into their historical significance; more important is the sheer, raw exuberance of Reinhardt’s talent. Listening to Reinhardt extract the last ounce of passion from his instrument without a single effect or added amplifier is a humbling experience every budding guitar player should go through."
--Jason Plender, ink 19 Southeast New Music Source
ARKADIA JAZZ