While guitarist Django Reinhardt is most associated with French violinist Stéphane Grappelli, here we hear him accompany American jazz violinist Eddie South in one of many duets and trios he recorded with Django in Paris during his stay there in 1937.
South played with jazz greats such as Freddie Keppard, Charles Elgar, and Erskine Tate in Chicago in the early 1920s before forming his own band, the Alabamians. His classical training and interest in Hungarian gypsy music in some ways prefigured the “hot club” sound of Reinhardt and Grappelli – so what a treat it is to hear these greats playing together – along with bassist Paul Cordonnier.
The tune “I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me”, by Jimmy McHugh, is played with lyrical zest and enthusiasm by South – while Reinhardt allows the American visitor to Paris the full spotlight as he accompanies him on rhythm guitar.
A true master of his craft – South always has deserved more praise and credit for his outstanding work. I’ve always loved his playing and hope you enjoy it also.
Sadly – many of these excellent Parisian sessions for the Swing label were only released in Europe – with only two sides (Sweet Georgia Brown and Eddie’s Blues) making it to HMV in the U.K. and Victor in the U.S.
Recorded November 23, 1937 in Paris, France.
Released as Swing 31.
Credits:
Eddie South – violin
Django Reinhardt – guitar
Paul Cordonnier – string bass