Django

The Life and Music of a Gypsy Legend

By: Michael Dregni

Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Django Reinhardt was arguably the greatest guitarist who ever lived, an important influence on Les Paul, Charlie Christian, B.B. King, Jerry Garcia, Chet Atkins, and many others. Yet there is no major biography of Reinhardt. Now, in Django, Michael Dregni offers a definitive portrait of this great guitarist. Handsome, charismatic, childlike, and unpredictable, Reinhardt was a character out of a picaresque novel. Born in a gypsy caravan at a crossroads in Belgium, he was almost killed in a freak fire that burned half of his body and left his left hand twisted into a claw. But with this maimed left hand flying over the frets and his right hand plucking at dizzying speed, Django became Europe's most famous jazz musician, commanding exorbitant fees - and spending the money as fast as he made it.

Dregni not only chronicles this remarkably colorful life - including a fascinating account of gypsy culture - but he also sheds much light on Django's musicianship. He examines his long musical partnership with violinist Stphane Grappelli - the one suave and smooth, the other sharper and more dissonant - and he traces the evolution of their novel string jazz ensemble, Quintette du Hot Club de France. Indeed, the author spotlights Django's amazing musical diversity, describing his swing-styled Nouveau Quintette, his big band Django's Music, and his later bebop ensemble, as well as his many compositions, including symphonic pieces influenced by Ravel and Debussy and his unfinished organ mass inspired by Bach. And along the way, the author offers vivid snapshots of the jazz scene in Paris - colorful portraits of Josephine Baker, Bricktop, Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins, and countless others--and of Django's vagabond wanderings around France, Europe, and the United States, where he toured with Duke Ellington. Capturing the extraordinary life and times of one of the great musicians of the twentieth century, Django is a must-read portrait of a true original.

©2004 Michael Dregni (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Django in context

If you love jazz, especially jazz guitar, you’ll love this book. Django’s life is presented supported by excellent first hand sources.
At first I found the book challenging as it presented Django as a brilliant prodigy but not a likable person. As the book progressed, you began to see Django as a product of the historical and cultural forces of his time. I was particularly moved by the sections on jazz in occupied France and the post WWII jazz movement. By the end of the book you see Django as he is; the most important force in European jazz.

Fascinating biography for all roots music aficionados

I get turned off watching musician-related biopics if fingers do not match the performance...
I truly enjoyed this biography. Well-researched and detailed yet always relevant, respectful yet impartial, insightful and well-written by an author definitely in one of his field of expertise. An account fascinating enough that the narrator's Clouseau accent on French words takes a backseat to the story.
Guitar fans and jazz connaisseurs will love this book, but it should also please a francophile and pop culture-curious crowd.
You'll zip through it as fast as a Django chromatic run anyways. I'm going for a replay, alternating with the 40 CD Intégrale Django Reinhardt (Frémeaux & Associés) as a soundtrack.

TVGirlosmyfavband but Djangomyfavguitarplayer

Best book amazon has ever had the pleasure of selling! Would recommend would recommend would recommend

You don’t have to be a Django fan

I found the musical tastes and styles of pre WW1 Paris nightlife fascinating. The author accurately described the transition of the audience preference for the new style and the passion Django had to play jazz. Musical reflection of what was going on in art and literature of that time and how it changed again as WW2 ended.

Gypsy Guitar Legend!

Fantastic look at the the life of Django Reinhardt. Well written and beautifully narrated. Highly recommended for any fan of jazz guitar.

Fascinating and incredibly well researched

Like most readers of this book, I love Django. I grew up listening to him and attempt to play Manouche jazz whenever I can.
This was fascinating to hear the story behind the legend. The writer has certainly done their research! So many quotes and anecdotes from those that knew Django. The book weaves these stories together well. A fantastic read!