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.
Enjoy Bireli’s performance of the Django Reinhardt classic Hungaria.
To learn more about Bireli’s music see his new book: Guitar Project
For more Bireli Lagrene video see his excellent DVDs: Live in Paris, Live a Vienne, Super Guitar Trio and the documentary The Django Legacy.
Also check out Bireli Largene’s CDs: Move, Gypsy Project, Gypsy Project and Freinds, Routes to Django and Bireli Swing ’81 2 CDs, Live at Carnegie Hall – A Tribute to Django Reinhardt 2 CDs, New York Tango, Special Guests, Blue Eyes, Live in Marciac, My Favorite Django, Gipsy Feeling, Zum Trotz, Jimmy, Biréli & Angelo, Broadway Blues and Teresa 2 CDs, Live in Italy and Honestly 2 CDs.