Django Reinhardt Festival‛s Django in June
Written by L E Shannon Sunday, 26 June 2011 00:00
The Django Reinhardt Festival‛s Django in June is running June 28 - July 3, 2011 a
t Birdland in Manhattan, New York City.
No, it‛s not November yet. But this year something new is being added which may become an annual event: a summer week of hot jazz.
Producers Pat Philips and Ettore Stratta have been behind the Festival which is going into its 12th successful year. "There is a thirst for Django's style of music, as he was one of the greatest and most original guitarists the world has known."
Samson Schmitt, son of Dorado Schmitt, the legendary gypsy guitarist from France, steps out on his own. Born in Forbach-France, the small town near Strasbourg, Samson grew up steeped in gypsy culture. He actually lives on Rue Stephane Grappelli.
"Grappelli and Django's partnership was one of the greatest musical partnerships in European history. It brought the world this very original style of music based on special guitar fingering and their take on the America's book of standards and Django's own compositions... to become known as Hot Jazz!!"
Also performing are:
- Andreas Oberg from Sweden, a Hot Jazz Guitar virtuoso
- Pierre Blanchard, the enormously talented Violinist from France, in the Grappelli spot
- Ludovic Beier, brilliant Accordion/Accordina musician
- Doudou Cuilerier on Rhythm Guitar, also a talent for "scat singing" -- a newcomer to the Birdland stage
- Brian Torff, on Bass and serving as Host
Each night a top Jazz musician is a Special Guest, bringing a new dimension and adventure to the music. They are:
- June 28: Joel Frahm (sax)
- June 29: Anat Cohen (clarinet & sax)
- June 30: James Carter (sax)
- July 1 & 2: Edmar Castaneda (jazz harp)
- July 3: Claudio Roditi (flugelhorn)
For more information, go to www.djangobirdland.com.
Django Reinhardt Festival's Django in June
June 28 - July 3, 2011
Birdland
315 W. 44th Street
New York City
212-581-3080
www.birdlandjazz.com
