Biréli Lagrène stands as a modern titan of gipsy jazz guitar, carrying the torch passed down by the legendary Django Reinhardt. Hailed as a prodigy in his youth, Lagrène’s remarkable career includes collaborations with jazz icons like Benny Goodman and Stéphane Grappelli, the very violinist who shared the stage with Reinhardt. This lineage places Lagrène firmly within the esteemed tradition of Django Reinhardt, making his instructional book, Biréli Lagrène: Gypsy Jazz Guitar Artistry, an invaluable resource for aspiring musicians.
Lagrène’s journey with the guitar began at the astonishing age of four. By ten, his talent was undeniable, leading to an invitation to perform with Grappelli himself. While primarily self-taught by ear, Lagrène’s deep understanding of gipsy jazz guitar is now accessible to intermediate players through this meticulously crafted book. It serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the nuances of this vibrant style, directly inspired by the innovative techniques of Django Reinhardt.
Biréli Lagrène: Gypsy Jazz Guitar Artistry delves into the core elements of gipsy jazz guitar, focusing on essential rhythmic patterns and the improvisational vocabulary crucial for authentic performance. The book provides intermediate jazz guitarists with the tools to master the characteristic “feel” and panache of the genre. Accompanying online audio enhances the learning experience, offering 33 rhythm exercises and licks to internalize the authentic sound of Django Reinhardt style playing.
Within its 44 pages, the book covers a range of topics, from foundational rhythm examples in the style of Django Reinhardt to intricate melodic lines and finger pattern-based licks. Musical examples are presented in both standard notation and tablature, alongside chord symbols, ensuring accessibility for various levels of music reading proficiency. Aspiring gipsy jazz guitar players will find this book an essential stepping stone in their journey to emulate the masters and develop their own voice within this captivating musical tradition.
