Tchan-tchou Vidal: La gitane

Ahab · June 2012

I couldn't agree more, very underrated player IMO. I know some younger players who've never heard of him, definitely required listening!

Mitch · June 2012

TChan-Tchou rules!

This is doubtlesslely his best album and an all-time gypsy jazz classic :P

Like you, I'm crazy about his staccato sound...

billyshakes · January 3

About a month ago, I pulled out this Tchan Tchou CD (la Gitane) and put it in my car and really enjoyed it. I kept meaning to resurrect one of these threads on Tchan-Tchou (and there are several interesting ones here). I'll second the OP's exhortation to buy this CD if you don't already own it. It isn't going to represent the latest style in this genre, but it is fantastic playing. As on the conversation on a recent thread, there is definitely a connection to him through Moreno. A very strong attack but still clear articulation is what I personally hear. Anyone else own this or still listen to it? While it used to be on Spotify, I don't find any of his work available there now (in the US).

If you browse enough of the old threads, you'll find some unfortunate holes in conversations, especially when TedG left and all his posts with historic information and experience were lost unless where quoted in someone else's comments. @scot thanks for still hanging around and for your great contributions to the history of some of these folks!

Some old threads on Tchan-Tchou include:

Lost Acoustic Tapes - https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/13576/tchan-tchou-vidal-acoustic-lost-tapes

Tchan Tchou Songs - https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/3787/tchan-tchou-vidal-songs

Tchan Tchou cont. - https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/87/tchan-tchou-continued/p1

and even one of his guitars was for sale here once.

https://djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/13124/1969-jacques-favino-enrico-macias-owned-by-tchan-tchou-vidal/p1

paulmcevoy75 · January 3

I was just listening, it's great. Thanks!

billyshakes · May 1

With the discussion on the other thread about picking patterns and La Gitane, it reminded me about another comment I have on this CD. As we were driving in the car the other day, I remarked to my wife how this seems one of the few examples of drums used in a GJ recording where they don't seem like they are idiosyncratic.

My copy of the CD says it is Christian Garros on the batterie. Here he is (2nd from right) at Le Touquet in 1949 w/Django and Andre Ekyan (w/clarinet). The minimalist way Garros plays in sync with the rhythm guitar on these recordings almost makes you not notice the drums. Sounds like he might be playing with brushes, which would help the two instruments sonically mesh. I like it.