Gypsy Jazz

Джаз-мануш

Audio: Gypsy Jazz

Gypsy jazz is an acoustic jazz style created by the guitarist Django Reinhardt in 1930s Paris.

Gypsy jazz (French jazz manouche) is a distinctive acoustic style born in Paris in the 1930s. Its creator was the legendary guitarist of Roma origin Django Reinhardt, who, despite a left hand maimed in a fire, developed an inimitable virtuoso technique.

Together with the violinist Stéphane Grappelli he founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France, whose sound was built exclusively on string instruments — guitars, violin, and double bass, without drums or winds. The style is characterised by rapid guitar solos, a springy “chopping” accompaniment (la pompe), and a blend of swing with the melody of the European and Roma traditions. Gypsy jazz is alive to this day: festivals are held across Europe every year, and new generations of guitarists honour Reinhardt's legacy as a summit of acoustic playing.

Cultural Versus

Gypsy Jazz

Sub-category:: jazz

Gypsy jazz is an acoustic jazz style created by the guitarist Django Reinhardt in 1930s Paris.

31%similarity

Atonal Music

Sub-category:: classical

Atonal music is music without a clear tonal center, where all twelve pitches are equal. The revolutionary breakthrough of the early 20th century that discarded 300 years of tonal hierarchy.