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. Bireli 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.

The following mp3 gives a glimpse into the musical life of Sinti children. Jamming is part of the every day fabric of life in Gypsy camps. There is no set time or place, rather the music just happens all day, and often all night. Sinti, most of whom play at least a little, spend much of their day visiting neighbors. Inevitably the guitars come out and music starts. While many Sinti guitarists do practice seriously, many develop a high level of technique through these informal jams that are a part of the fabric of Sinti life.

On the following mp3 Bireli is jamming on the popular standard I Can’t Give You Anything But Love. The rhythm guitarist is most likely his brother and bandmate Gati Lagrene. Take note of the aggressive “German” style rhythm playing favored by Alsatian guitarists.

There is a segment on the new Bireli Lagrene DVD which shows him playing solo guitar around this same age. For more info see: Bireli Lagrene DVD

Also check out Bireli Lagrene’s Gypsy Project CDs: Gypsy Project

Enjoy!

-Michael

MP3: I Can’t Give You Anything But Love

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

Django’s first son was Henri “Lousson” Baumgartner (1928-1992). Like Babik, Django’s second and more famous son, Lousson was an excellent guitarist. Since Lousson was older he actually played with his father on occasion and even accompanied him on numerous recordings in the 1940s. Like many of the second generation players, Lousson played more contemporary styles of jazz on an archtop electric guitar. Despite Lousson’s modern bebop approach, his Gypsy heritage is evident in his technique, repertoire, and sense of aesthetics. The following home recording of Lousson playing Django’s bebop style tune Nuits de Saint-Germain-des-Pres demonstrates his largely unsung talent. Lousson never recorded commercially.

This recording made during a rehearsal sometime in the 60s. Please excuse the poor quality. There are numerous drop outs through out.

MP3: Nuits de Saint-Germain-des-Pres

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

1985 Sunburst Anniversary Edition Johnny Smith. Pristine condition. Bought directly from Johnny Smith at his music store in Colorado. Signed and setup by Johnny himself! Johnny routinely sent back guitars that didn’t meet his standards. So this guitar passed the ultimate quality control test: inspection by Johnny Smith himself! Probably the most collectable Johnny Smith ever….

I’m the second owner. This guitar has very little wear. One minor ding in the top and that’s it. Label on the inside reads “Checked and adjusted for Dave Fagre on 7-29-86 [signed] Johnny Smith”

The Johnny Smith model is now sold by Gibson under the name Le Grande. The Le Grande sells for over $10,000, why pay that much when you can get the same guitar for less?

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