With a glut of compilations detailing the early years of Django Reinhardt, it can be hard to choose which might be the best collection. These sessions, recorded while Reinhardt was performing at the Hot Club de Paris, are considered by many to be the finest example of his work. It would be wonderful to find all of these sides gathered on one disc, yet it is unclear in the liner notes if this collection contains all or simply many of Reinhardt’s original recordings. In either case, at 20 tracks, Anthology: 1934-1937 features good sound quality and a congenial mix of classic and lesser-known recordings. Also, Reinhardt’s partner — and icon in his own right — violinist Stephane Grappelli, is of course heard on every track. All tolled, this is a superb place to start listening to this singular artist. – Matt Collar
more »