In the south of France during the 1950s and 1960s, a generation of
Gitan
guitarists was also playing their own brand of Django’s music, blending
in Corsican and flamenco influences and recording for several small
labels in southern France and Lyon. Because they were able to record
during this era of the lost generation, their music became influential
in keeping Django’s legacy alive and in passing on a southern Gitan
style. The most influential was Etienne “Patotte” Bousquet. Performing
at the
infamous Marseille dive Au Son des Guitares, Bousquet played with such
ferocity that he at times broke all six strings with one strum of his
plectrum. His music was based in Django’s legacy, but also incorporated
musette waltzes and Corsican melodies. He recorded a handful of EPs and
LPs that kept songs such as Django’s “Montagne Sainte-Geneviève”
from
being forgotten. In later years, Bousquet gave up on life as a musician
and became a shoe vendor in the Midi’s flea markets.
Django was from the Manouche or Sinti tribe of Gypsies. The Sinti have
their roots in Eastern Europe. They have a distinct language and
musical traditions. Bousquet, along with the Ferret family and many
other famous Gypsy guitarists, are from the Gitan tribe. The Gitan have
roots in Spain. They speak a different language then the Sinti and have
Spanish influenced musical traditions.
For more Bousquet see the excellent compilation CD Gipsy Jazz School
The video archive is dedicated to Mary
Honcoop. She generously shared her large collection of Gypsy videos
with nearly anyone who asked. The video archive aims to continue her
generosity now that she is gone.
The Video Archive is devoted surviving video of Django Reinhardt and
other masters of the Gypsy jazz genre. If you enjoy these videos
consider making
a donation.
To view this video you need Windows Media Player software. Download for free
here: Windows Media Player
In the south of France during the 1950s and 1960s, a generation of
Gitan
guitarists was also playing their own brand of Django’s music, blending
in Corsican and flamenco influences and recording for several small
labels in southern France and Lyon. Because they were able to record
during this era of the lost generation, their music became influential
in keeping Django’s legacy alive and in passing on a southern Gitan
style. The most influential was Etienne “Patotte” Bousquet. Performing
at the
infamous Marseille dive Au Son des Guitares, Bousquet played with such
ferocity that he at times broke all six strings with one strum of his
plectrum. His music was based in Django’s legacy, but also incorporated
musette waltzes and Corsican melodies. He recorded a handful of EPs and
LPs that kept songs such as Django’s “Montagne Sainte-Geneviève”
from
being forgotten. In later years, Bousquet gave up on life as a musician
and became a shoe vendor in the Midi’s flea markets.
Django was from the Manouche or Sinti tribe of Gypsies. The Sinti have
their roots in Eastern Europe. They have a distinct language and
musical traditions. Bousquet, along with the Ferret family and many
other famous Gypsy guitarists, are from the Gitan tribe. The Gitan have
roots in Spain. They speak a different language then the Sinti and have
Spanish influenced musical traditions.
For more Bousquet see the excellent compilation CD Gipsy Jazz School
The video archive is dedicated to Mary
Honcoop. She generously shared her large collection of Gypsy videos
with nearly anyone who asked. The video archive aims to continue her
generosity now that she is gone.
The Video Archive is devoted surviving video of Django Reinhardt and
other masters of the Gypsy jazz genre. If you enjoy these videos
consider making
a donation.
To view this video you need Windows Media Player software. Download for free
here: Windows Media Player
Bireli
Lagrene is one of the most accomplished jazz guitarists
active today. His career, which started around the age of 10, has
included performances with some of the world’s top musicians. He has
shared the stage with fusion guitarist Larry
Coryell, fretless bass pioneer Jaco
Pastorius, and accordion virtuoso Richard
Galliano. Biréli is a master of numerous styles including
bebop, fusion, and swing. He is also a multi instrumentalist with
phenomenal skill on guitar (electric and acoustic), electric bass, and
drums.
However, Bireli’s musical roots lie in the music of Django
Reinhardt. Like most Sinti children, he was immersed in Django’s music
from a very young age. While growing up in the Gypsy camps of the
Alsace region of Eastern France, he developed incredible technical and
improvisational skill. His talent was quickly recognized, resulting in
performances across Europe as a young as age 10.
To learn more about Bireli’s music see his new book: Guitar Project