Saturday november 6th, Mary has peacefully died at 14.30 hrs local time. She was surrounded by her children, Peter and the Rosenberg Trio.

Mary was one of the most important contributors to the Gypsy jazz revival over the past decade. She was selfless in her assistance to both Sinti artists who often needed help negotiating the gadjo world, and to visiting Gypsy jazz enthusiasts from around the world for whom she showed the kindest hospitality.

During my research in The Netherlands (2001-2002) Mary continually offered a helping hand. Whenever I was homeless, lost, broke, hungry, Mary was always there to help. She set up meetings with famous Sinti guitarists, bought concert tickets for me, reserved me a camping spot at Samois, and fed me all the time. Honestly, I don’t think my research would have been possible without her.

She was a central figure in the Gypsy jazz community and a close friend. She will be sorely missed.

-Michael

The career of Bireli Lagrene began at the tender age of 11, when he completed an astonishing album called “Routes to Django.” This record saw the young guitarist interpreting the songs of the legendary Django Reinhardt. Subsequent releases allowed him to carve out his own niche in the music world, while still tipping his hat to Reinhardt by incorporating many similar techniques into his playing style. This release features Lagrenes “Gipsy Project” in full swing at the Vienne Jazz Festival in France, where an expectant crowd gathers to bask in the glory of his exquisite tunes. Special guests come thick and fast throughout, with Richard Galliano, Dorado Schmitt, and Django Reinhardts grandson, David Reinhardt, all adding to the occasion.

For more info or to buy: Click Here

Click Here for more info or to buy: Django: The Life and Music of a Gypsy Legend

This lesson is the first of a two part series which explains the scales and arpeggio choices Django used while improvising. This lesson demonstrates how Django used the “Major 6/9 Sound” and “Minor 6 Sound” in his solos. 9 notated and MP3 audio examples are included. 6 of these are musical ideas transcribed from Django and other Gypsy guitarists. 5 pages of text .

For more info or to download go to: Lessons Online

This lesson is the second of a two part series which explains the scales and arpeggio choices Django used while improvising. This lesson demonstrates how Django used the “Dominant 13 Sound” and “Dominant b9 Sound” in his solos. 8 notated and MP3 audio examples are included. 5 of these are musical ideas transcribed from Django and other Gypsy guitarists. 5 pages of text.

For more info or to download go to: Lessons Online