Martin Taylor: Gypsy

The celebrated Scottish jazz guitarist Martin Taylor offers the jazz public yet another glimpse of Django Reinhardt on the aptly titled, “Martin Taylor’s - Spirit of Django” - Gypsy, which is the culmination of live and studio tracks. The band effortlessly whirl through Django’s “Nuages” and “Tears” while Taylor also incorporates many originals, all within the spirit of the late and quite fabled gypsy guitarist. Many of the recurring highlights revolve around Taylor’s unison and harmonic choruses with accordionist Jack Emblow and saxophonist Dave O’ Higgins. The music is sprightly, beautifully performed and listener friendly as the superfine audio engineering is just icing on the cake! Along with a few welcome twists and turns here and there it should come as no surprise that the esteemed Taylor and his fine ensemble rise to the occasion. All in all, Gypsy stacks up to be a cheerfully rewarding endeavor. * * * 1/2