Ian Cruickshank The Guitar Style of Django Reinhardt & the Gypsies

The purpose of this book is to provide some pointers towards the gypsy jazz style as pioneered by Django Reinhardt, and continued today by many gypsy guitarists. The key to individual progress along this path is relentless appreciation and experimentation, coupled with an intense study of all available information, both aural and visual. Ian Cruickshank started playing guitar back in 1965 when he formed and R&B group. This lasted until 1969 when he joined the Keef Hartley Band as featured lead guitarist, made two albums, and toured extensively in England and the Continent. In 1978 he formed the group Swing Guitars, primarily in order to play the music of Django Reinhardt. In conjunction with fellow guitarist, Trevor Davies, he has made many field trips to France to photograph and record the gypsy jazz musicians, and in 1981 they made a 40 minute movie documentary called "Gypsy Jazz."