Under Paris Skies

If you're looking for a romantic, fun, and entertaining time, consider Denver's first lady of song, Lannie Garrett, and her current reprise (last performed on Valentine's Day) of her spiffy show that features the songs and music of the famous 1930's Hot Club of France quintet that starred Django Reinhardt (guitar) and Stéphane Grappelli (violin).

As always, Elliot Reed, lead guitar, dazzles us with his incredible licks, and as a special treat, does a magnificent imitation of Reinhardt's famous two-finger picking style (Reinhardt's left hand was severely burned in an accident). Reed is joined by Anthony Salvo, violin. Together, if you close your eyes, you'd swear you listening to the original Quintette du Hot Club de France. Salvo's solos, atmospheric frills, and wizened demeanor add immearsurably to the mix. Impressive work from substitute bass, Jon-Luc Davis, the night of show, and the ever-steady Stephan Hill on rhythm guitar.

Lannie Garrett and the Gypsy Swing Revue

This is quintessential Gypsy Jazz and the combination of Garrett on vocals and the incredible Gypsy Swing Revue is a rare treat.

The singer and the band have an album, Under Paris Skies—a peak experience from beginning to end—from which much of the evening's song list is drawn. These include, "La Mer" ("Somewhere Beyond the Sea"), "Nature Boy," "C'est Si Bon," "Plenty of Money and You," "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen," "Moonglow," "La Vie En Rose," and more. The song list for the show has some new additions and substitutions, including "I Love Paris," "Joseph, Joseph," "Cheek to Cheek," and a wonderful Latin/Gypsy Jazz hybrid version of "Cuban Pete."

As usual, Garrett's costumes are something to behold. Be sure to buy the album when you leave!

Lannie Garrett's Under Paris Skies runs Fridays and Saturdays, beginning October 7th, at 8 PM, through October. 303-293-0075.

Bob Bows