The Gypsy King

Django Reinhardt is one of the greatest figures in jazz music. Throughout the world of guitar, there is an admiration for Django that is so strong, it is almost a religion in itself. This deep admiration is a result of his highly innovative and distinct guitar playing which lead to him becoming one of the greatest guitar players who has ever lived. Django's influence stretches to all types of music (literally), and he can be seen as one of the pioneers of the lead guitar concept.

Born in 1910 to a gypsy family in Belgium, Django learned to play banjo, violin and guitar at an early age. At the age of 18, Django lost the use of two of his fingers on his playing hand while escaping from a fire. As a result, he was forced into developing a new style with his remaining two fingers. During leads, Django would only use his index and middle finger, making use of his injured fingers only when playing chords. The song Jessica by The Allman Brothers was written as a tribute to Django, as Dicky Betts wanted to write a song he could play with only two fingers. After meeting violinist Stephane Grappelly, Django's playing changed considerably, creating a dynamic which included both rhythm and lead players.

Django's lead work is rich with colourful melodies that express his unmatched creativity. His ability to construct phrases that take the listener on a musical journey is one of the great wonders of the musical world. It is as if the man himself is simply a conduit in which music is passed through. As great as his capabilities as a lead guitarist were, his ability to play rhythm is just as impressive. Django's precision is particularly noticeable, which is suprising considering his handicap.

Django's influence on improvisational music is endless. Trey has said that Phish would always listen to Django's music while in the recording studio. In a 2002 High Times article, Trey is asked who his jazz-guitar hero is. This was his response: "Probably Django Reinhardt. I spend the most time listening to him. I listen to a lot of Django at home." Jimi Hendrix is also believe to have named the Band of Gypsys because of Django. His playing can clearly be heard in Jerry Garcia's soloing, who was admittedly a huge fan. Perhaps his musical companion Stephane Grappelly said it best:

"He did more for the guitar than any other man in jazz. His way of playing was unlike anyone else's, and jazz is different because of him. There can be many other fine guitarists, but there can bever be another Reinhardt. I am sure of that."

Below I have posted a few videos highlighting Django's guitar playing. Due to the age of the recordings, they are all audio-only.

Here is a video of Django playing Minor Swing, a song written by him and Stephane.


This version features Django playing his electric guitar (a rare occurance) with Duke Ellington. They are playing Honeysuckle Rose, the Fats Waller song.


This next video shows Django's influence. The video is of Phish's N02 from the White Tape. Listen to Trey's solo at 4:55 to hear some Djangoisms.

Happy Birthday Jerry!

67 years ago today, Jerome "Jerry" John Garcia was born. Although his life was cut short at 53, Jerry will forever remain one of the most important figures in both musical and American cultural history. His work has had a lasting impact on a subculture that cherishes him like no other. Jerry is a cultural icon, as well as one of the greatest and most innovative guitarists to ever live. A man who never wanted to lead a single person wound up leading an entire movement, capturing the hearts and minds of countless followers. Almost 50 years ago, Jerry began making music, and until this day, the music has never stopped.

Jerry met Robert Hunter in 1960, and along with Dave Nelson (New Riders of the Purple Sage), they started a band called the Zodiacs. Performing mostly bluegrass and traditional folk numbers, Jerry would go on to join atleast 3 other bands: The Thunder Mountain Tub Thumpers, The Wildwood Boys and the Black Mountain Boys. After meeting Bob Weir in 1963, Jerry formed Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions. With the addition of Phil Lesh and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, the band would become the Warlocks until finally settling on the Grateful Dead, a phrase from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. When the band began experimenting with electric instruments, they drew heavy criticism from the beatnik crowd, however, Jerry clearly saw the potential in the electric guitar and pursued it endearingly.

"I'm shopping around for something to do that no one will like."

Using a combination of banjo picking techniques, and downhome style playing, Jerry created one of the most unique sounds yet to be heard on the guitar. In the Grateful Dead's early years, heavy traces of Rolling Stones' influence can be heard. As the band progressed, explored and experimented further, musically and otherwise, Jerry began to develop a unique style. Jerry's guitar playing is unmistakable. Anyone who knows Jerry's playing can pick out his trademark triple-pull-offs or mutron III envelope filter. His powerful lead lines are instantly identifiable, and are the driving force behind so many of the Dead's live jams.

"And as far as I'm concerned, it's like I say, drugs are not the problem. Other stuff is the problem."

Jerry's love for music extended well beyond the Dead. Jerry was constantly performing in one way or another whether it be in the Jerry Garcia Band, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Old and in the Way, with Merl Saunders or with David Grisman. In each side project Jerry played a different role. In the New Riders, Jerry played pedal steel. They would open for the Dead, and so Jerry would play in two bands on the same night. The day the Dead would come off the road, Jerry would be in a bar performing with one of his side projects.

Today, we celebrate the life of Jerry Garcia who has had such an impact on so many music lovers. Even though his life was cut short, his music has remained timeless, inspiring bands and followers alike. Many will agree that Jerry was cut from a fabric that is rarely seen in this world. His legacy will live on through the countless deadheads that cherish his every note, and through his impact in the world of music. Happy Birthday Jerry.

From the land of the midnight sun
where the ice blue roses grow
'long those roads of gold and silver snow
Howlin' wide or moaning low
So many roads I know
So many roads to ease my soul

Grateful Dead, So Many Roads

To celebrate Jerry's music, here is a show from the Filmore East from May 15th, 1970. One of my favourite shows. This show really flaunts Jerry's ability as a guitarist and that's why I have chosen it. I've also included the February 18th, 1971 show from the Capitol Theatre. Both of these shows have incredible Darkstars, among many others. Enjoy both of these gems on this special day in history.
1970-05-15 Filmore East, New York, NY part 1
1970-05-15 Filmore East, New York, NY part 2

1971-02-18 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY

Here's a great video of the Dead performing Fire on the Mountain below from the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ April 27th, 1977.