Hot Club of Detroit - Night Town

Buy it now! This is one of the most exciting new recordings I’ve heard in a very long time and for those of us who love hearing great accordion playing...well, you have a real treat in store!

Each and every one of the five musicians is absolutely superb. The group wouldn’t be the same without any one of them! The founder and lead guitarist, Evan Perri, also is a very gifted writer. Accordionist, accordina player, Julien Labro, has beautiful technique and really knows how to use his instrument with true artistry no matter what the tempo or style.

Julien also shows his talents as an arranger and writer on a couple of the tunes. No less outstanding are musicians Paul Brady on rhythm guitar, Shannon Wade on bass, and Carl Cafagna on tenor and soprano saxophone. They are all artists and never fail to please on this recording. This is no amateur recording, folks; this is a fine capturing of some great ideas and spirited ensemble music featuring not only the music of Django but also including a taste of New Orleans jazz.

Of course, the recording is about the music of Django Reinhardt, whose music has inspired numerous annual Djangofests, concerts and workshops all over the USA with Hot Club groups being organized everywhere. No wonder, what with a group like the Hot Club of Detroit playing so outrageously energetic and entrancing music.

The CD is produced by Mack Avenue Records. Go to www.mackavenue.com for updates, special offers and other information about the group, based in Detroit, a city where jazz has always been the center of hard-swinging jazz throughout the years. This new recording “Night Town” by the Hot Club Detroit continues to reflect that great tradition with a contemporary attitude and a Parisian swing sound. You will not be disappointed when you hear this group!

Reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers, September 2008