Django by Ferro

Notes from the CD

"Thirteen Django Reinhardt instrumentals with lyrics written by Mike and Linda Ferro.
Mike Ferro (a long time Chicago artist) supplied the VOICE that brought their lyrics to life.
When we finished this CD, we knew it was very special.

Performed by a group of Chicago's most legendary Jazz players.
It is a tribute to the amazing amount of talent and history in Chicago."

Personnal comments :

I was very surprised and glad of the result. Like many I was skeptical but they succeeded with a A score...
I'm not sure yet how they plan to distribute this CD. I'm going to get more info from Denwa Jazz...

The singer is really good, lot's of spirit in there and good jazz playing (not Manouche).

at DenwaRecords.com

When I Think About You
Instrumentally known as Sweet Chorus
Music by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

Rendezvous
Instrumentally known as Cavalerie
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

Dreams Go Astray
Instrumentally known as Manoir De Mes Reves/Django's Castle
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike Ferro

Gypsy Blues
Instrumentally known as Blues For Ike
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

Midnight Ride
Instrumentally known as Felur d?Ennui
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

Oh, Miss Daphne
Instrumentally known as Daphne
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

If You're In The Mood
Instrumentally known as Are You In The Mood?
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

My Love For You
Instrumentally known as Oriental Shuffle
Music by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

It's The Bluest Kind Of Blues My Baby Sings
Instrumentally known as Nuages
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Spencer Williams and John Turner

Sleepless
Instrumentally known as Diminishing/Diminishing Blackness
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

Django's Island
Instrumentally known as Porto Cabello
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

Love's Melody
Instrumentally known as Melodie Au Crepuscule
Music by Django Reinhardt
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

At Django's
Instrumentally known as Djangology
Music by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli
Lyric by Mike and Linda Ferro

Seven years ago Mike and his wife, Linda Ferro read the excellent Django Reinhardt biography, by Charles Delaunay. The book was inspirational to them and allowed each to discover that the man, Django, was so much more than a musician. Mike and Linda decided to write lyrics to some of Django's music, some of which was co-authored by the great violinist, Stephane Grappelli. They found that Django's life was as spellbinding as any novel. He died tragically young, and yet left an immortal influence.
The lyrics from "Django by Ferro" reflect the song titles, as well as the life and times of Django: "At Django's" sings of the club Django always wanted to own; "Django's Island" could be the place of "Porto Cabello"; "Gypsy Blues" could have been Ike's lament; "If You're In The Mood" is a cabaret fantasy; "Midnight Ride" refers to the flower in "Fleur d'Ennui" and the lonely after-hours life of a musician; "My Love For You" sings about the East as does "Oriental Shuffle".
The Musicians behind Django by Ferro:
In order to bring the music of "Django by Ferro" to life in the recording studio, Nowak and Ferro enlisted the acumen of Larry Gray, a talented Bass player and arranger who became the recording's musical director. Gray recruited some of Chicago's finest players including guitarist Henry Johnson who was working with Larry in Joe Williams Band for a number of years, Phil Gratteau on drums. The legendary Johnny Frigo on violin and Joe Vito on accordion gave the recording that classic cafe sound. And on Harmonica, a world class player, who just happens to reside in Chicago, Howard Levy.

"I hope that this work brings Django to life for those who would have found him unreachable before. That others will discover Django's genius, the brilliance of his compositions, the haunting beauty and romance of his music. He was a handicapped, illiterate gypsy who became the greatest jazz guitarist who ever lived. I know that his genius will live on and continue to inspire others the way it did us. Django Reinhardt will be remembered and revered, not only as a great musician, but also as a great man."
-Linda Ferro May 24, 2000