Sharing a famous musical surname can be a double edged sword. Initially you can get the attention that otherwise may take years to come, yet when it’s time to forge your own identity and break away from the legacy of your more famous predecessor, well that’s when the difficulties often start. So with Lulo, the grand nephew of the legendary, almost mythical gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt the fact that he is also a guitarist who uses gypsy swing as a starting point initially bodes well. For some reason you can’t help but feel that because Django’s not around to spread his legacy then perhaps it should fall to the younger generation. To some extent Lulo picks this up. There’s no doubt that gypsy jazz courses through this man’s veins, his comfort and virtuosity in this genre is very much on display on this album. Yet he has also soaked up numerous other influences, samba, flamenco, tango and jazz, though in particular he is keen to explore more Latin influences. It seems early on Lulo realised the need to develop a unique style, if only to differentiate himself from his very musical family, and he is able to incorporate many of these styles seamlessly, often in the course of one song. All these pieces are Lulo’s own compositions alongside a sharp well oiled multicultural band including Australian violinist Daniel Weltlinger, US guitarist Doug Martin and German bassist Harold Becher. There’s not only a complexity to these compositions but also in the skills and collaborative nature of the players. Jams chug onward at a frenetic pace and the music feels designed to highlight the skills of these exceptional musicians. There’s something very nostalgic about gypsy, it’s very much from the past. Lulo recognises this and whilst staying true to his roots he is simultaneously reaching forward and creating something new and very distinct to him.
Bob Baker Fish
Lulo is doing an extensive tour of Australia. Here are his dates:
29 Nov 2008 – OZ Manouche at Brisbane Jazz Club Brisbane,Queensland.
30 Nov 2008 – OZ Manouche at Brisbane Jazz Club Brisbane,Queensland.
2 Dec 2008 -Feat Sean Mackenzie. Basement Sydney
4 Dec 2008 – Feat Sean Mackenzie.Southern Cross Club tbc Canberra ACT.
5 Dec 2008 – Feat Sean Mackenzie.Triselies Club Katoomba, New South Wales.
6 Dec 2008 – Feat Sean Mackenzie.Feathertops.Boytons Winery Wangaratta, Victoria.
6 Dec 2008 – Feat Sean Mackenzie.Feathertops.Boytons Winery Wangaratta, Victoria,
9 Dec 2008 – Feat Sean Mackenzie.Night Cat,Brunswick Melbourne,Victoria,
11 Dec 2008 – Feat Sean Mackenzie. At The Famous Spiegeltent. Melbourne,Victoria,
