The essential complete works of Django Reinhardt from Frémeaux & Associés is fascinating because it highlights the artistic breadth of the guitarist, soloist, accompanist and leader. While jazz was his favourite terrain, Django was also a major player in the chansons of his time, accompanying many popular voices (Jean Sablon) as well as much smaller ones (Nitta Rette, André Pasdoc, Jean Tranchant and Yvonne Louis). Unsurprisingly, the most exquisite pieces in this fourth volume are those that the guitarist performs with the Hot Club de France quintet (and Stéphane Grappelli’s violin), Garnet Clark & His Hot Club’s Four (with guitarist Bill Coleman) as well as Michel Warlop’s octet. And whether he’s in the background or out at the front, between these years 1935 and 1936 his style is recognizable among a thousand. © Max Dembo/Qobuz