1. DJANGO REINHARDT 1910-1953

2. DJANGO REINHARDT

3. FAMILY BACKGROUND  Real Name: Jean Reinhardt  Born in Belgium to a family of Romani (gypsy) decent.  Mom was a dancer, Dad was an entertainer.  Django means “I awake” in Romani

4. EARLY YEARS  Grew up in a gypsy settlement outside Paris.  Received very little formal education almost illiterate – words and music!  Loved music at an early age. First played violin and banjo, then switched to guitar.  Began working professionally at age 13. First recordings were of him playing banjo.

5. 1928: CARAVAN FIRE  First and second degree burns all over his body.  Right leg paralyzed, Mutation of left hand: Fourth and fifth fingers were badly burned and were partially paralyzed.  Doctors believed he would never play guitar again – wanted to amputate  Django refused – relearned how to play guitar  Led to a unique fingering method  Played all of his solos with only two fingers, injured fingers for chords.

6. WORKED IN PARIS CAFES  Just plays guitar now.  This is where he first hears American jazz.  Founder (with Stephane Grappelli) of the Quintette du Hot Club du France  Gained notoriety before WWII  Became an international celebrity – toured Europe, recorded with Americans and European musicians.

7. WWII  People are fleeing German-controlled territories.  Grappelli goes to Britain, Reinhardt stays in France.  Survives war (many gypsies were killed by Nazis). Perhaps had help by jazz-loving ranking officers???  Attempts to leave occupied France.  Led a big band, formed a new quintet, composed some, scored a film, etc.

8. TOURING WITH DUKE  1946: Tours with Duke Ellington’s band.  Played amplified guitar for the first time.  Played at Carnegie Hall.  Continued working in NYC. Played 4 solo shows a day!!!

9. RETURN TO FRANCE  Toured and recorded with his quintet, sometimes with Grappelli.  Returned to his gypsy roots – found it hard to adjust to modern life  Often showed up to concerts without guitar or amp  Erratic behavior, very unpredictable.  1949: Djangology – Final recording (with Grappelli)

10. FINAL YEARS  Retires to small village in France Still holds a jazz festival in his honor  Continued playing  Died of a brain hemorrhage

11. LEGACY  Revival of his music in the 1960s  Influenced many modern guitarists Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton Jeff Beck: Django Reinhardt is “by far the most astonishing guitar player ever,” and he is “quite superhuman.”  Other guitarists who lost fingers were inspired: Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) and Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)  Jerry Garcia quote

12. CHARACTERISTICS  Guitar virtuoso  Excellent accompanist Remarkable technique Grasp of harmony Rhythmic Sense

13. CHARACTERISTICS  Developed into a soloist Very unique, deeply personal style “gypsy-jazz” sound The first outstanding European jazz musician (Improvised) Melodic resourcefulness and mastery of inflection Remarkable sensitivity Romantic style 1940s – switched to electric, still kept his style Flexible improvisation

14. CHARACTERISTICS  Gifted composer Many short evocative pieces Pacing – maximum variety without compromising homogeneity Ex: Saint Louis Blues (1937)