Artist:Django Reinhardt
Song:Marie
Album:Djangology 49
Guitarist Django Reinhardt was the first major jazz figure to come out of Europe. He influenced generations of guitarists. He was born Jean Baptiste Reinhardt Jan. 23, 1910 in Liberchies, Belgium. He grew up in a gypsy camp near Paris. He lost the use of two of the fingers on his left hand in a 1928 fire. But he figured out a unique fingering style. Apparently at some point he heard a 78 of Louis Armstrong and continued to play guitar in Paris cafes. In 1934, he was approached by Hot Club owner Pierre Noury with the idea of an all string jazz band and The Quintet Of The Hot Club Of France was born. Of course the other key figure in the group was violinist Stephane Grappelli. They were very successful and their music is outstanding. WWII broke up the group as Grappelli moved to London and Reinhardt remained in France. They reunited after the war. Djangology 49 was recorded in Rome in 1949 and apparently it was their final recording together. Reinhardt & Grappelli always had natural chemistry that is very clear at all times. Django Reinhardt died of a stroke on May 16, 1953 at age 43. Here's Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli performing J'Attandre in 1939.
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