Bireli Lagrene’s Gypsy Project CDs are now in stock.

For more info or to order click here: Bireli Lagrene

This lesson is an introduction to Celtic DADGAD guitar. In this lesson you will learn special techniques used by Celtic guitarists. All examples use the DADGAD guitar tuning to create a special drone effect. Chords voicings, rhythms, and melodies used by professional Celtic guitarists are covered. The lesson includes 11 notated and audio examples. Three of the examples are entire Celtic tunes with detailed notation, TAB, and chord charts: “The Congress Reel,” “East at Glen Dart,” and a fingerstyle arrangement of “Banish Misfortune.” There are 14 pages of text.

For more info or to download go to: Lessons Online

This lesson is an introduction to Klezmer guitar. It includes explanation of the basic chords, scales, and rhythm used in this style. Also, a transcription of the Klezmer standard Odessa Bulgar is included. 5 notated and MP3 audio examples are included. 6 pages of text.

For more info or to download go to: Lessons Online

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