Gypsy jazz
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Gypsy jazz (also known as "Gypsy Swing") is an idiom sometimes said to have started by the Ferré brothers in the late 1920s. That said it became popular due to the work of guitarist Django Reinhardt in the 1930s. Because its origins are largely in France it is often called by the French name, "Jazz manouche", or alternatively "manouche jazz", even in English language sources.<ref>English language site on "Jazz manouche."</ref> Django was foremost among a group of guitarists working in and around Paris in the late 1920s and 30s.
Many of the musicians in this style worked in Paris in various popular Musette ensembles. The Musette style waltz remains an important component in the Gypsy jazz repertoire. Reinhardt was noted for combining a dark, chromatic Gypsy flavor with the swing articulation of the period. This combination is critical to this style of jazz. In addition to this his approach continues to form the basis for contemporary Gypsy jazz guitar. Reinhardt's most famous group, the Quintette du Hot Club de France, also brought fame to jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Gypsy jazz is thriving today, with fans and practitioners found all over the globe. The largest audiences and highest caliber of musicians are still found in Europe as this is where the style originates.<ref>National Geographic World Music site on "manouche jazz"</ref> Stochelo Rosenberg is perhaps the most famous performer today.
Gypsy jazz, along with traditional Gypsy music, is learned by the passing down of knowledge from older generations. Many Gypsy musicians do not read notated music. It is more common for beginners to spend hours learning and memorizing songs from recordings and gleaning techniques from more experienced players.
In Gypsy jazz, guitar and violin are the main solo instruments, although clarinet and accordion are also common. The rhythm guitar is played using a distinct percussive technique, "la pompe", that essentially replaces the drums. An upright bass fills out the ensembles. Although many instrumental lineups exist, a group including one lead guitar, violin, two rhythm guitars, and bass is often the norm.
Some Outstanding Contemporary Manouche Guitarists in the Reinhardt Tradition:
Tchavolo Schmitt, Dorado Schmitt, Fapy Lafertin, Biréli Lagrène, Jimmy Rosenberg, Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre, Babik Reinhardt, Patrick Saussois, Dario Pinelli, Ritary Gaguenetti, Robin Nolan, Samson Schmitt, Mandino Reinhardt
DjangoFest NW, a celebration of Gypsy Jazz, takes place each September at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley, Washington.
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fr:Jazz manouche nl:Zigeunerjazz
