Gypsy jazz must know tunes

**frogeye** · 08-18-2010, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by JohnRoss

I haven't got an alternative, though - jazz manouche would probably be even worse, the way the French are treating gypsies these days.

Well, I remember that I have heard folks like Tchavolo and Dorado Schmitt actually use the term "Manouche" while also using the term "Swing" (French Accent, please...). The latter one obviously would not make a good choice in the US. In my view the term "Gypsy Jazz" is used in the English speaking world not only the US. Also the English versions of some of the Dutch Gypsy players use the term. Gypsies are rarely treated well in any country. Traditionally they are nomads and more often that doesn't blend well with modern society. I don't think that they have to endure worse in France than their counterparts do in Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium. Otherwise they could easily migrate there and probably they would do so.

**frogeye** · 08-18-2010, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Gambrosius1984

Great vid's, but you can't forget one of the gypsy waltz kings, Moreno

You are absolutely right Gambrosius.

**frogeye** · 08-18-2010, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by Jazzaluk

Understood Gambrosius. Those people exist in every genre.

Dang, well put Jazzaluk. Can anyone even fathom what would happen if at the local jazz jam the guitar player would offer up some slick diminished Gypsy runs in the middle of a Bebop tune. I would be particularly concerned about some of the horn players.

**Jazzaluk** · 08-18-2010, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by frogeye

Dang, well put Jazzaluk. Can anyone even fathom what would happen if at the local jazz jam the guitar player would offer up some slick diminished Gypsy runs in the middle of a Bebop tune. I would be particularly concerned about some of the horn players.

Dangerous thought indeed. Could be accused of being "guitaristic"!!

**Roberoo** · 09-03-2010, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Jazzaluk

Dangerous thought indeed. Could be accused of being "guitaristic"!!

Originally Posted by Jazzaluk

Dangerous thought indeed. Could be accused of being "guitaristic"!!

Hey, I do that all the time and no one cares... in fact they like it. I love throwing in GJ licks at jams cause people (i.e. the horn players) think I made it up! Jazzaluk knows what I mean!

(Half) joking aside, what I have seen is that GJ has a tradition and it is VERY developed, in terms of picking, rhythmic styles, orchestration of instruments, substitutions, and composition and it is VERY, very sophisticated. So, if you go and sit in with some good GJ players and start dropping in your Jim Hallisms, Ben Monderisms - that is not going to work unless you can demonstrate that you really, really know their stuff and what you are doing makes sense. My advice is to listen and learn what you can and always be respectful. These folks are trying to maintain a tradition and you can support that. Jazz is a tradition that is struggling and we want it to survive. GJ is possibly having an even more difficult time and needs the attention and respect for tradition that it deserves.

Of course, if you really find it difficult walk away....

BTW - I am currently going through a bunch of GJ picking drills and it is cleaning up my playing big, big time.

**Roberoo** · 09-03-2010, 10:54 PM

I should probably answer the question too...

1. Minor Swing
2. Nuages
3. Djangology
4. Tears
5. Swing 42
6. Django's Castle

...and if you are really wanting a treat try Anouman - a beautiful Django ballad....

**croth** · 06-25-2011, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Roberoo

I should probably answer the question too...

1. Minor Swing
2. Nuages
3. Djangology
4. Tears
5. Swing 42
6. Django's Castle

...and if you are really wanting a treat try Anouman - a beautiful Django ballad....

In the realm of "ballads", don't forget Claire de Lune, the main tune that Robin Nolan centers his new Burning Ballads online course on. Also, Manoir de mes Reves, another ballad Mr. Nolan places some importance on (of which I had not previously heard of myself).

**ChWa** · 06-27-2026, 06:13 AM

I made a playlist with all Django compositions, from most to least frequently covered:

Django Compositions - playlist by Noe | Spotify

Additionally I made another playlist with original compositions by Gypsy Sinti musicians, post-Django, to explore the vast repertoire Gypsy Jazz have beyond the american songbook:

Manouche Compositions - playlist by Noe | Spotify

Don't forget the waltzes!:

Valse Manouche - playlist by Noe | Spotify

Hope this helps!

**ragman1** · 06-27-2026, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

how accepting will people be to me doing some bop licks?

It's been done. Screw whether they're accepting, tell 'em they're only jealous.

Er... this might take some practice

That was Donna Lee, by the way.

**Christian Miller** · 06-27-2026, 12:20 PM

I daresay Jeff came to a conclusion over the past 15 years

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Phil59** · 06-27-2026, 12:35 PM

I would add "I'll See You in My Dreams" to the list. In fact, at the top. Check out Django's version as well as Stochelo Rosenberg's. One of the best guitar pieces ever, in my view.

**Phil59** · 06-27-2026, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

My grandpa's middle name is "Rhineheart," btw, but we're just your run-of-the-mill "came to america in the early 1900's to build canals" Germans.

Related to Django Reinhardt?

**djg** · 06-27-2026, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by Phil59

I would add "I'll See You in My Dreams" to the list. In fact, at the top. Check out Django's version as well as Stochelo Rosenberg's. One of the best guitar pieces ever, in my view.

and *everyone* in the gypsy community can play the solo