Check out British guitarist Stuart Blagden’s version of an old Manouche favorite:

Valse de niglos

Laguna Beach, February 25-27, 2005

Hot Gypsy Jazz comes to Southern California when Djangofest LA arrives in Laguna Beach, Ca. at the Laguna Beach Festival of Art’s Forum Theatre Feb. 25-27, 2005.

Djangofest LA 2005, brought to you by the same folks who produce Djangofest Northwest and Djangofest San Francisco, is a three-day festival celebrating the music and spirit of Django Reinhardt. It is an opportunity for Gypsy Jazz fans, players and enthusiasts from around the world to congregate in the beautiful ocean side village of Laguna Beach, Ca., only 60 minutes from Los Angeles and 20 minutes from the John Wayne Airport, to attend a series of concerts, take some workshops, djam and network with top international performers and aficionados of this distinctive and vibrant genre of acoustic guitar driven music.

Boulou and Elios Ferre carry on the traditions of the great Ferret musical dynasty (later changed to Ferre). Their father was Matelo Ferret, who was one of Django’s rhythm guitarists.

This clip is an out-take from the immensely popular documentary The Django Legacy. The scene takes place in the old Favino workshop on rue de Clignancourt in Paris. Jaques Favino and his son Jean-Pierre look on.

Boulou uses a section of Django Reinhardt’s Improvisation #3 as an introduction for Minor Swing. A complete transcription of Improvisation #3 can be found in my book Unaccompanied Django.

For more Boulou and Elios video check out their DVD: Live at Djangofest  Nortwest

For more Boulou and Elios check out their CDs: Live in Montpellier, Pour Django, Gypsy Dreams, Relax and Enjoy, Nuages, Confirmation, Trinity, New York, N.Y., Intersection, Guitar Legacy, Rainbow of Life, and Shades of a Dream.

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 Real Player software. Download for free here: Real Player

Boulou and Elios Ferre carry on the traditions of the great Ferret musical dynasty (later changed to Ferre). Their father was Matelo Ferret, who was one of Django’s rhythm guitarists.

This clip is an out-take from the immensely popular documentary The Django Legacy. The scene takes place in the old Favino workshop on rue de Clignancourt in Paris. Jaques Favino and his son Jean-Pierre look on.

For more Boulou and Elios video check out their DVD: Live at Djangofest  Nortwest

For more Boulou and Elios check out their CDs: Pour Django, Gypsy Dreams, Relax and Enjoy, Nuages, Confirmation, Trinity, New York, N.Y., Intersection, Guitar Legacy, Rainbow of Life, and Shades of a Dream.

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 Real Player software. Download for free here: Real Player

Raphael Fays has been one of the top Gypsy jazz virtuosos for the past two decades. Born in Paris, he was quickly recognized as a child prodigy. His father Louis Fays accompanied him for many years (as in the video.) Raphael had the misfortune of having much of his career take place during the 70s and 80s. A time when there was little interest in Gypsy jazz. However, his pioneering use of Latin rhythms and modern repertoire influenced the next generation of super stars: Bireli Lagrene, Stochelo Rosenberg, etc.

Raphael Fays has an excellent right hand Gypsy Picking technique. Watch closely. He is one of the few Gypsy guitarists who plays with his hand entirely off the top of the guitar.

To hear more Raphael Fays see: Gypsy & Classic, Raphael Fays, In Concert, Swing Guitar, Ballade Manouche and Voyages.

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 Real Player software. Download for free here: Real Player