Mark O’Connor’s Hot Swing Trio Live in New York

RELEASE
September 27, 2005
LABEL
OMAC
GENRES
Country

Album Review

Violinist Mark O'Connor's third recording with his Hot Swing Trio is more than just a tribute to the great Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt, as it also showcases the leader's compositions. Joined by ex-Grappelli bassist Jon Burr and guitarist Frank Vignola (who is influenced by Reinhardt though his style range extends much farther), the trio shows the influence of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France while incorporating their individual styles into old favorites like "Fascinating Rhythm," and "Ain't Misbehavin," though the chugging, bluesy setting of "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" is hard to beat. Among O'Connor's many originals, the demanding "Gypsy Fantastic" (which one can easily imagine Grappelli and Reinhardt playing), "Fiddler Going Home" (a moving tribute to Claude "Fiddler" Williams) and the deliciously loopy "Funky Swing" are all highlights. But all is eclipsed by the virtuoso display of musicianship in O'Connor's ridiculously up-tempo arrangement of the old chestnut "Tiger Rag." Highly recommended!
Ken Dryden, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Fascinating Rhythm
  2. Cherokee
  3. Anniversary
  4. Ain't Misbehavin'
  5. M & W Rag
  6. Funky Swing
  7. Fiddler Going Home
  8. Gypsy Fantastic
  9. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
  10. Tiger Rag