Django Reinhardt Guitar Tab Books, Instruction DVDs, Solos, Transcriptions, Video Lessons

The Johnny Smith Solo Guitar Collection

Django Reinhardt - Gypsy Jazz Guitar Innovator!
Compiled & Edited By Steven Herron

    Nearly a half century after his death, gypsy guitar player Django Reinhardt still remains a legendary figure in the annals of jazz guitar! To this day, his blazing guitar playing stands up to that of present day master jazz guitar players like Joe Pass, Pat Martino, Tal Farlow and George Benson. Author James Lincoln Collier in his book "The Making of Jazz", described Django as "the most astounding guitar player in the history of jazz". When you take into consideration the hordes of jazz guitar players he has inspired, he could certainly well be.

    Born Jean Baptise Reinhardt to LaBelle Reinhardt and Jean Vees (his possible father) on January 23, 1910 in Liverchees, Belgium near the French border line, Django was raised in true gypsy fashion - wandering around in a caravan and living like a vagabond. He invested much of his earlier years venturing throughout Europe, eventually settling just outside of Paris. Django did not go to school and was illiterate - he could not read nor write words.

    He did however constantly have an interest and a talent for music and finally acquired a banjo from an excellent friend named Raclot when he was 12 years old. He in no way ever got formal lessons, but was instructed by his dad and other artists in the area and soon thereafter began performing with his father in cafes. By age fourteen he had turned out to be a main fixture on the Parisian club circuit and by age 18 he cut his first record as a sideman, accompanying an accordion player on his banjo.

    On November 2, 1928 personal misfortune struck. Django heard a faint sound and thought it was a rat playing around near his wagon. He took hold of a candle, that all of a sudden fell from the candle holder onto a stack of extremely flammable artificial flowers that instantly burst into flames, setting the whole wagon on fire. Django made use of a blanket to bring his wife from the flaming wagon, but his exposed lower limbs and left hand were badly burned. Because of the level of his burns, doctors advised cutting off Django's legs, but he adamantly refused.

    He would in the future reestablish the use of both burned legs, however his burned left hand did not have the same good luck and his musical career was thought to be doomed. Django was strong and determined and trudged along, attempting to master the guitar once again though still in the hospital. He eventually restored the use of his left hand thumb, index and middle fingers, but not the complete use of the 3rd and 4th fingers. Over a year later, he had the ability to perform once again utilizing his working left hand fingers!

    In 1929, gypsy jazz guitar player Django Reinhardt was introduced to Stephane Grapelli, a violinst with whom he would have a career long relationship. They were both struggling young musicians attempting to make their way in the jazz scene. In 1933, they finally had the chance to play together in "The Quintet of The Hot Club of France" (that featured Django's brother Joseph on rhythm guitar) an incarnation of "The Hotel Claridge Orchestra".

    The Ultraphone Recording Company offered the group a record deal in 1934 and their initial record sent out shock waves all throughout the European jazz scene. This spawned a series of group recordings which would raise the group's recognition and allow them to play live show halls. As a result of the German invasion of France Django and his associates retreated to Paris, but Grapelli decided to stay in London. Django grew to end up being a god in the eyes of the French!

    Django Reinhardt's star continued to rise! He composed the stunning tune "Nuages" that would become his trademark tune and eventually replaced Grapelli with clarinetist Hubert Rostaing which was inspired by the pairing of jazz guitarist Charlie Christian and clarinetist Benny Goodman. This brand new line-up furthermore had drums replacing rhythm guitar and would sell out shows whenever it played. Django's music spread to include the United States.

    In 1946, Django Reinhardt reunited with Stephane Grapelli. They went on to record as a quintet with new members, but Django was in bad physical health and returned to Paris. Later in 1946 he made his first and only trip to the United States. He was asked to come to New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall to be a showcased soloist with "The Duke Ellington Orchestra". He was excited to come to America but his big ego gave him severe delusions of grandeur. He left his Maccaferri guitar at home, expecting American guitar manufacturers to swarm him with free guitars to select from. This did not occur however and he wound up purchasing an average American electric guitar that was not very comfortable for him.

    Django managed to pull off the initial show without a hitch and was asked back once more for six encores. On the 2nd night however, in his typical capricious fashion, he showed up late, showing up just in time to close up the show. He blamed his tardiness on the taxi driver. This occasion reduced Django's marquee value dramatically and the concert tour was considered a major flop. Bebop had turn out to be the fashionable sound of jazz by 1949 and Django's swing guitar sound was passe. His ego was crushed and he stopped performing on guitar for a while.

    By 1951 however, he was back in action and had actually absorbed the bebop language. He could play bop with the finest and was now performing on an electric guitar. He recorded with bebop pioneer Dizzy Gillespie in 1953 and had a world tour lined up. In Switzerland, on a short little tour, Django developed some sort of illness. He had severe headaches, high blood pressure, and pins and needles in his fingers. He declined to see a physician and on May 15, 1953 he suffered a fatal stroke while at a cafe with some friends. He died at the young age of 43.

Jazz Guitar Chords & Arpeggio Patterns - Stacy McKee - This unique book includes 300 jazz guitar chord formations and matching single note arpeggio patterns in a quick reference format that no one has ever done before! Cross indexing makes this manual extremely easy to use and regardless of what style of music you play, we know you will find this to be a valuable, "must have" addition to your library. Stacy McKee was the featured guitarist with "Les Brown and The Band Of Renown" and for a limited time only, we will include an exclusive copy of his book FREE with your first order!
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