According to the BMI catalog (and they should know) I have written and recorded 233 songs thus far. This number surprised me a little but also got me to thinking on the subject. Of course many of the 233 pieces are forgotten even to me. So I thought I would compile a list of songs that I have written and […]
My original repertoire Read More »
Since Django only lived to the age of 43 it may seem odd to refer to any point that could be considered a “late” period. Yet, the recording he did from about 1948 until his death in 1953 are what I am referring to. This was the period immediately following his short tour of the United States with Duke Ellington.
Django Reinhardt (late period) Read More »
As I get older, and hopefully wiser, it has become apparent to me how the best solution to any given problem is simplicity. As a musician and writer of songs it has become self evident that the key to any memorable piece is the “tune.” Simplicity is a primary ingredient in this case but because the public has heard nearly
It’s about the “tune” Read More »
May 16 will mark the 63rd anniversary of Django’s death. He died at the very early age of 43. Django has long been a major influence on my music. It is quite remarkable just how popular his music remains throughout the world. I first discovered Django’s music when I was about 18 years old. While listening to the CBC (Canadian
Django Reinhardt (1910-1953) Read More »
I was busy whispering a detailed explanation of Schopenhauer’s Philosophy of the “Will” into the eager ear of a young lady in the backseat of my 56′ Ford when it happened. Believe me, it took quite a jolt to disengage my attention at that exact moment. After all, I was only 18 years old and my red corpuscles were pounding
Django Reinhardt (first encounter) Read More »
I certainly don’t intend to get anyone riled up but I want to vent on a topic I have given a lot of thought to. In the realm of jazz guitar (and almost especially in the realm of gypsy jazz) it seems that some soloists think that simply stitching a series of well-executed prepared licks together constitutes a good “improvised”
My opinion (guitar improv) Read More »