STEPHANE WREMBEL w/DJANGO NEW ORLEANS II

HORS SÉRIE

Water is Life Records

Stephane Wrembel, guitar/composer; Dion Berardo, guitar; Adrien Chevalier, violin; David Langlois, washboard/percussion; Scott Kettner, drums/pandeiro; Steven Duffy, sousaphone; Joe Boga, trumpet; Nick Driscoll, tenor saxophone/clarinet/flute; Sarah King, vocals.

In French, the title of this Django New Orleans II album (Hors Série) translates to “Special Edition.”  The opening tune, “Libertango” sets the mood for what is to follow.  It was composed by Astor Piazzolla, but the lyrics were invented in the 1980s by artist, Grace Jones.  This band did a great job of reimagining the tune, and vocalist Sarah King put her own style on the Jones lyrics.

They follow this with a beautiful rendition of “La Vie En Rose.” Once immortalized by the legendary Edith Piaf as a ballad, this Django band puts spunk and spice on the tune.  Their vocalist has a stylized, unique voice that is a perfect addition to the band. The sousaphone of Steven Duffy sets the spirit of this arrangement on fire, along with the percussion of David Langlois and Scott Kettner.  The guitar takes impressive solos as the song shuffles along.

“As I was practicing “La Javanaise” before our take, Dion was looking at the chords. I started singing softly and suddenly, David Adrien and Sarah joined in with harmonized vocals. The rest of the band listened and said, this is it!  You don’t need the whole band, this is happening.  Just record it NOW!” Wrembel recalled, admitting he had never sung on a recording before but this seemed to be the perfect time.

His second single released from this album is “Le Poinconneur des Lilas” that translates to “The ticket Puncher of Lilas.”  It also features guitarist, musical director and vocalist, Stephane Wrembel singing with gusto.

Their ‘cover’ of the popular Jobim tune, “Waters of March” and  another cover of “Nature Boy” are both beautifully arranged with “Nature Boy” the most New-Orleans flavored production. It’s a refreshing arrangement of this familiar tune.

This album is fresh and wonderful to listen to because of the great variety in their repertoire and the consistent reminder of Django Reinhardt’s timeless music and the French influence that permeates New Orleans culture. He offers two original compositions that close the album. The multi-talented Stephane Wrembel shines as an outstanding Musical Conductor, a gifted guitarist, composer, and emotional, from-the-heart singer.  Coupled with the outstanding Django New Orleans II ensemble, here is both a creative and historic masterpiece of music that drips with spiritual joy.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

 

 

 

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