Gypsy Jazz - Around the Globe

What is gypsy jazz?

Style of small-group jazz music that originated in France. It was popular among Manouche gypsies, and is also known as Manouche Jazz or jazz Manouche. The main instrument used is the acoustic guitar, much unlike traditional jazz, which is dominated by the piano and wind instruments.

I’ll See You In My Dreams - Django Reinhardt

Considered to be the father of gypsy jazz, this piece is often known as Reinhardt’s best composition. With characteristic articulated and swung strumming rhythms and elegant soloing, this piece is the prime example of the gentle romantic feelings that are incited in most listeners of gypsy jazz.

Bistro Fada - Stephane Wrembel

This song was composed for the and popularised by the art film ‘Midnight in Paris’, featuring powerful strumming and a dreamy melody, played fingerstyle. The frequent use of runs and sequences, display Wrembel’s virtuosity and are often said to transport listeners to a streetside cafe in Paris.

Dark Eyes - Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen

The gypsy jazz cover of this popular Russian romance folk song was originally written by Django Reinhardt, but this rendition by Kenny Ball features his excellent brass ensemble that gives the song a more vibrant aura. An upbeat tempo is maintained throughout, the articulation is impeccable and the trombone improvisation makes this one of the Jazzmen’s best performances.

Swing 42 - Django Reinhardt

This energetic arrangement has the swung rhythmic accompaniment, played by a heavier string section. The thicker texture, memorable central lick, and combination of violin and guitar soloing give the piece an overall much richer sound, often making listeners smile and sway.

Nuages - Django Reinhardt

Often played past midnight in dim-lit French taverns, this is one of the rare Reinhardt pieces that maintains powerful emotion in the absence of a vibrant rhythmic accompaniment. The minimalistic arrangement allows for the sound of the guitar to become more graceful and highlights the versatility of the soloing.

Bleu Citron - Dorado Schmitt

Played by a significantly larger ensemble, this piece follows traditional jazz structure with each instrument soloing over the rhythmic accompaniment in one cycle and returning to the head section at the end of each cycle. The clarinet adds a special vibrancy to the sound and seems to enhance the charisma of the guitar as well. The rhythm section as usual carries out its role excellently, creating a pleasant experience for the listeners.

For Sephora - The Rosenberg Trio

This Dutch jazz band features a lead and rhythm guitar, as well as a double bass. The lead guitar improvisation is dominated by motivic development that utilizes scalic patterns and sequences. The chordal progression on the rhythm guitar allows the lead to play with freedom and flow, creating a calming mood for the listeners.

Listen to all the featured songs using the playlist on our Apple Music page.