Gypsy jazz
From Free net encyclopedia
Gypsy jazz is an idiom that was pioneered in the 1930s by guitar legend Django Reinhardt. Django was foremost among a group of guitarists working in and around Paris in the late 1920s and 30s. This group included the Ferre brothers, who also made important contributions to the development of what has come to be known as Gypsy jazz.
One of the primary sources of employment for musicians in Paris at that time was in various popular Musette ensembles. The Musette style waltz remains an important component in the Gypsy jazz repertoire. Reinhardt combined a dark, chromatic Gypsy flavor with the swing articulation of the period to create a beautiful and original style of jazz. His genius for improvised melody was characterised by ormanented arpeggios. This approach continues to form the basis for contemporary Gypsy jazz guitar. Reinhardt’s most famous group, the Hot Club of France, also brought fame to jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Gypsy jazz is thriving today, with fans and practitioners found all over the globe. The largest audiences and highest caliber of musicians are found in Europe.
Gypsy jazz, along with traditional Gypsy music, is learned by the passing down of knowledge from older generations. Many Gypsy musicians do not read notated music. It is more common for beginners to spend hours learning and memorizing songs from recordings and gleaning techniques from more experienced players.
In Gypsy jazz, guitar and violin are the main solo instruments, although clarinet and accordion are also common. The rhythm guitar is played using a distinct percussive technique, "la pompe", that essentially replaces the drums. An upright bass fills out the ensembles. Although many instrumental lineups exist, a group including one lead guitar, violin, two rhythm guitars, and bass is often the norm.
Three of the top guitar soloists in contemporary Gypsy Swing are Bireli Lagrene, Angelo Debarre, and Stochelo Rosenberg. The "Live in Vienne" DVD featuring Bireli Lagrene and many guest performers is an excellent concert video. One of the top violinists in this style, Florin Niculescu, is also featured. An online discussion group at Yahoo Groups is called gypsyjazzguitar.
In recent years, many gypsy jazz performers have begun using traditional Latin rhythms such as samba, bossa nova, tango, and rumba. Bands such as 8½ Souvenirs have continued the tradition.
- Django Swing Page : Gypsy Jazz resource for playing in the Gypsy Jazz Style
- Gypsy guitars : gypsyguitars.free.fr French guitars
- CarHabana : When The Manouche/Gipsy Jazz meet he Cuban Jazz
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