Another Django Reinhardt tune. Babik has arranged this one as part of our symphonic show. The story I’ve heard about this song is that Django was goofing around by imitating the way Stephane Grappelli tuned his violin with harmonics and they came up with this melody. The first 4 bars
Tag Archives | jazz
Douce Ambiance
According to the online translator I used, the title of this song means “Soft Ambience” …but for a long time now, most of the bands I’ve played it in have jokingly called it “two smells!” Either way, it’s a good example of the gypsy jazz sound. The intro/outro has some
Noto Swing
This song is a very typical example of the gypsy jazz sound. The version we played in our gypsy jazz group “Babik” was slightly different in the first two measures of the B section, but nothing for you to worry about. These melodies are often just handed down by ear
Bellville
One of my favorite gypsy jazz tunes! This one always sounds spirited to me. Bellville, I’m told, is/was the “red light” district in Paris. E-Z improv: The A section is a mixture of D major and D minor/blues scales stuff. Start with trying just D major scale, then slide in
Sheik of Araby
Often done in the gypsy jazz style, this tune was considered X rated back in 1921! Today it would barely be a PG-13! “I’m the sheik of Araby… your love belongs to me… into your tent I will creep… (with no clothes on!)” Join us as a member of the
Swing Gitan
Gypsy Jazz. I love the twisting chromaticism of this melody.Improv: Use primarily G harmonic minor scale (G-A-Bb-C-D-Eb–F#-G), but you’ll have to acknowledge important chord tones that are NOT part of that scale at key times too. Examples are the A7 which will have a C# & E, and the Ab
Coquette
Django Reinhardt gypsy jazz standard. E-Z Improv: Almost all D major scale! The only exception is the bridge, which goes to G major for the first 4 bars then A major for bars 5-6, before winding its way back to D major again. Notes on the demo recording: I interpret