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. Biréli 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.
To learn more about Bireli’s music see his new book: Guitar Project
For more Bireli Lagrene video see his excellent DVDs: Live in Paris, Live a Vienne, Super Guitar Trio and the documentary The Django Legacy.
Also check out Bireli Largene’s CDs: Just the Way You Are, It’s Alright with Me, Move, Gypsy Project, Gypsy Project and Freinds, Routes to Django and Bireli Swing ’81 2 CDs, Live at Carnegie Hall – A Tribute to Django Reinhardt 2 CDs, New York Tango, Special Guests, Blue Eyes, Live in Marciac, My Favorite Django, Gipsy Feeling, Zum Trotz, Jimmy, Biréli & Angelo, Broadway Blues and Teresa 2 CDs, Live in Italy and Honestly 2 CDs.
Tchavolo Schmitt is originaly from Paris and was a regular at the flea
market jam scene at La
Chope. Apparently he ran into some trouble and moved to the Alsace
region of Eastern France. Despite his Parisian roots, he is still
strongly associated with the Alsace style.
For more Tchavolo Schmitt see his CDs: Memoires, Swing 93, Alors? … Voila!, and Gipsy Jazz School .
Tchavolo also appears on the Bireli Lagrene DVD.
The video archive is dedicated to Mary Honcoop. She generously shared her large collection of Gypsy videos with nearly anyone who asked. The video archive aims to continue her generosity now that she is gone.
The Video Archive is devoted surviving video of Django Reinhardt and other masters of the Gypsy jazz genre. If you enjoy these videos consider making a donation.
To view this video you need Windows Media Player software. Download for free here: Windows Media Player
