|
|
Composers are still trying to figure out how he wrote such exceptional songs, too. This is music that can be enjoyed at many different times of day, while alone or with someone.
But it is also really good music for lovers. The second time through, listen carefully to Mike and Linda Ferro"s lush and poetic lyrics. Hear how their words cling to the songs, how they bring out their special magic.
Then read the original song titles by Django, such as "Maison de Mes Reves", (or "Django's Castle") and then the song titles in Ferro's version, such as "Dreams Go Astray". You'll begin to get more of a sense of the insinuating ways the words enhance the songs.
Sometimes they are gently kidding, such as in "Oh, Miss Daphne" when Ferro sings "When you're not here-cold soup, hot beer". More often they are gently elegant, such as in "Midnight Ride", when Ferro croons "You've been visiting my fantasies-stay awhile".
But always the words and the singing reveal an aptness, and a cleverness, that is enjoyable in itself.
Ferro himself is something of a legend among Chicago musicians, and what an awesome group of them are assembled here! The stunning arrangements are by Larry Gray, the Chicago bassist and multi-instrumentalist who has starred with many of the greatest names in jazz and played with the world famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
What pleasure there is in the violin of Johnny Frigo, the saxophones of Eric Schneider and Eddie Johnson, the harmonica of Howard Levy, the tasteful drums of Phil Gratteau: indeed, any fair commentary on this musical ship would have to single out each and every one of the 19 musicians aboard.
Overall, Ferro and his crew transform the music of Django. And when we really listen, they transform us.
|
|
