Jazz Partout is a Gypsy jazz ensemble from Helsinki, Finland. The have a sound that is both traditional and yet very modern as well. They have an accordionist (Mika Huusari) that contributes to their traditional sound and an archtop guitarist (Petri Krzywacki) whose modern bop lines gives the band its modern tonality. Acoustic guitarist Kimmo Iltanen plays his Selmer-Macaferri guitar fully in the Django Reinhardt tradition and bass player Matti Tegelman holds down the bottom.
The bands new CD, "L'assortiment" is indeed as its name implies, an assortment of musical material. There are 5 Django tunes ("Micro", "Hungaria", "Fleur D'ennui", "Folie a' Amphion" and "Swing 39"), two waltzes ("La valse Des Niglos" and "Brise Napolitaine"), three classic standards ("La Mer", "Undecided" and George Gershwin's "Liza"), two tunes by modern Gypsy jazz guitarists (Patrick Saussois' "Just One For Babik" and Robert Gaguenetti's "Lisa-Marie") and two Originals ("September Game" by bassist Tegelman and "August Nocturne" by guitarist Krzywacki (Don't even ask me how to pronounce his name!).
In most of the tunes there are solos by both guitars and the accordion. The band swings hard and the contrast between the sonic qualities (and phrasing) of the two guitars presents a compelling contrast. Old and new meet on the timeless playing field of la pompe. This band proves that one can be both creative and at the same time, very listenable. Bravo Jazz Partout!
For more info go to: www.jazzpartout.com
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