About Gypsy Jazz

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Gypsy jazz is a style of jazz music that was started by the French guitarist Django Reinhardt. Django was a two-finger using, melodic genious. He changed the shape of jazz, especially for guitarists. Django often performed with his close friend Stephane Grappelli. Also known as Jazz Manouche and Hot Club, gypsy jazz is a mixture of 1930's American swing, French dance hall "musette", and the folk strains of Eastern Europe. It has a languid, yet seductive feel which is characterized by quirky cadences and driving rhythms. The main instruments used are primarily two or three steel stringed guitars, a stand up bass, with occassional violins and bass violins. Sometimes a clarinent will also make its way into the mix. Solos go around the group as the other guitars assume the rhythm. Gypsy jazz is fast, danceable, and fun music. Primarily a nostalgic style found in European bars and other small venues, gypsy jazz is found and appreciated world wide.

Django began as a banjo prodigy in the early 1920's. He has since become one of the foundations on which modern jazz for guitar is based. Django combined the sounds of American jazz music from the late 1920's with the gypsy sounds he learned from his youth.

In 1928, the caravan in which Django lived caught on fire. Django ended up suffering from severe burns over much of his body which never healed correctly, leaving him with only two fingers on his left hand.

It was not until the mid-thirties that Django met his life long partner and collaborator, Grappelli. Together, Django and Grappelli formed their legendary band, "The Quintet of the Hot Club of France".

Stephane Grappelli was born in Paris in 1908. He experienced every decade of the Jazz Century. By the age of six, Grappelli's talents brought him to study dance under Isadora Duncan. Unfortunately, the First World War forced Grappelli onto the streets. While on the streets of Montmartre, he showed his determination, which later brought him to the stage.

Django and Grappelli remained together until World War II when Django returned to France, leaving Grappelli in England. It took seven years before they were reunited in 1946 in London. Unfortunately, by this time, music styles were changing with be-bop innovators beginning to appear.

Django passed away in 1953 in Samois sur Seine, France.

Grappelli died at the age of 89. During his life time, Grappelli performed with many of the great names in music including Duke Ellington, Martin Taylor, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Venuti, Oscar Peterson, and George Shearing. Grappelli is best remembered for his performances with his close friend, Django Reinhardt.