Title
Django: The Life and Music of a Gypsy Legend,Used
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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 feesand spending the money as fast as he made it. Dregni not only chronicles this remarkably colorful lifeincluding a fascinating account of gypsy culturebut he also sheds much light on Django's musicianship. He examines his long musical partnership with violinist Stphane Grappellithe one suave and smooth, the other sharper and more dissonantand 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 swingstyled 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 Pariscolorful portraits of Josephine Baker, Bricktop, Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins, and countless othersand 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 mustread portrait of a true original.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in 'Django: The Life and Music of a Gypsy Legend'? A: There are three hundred twenty-six pages in this book. This length provides an in-depth exploration of Django Reinhardt's life and musical legacy.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures nine point three inches in length, one inch in width, and six point three inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading and display.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This binding provides durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Michael Dregni. He provides a comprehensive biography of the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt.
- Q: What genre does this book fall under? A: This book falls under the History & Criticism genre. It offers insights into Django's life and the jazz scene of his time.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book? A: The book explores themes of resilience, artistry, and cultural identity. It highlights Django's influence on jazz and his unique contributions to music.
- Q: How should I read this book? A: You can read this book at your own pace, either as a casual read or for deeper study. It is suitable for anyone interested in music history or jazz.
- Q: Is this book suitable for children? A: Yes, the book is appropriate for older children and teens interested in music history. However, parental guidance may be needed for younger readers.
- Q: What is the reading level of this book? A: The reading level is suitable for high school students and above. It contains detailed discussions on music theory and history.
- Q: How can I keep this book in good condition? A: To maintain the book's condition, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to prevent damage.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have customer service policies for such issues.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: Typically, books do not come with a warranty. However, return policies may cover issues upon delivery.
- Q: How does this book compare to other biographies of musicians? A: This book stands out for its detailed focus on Django Reinhardt, a unique figure in jazz history. It offers insights that may not be found in other musician biographies.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for music lovers? A: Yes, this book makes an excellent gift for music lovers. It provides an engaging look at a legendary musician's life and influence.
- Q: What makes this biography unique? A: This biography uniquely combines personal anecdotes with detailed musical analysis, showcasing Django's impact on jazz and his cultural background.