An American jazz trio playing European-style Gypsy Jazz! We cover the full repetoir of Gypsy Standards as well as Jazz Standards performed in a gypsy style. This is fun, upbeat music that lends authenticity and class to an upscale cocktail party or reception, but works just as well for occasions when you just want to dance. Looking for the authentic sounds of a Paris cafe?... How about a down and dirty speakeasy?... We've got you covered! References available upon request.EMAIL -
[email protected] ------------------------------------------------------Gypsy jazz (also known as "Gypsy Swing") is an idiom sometimes said to have been started by guitarist Django Reinhardt in the 1930s. Because its origins are largely in France it is often called by the French name, "Jazz manouche," or alternatively, "manouche jazz," even in English language sources.[1] Django was foremost among a group of guitarists working in and around Paris in the late 1920s and 30s.
Many of the musicians in this style worked in Paris in various popular Musette ensembles. The Musette style waltz remains an important component in the Gypsy jazz repertoire. Reinhardt was noted for combining a dark, chromatic Gypsy flavor with the swing articulation of the period. This combination is critical to this style of jazz. In addition to this his approach continues to form the basis for contemporary Gypsy jazz guitar. Reinhardt's most famous group, the Quintette du Hot Club de France, also brought fame to jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli.
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.
