Django Reinhardt (1910-53) was a Roma-Belgian jazz guitarist and composer, and originator of the “Gypsy Jazz Manouche” music tradition. Manouche jazz is a blend of traditional Roma music and swing jazz. At the age of 18, he lost the use of the fourth and fifth fingers in his left hand. While definitely a disability, he followed the beacon of his name ("Django" means "I awake" in Romany) and invented a fingering style that contributed distinctive sounds.
In 1934, he and violinist Stephane Grappelli formed the Quintette du Hot Club de France, an all-strings (3 guitars, base and violin) jazz group. They affiliated with The Hot Club of France (HCF) which had been established in 1931 to enjoy and promote traditional jazz, swing and blues. The Quintette fathered the “Hot Club Sound” which consisted typically of a lead guitar, rhythm guitars, a bass and often violin or saxophone. The guitar and bass are played percussively, leading to an absence of drums. Reinhardt was a prolific performer, writing one hundred and recording one thousand songs during his career between 1928 and 1953 when he died at the age of 43.
In 1934, he and violinist Stephane Grappelli formed the Quintette du Hot Club de France, an all-strings (3 guitars, base and violin) jazz group. They affiliated with The Hot Club of France (HCF) which had been established in 1931 to enjoy and promote traditional jazz, swing and blues. The Quintette fathered the “Hot Club Sound” which consisted typically of a lead guitar, rhythm guitars, a bass and often violin or saxophone. The guitar and bass are played percussively, leading to an absence of drums. Reinhardt was a prolific performer, writing one hundred and recording one thousand songs during his career between 1928 and 1953 when he died at the age of 43.
Reinhardt performed in England with Stephane Grappelli when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. He spontaneously decided to return to Paris, leaving Grappelli in Britain and he spent the winter playing in Jimmy’s Bar in Montparnasse. During the Nazi occupation of Paris Django and his family attempted but failed to escape. Ironically, Reinhardt survived and even prospered during the war years despite Nazi antipathy to both the Romani population and to jazz as a degenerate form of music (it was both Black and American!). Django’s survival came with the cost of sponsorship by a Luftwaffe officer Dietrich Schulz-Kohn who was a fan of jazz.
Technically, Django does not fit the classic profile of a “chansonnier” since he did not write lyrics (he was illiterate) or sing--he was a Gypsy jazz guitarist. However, his music had an enduring impact and through its appropriation by many lyricists and performers his songs have morphed into a style akin to that of the “chanson française” that we celebrate in this songbook.
Django Reinhardt Song:
Nuages (Clouds)
Technically, Django does not fit the classic profile of a “chansonnier” since he did not write lyrics (he was illiterate) or sing--he was a Gypsy jazz guitarist. However, his music had an enduring impact and through its appropriation by many lyricists and performers his songs have morphed into a style akin to that of the “chanson française” that we celebrate in this songbook.
Django Reinhardt Song:
Nuages (Clouds)