What’s in a name? A quintet by any other name would sound as sweet! At least, that’s what went through my mind when my good friend violinist Daniel Garlitsky told me that his band with guitarist Duved Dunayevsky was going to receive the title of Quintette du Hot Club de France—the name of Django and Grappelli’s original formation—in an official ceremony on December 14th in Paris. My immediate reaction was to be thrilled and think it was well-deserved. I can’t think of anyone else who could wear the iconic title better than this stylish group of deeply dedicated musicians.
I grew up as a Hot Club enthusiast, especially through the work of one of my heroes, jazz chronicler Boris Vian, and I’ve been an admirer of Daniel and Duved’s music for many years: this was a perfect match and my fan-girl heart skipped a beat at the news. But then I wondered… why does this matter? I didn’t quite understand their need to resurrect a title forever associated with the spectral rattling of Django and Grappelli’s brief career under that band name. Does it have any significance beyond jazz nerdom and historical cosplaying? Why are we borne back ceaselessly into the past?
I decided to ask Daniel a few questions to better grasp the bigger picture, which lies somewhere between preserving a musical legacy and perpetuating a unique Parisian idiom.
Tatiana Eva-Marie: First, tell us
Trumpeter James O’Donnell: The Motor City Jazz Maestro
Brian Sheridan
