Reviewed by Pamela Wright

For a first timer to Django bar, I was instantly impressed. The exuberant girl at the desk asked if I was here to see Mental as Anything or George Washing Machine. What a choice. So here I am in the Django bar for the launch of the new album “La Sesion de Cuba”. Bright red curtains, red chairs, a drum kit set up with bongos and a big screen showing past jazz musicians in black and white create a really good atmosphere. I like this place and the music hasn’t even started. Mental as Anything is on upstairs in the Camelot Lounge and Sold Out. Might take a peak a bit later.

George Washing Machine’s group Feel the Manouche is just back from the Cuba International Jazz Festival and much of the new album has that Cuban kinda feel to it. George’s two sons play guitar while he’s a master of the violin and Claire, whose piano accordion playing is effortless, sings so sweet. Add bass and drums and it’s one helluva group. So good that I forgot to poke my head in upstairs. Good luck with the album.