The wave of Gypsy/Jazz was really riding high during the 2000s, and this three year period alone saw many great releases, which saw the completion of the discography of Django Reinhardt on CD. Also in 2003, Romane released his Djangovision CD, whilst the Rosenberg Trio returned with a vengeance to play an amazing set at the Samois festival, which was released on DVD. Then in 2004, Angelo Debarre teamed up with Le Jazz, to release a cracking CD called: Impromptu; whilst Romane and Stochelo Rosenberg teamed up for a second CD release, entitled: Double Jeu. In this prolific period for Stochelo Rosenberg; he also released a CD under his own name, entitled: Ready ‘n’ Able in 2005.
But for me, the 2000s were the peak of Bireli Lagrene’s output, and in 2004 he proved to be the continuing innovative force in the Gypsy/Jazz genre. He moved into a slightly more modern phase with the Gypsy Project, when violinist Florin Niculescu was replaced by saxophonist; Franck Wolf. They moved into ‘Be-bop’ territory with numbers like ‘Donna Lee‘, and ‘Move‘, as well as Django originals played with Bireli’s uniquely modern approach to Gypsy/Jazz. They first released a stunning new CD, which was followed by a live performance in Paris, released on DVD; showcasing the new quartet led by Bireli at the height of his powers.
On the home front, these years were the start of the peak period for the Hot Club, which would last for 7 further years of continued gigging and re-establishing the band as the local legends of Gypsy/Jazz, playing festivals, and many public performance venues, as well as an increasing demand for private and function work, ranging from the Birmingham Jazz Festival, to Oxford University, to more long-standing residencies at various local venues in and around Nottingham. Paul and I continued to play several duo gigs at this stage, including Chez Pierre at Center Parcs, and Cafe Rouge.
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