The Guitar Styles of Django Reinhardt and the Gypsies

The music of Django Reinhardt or Gypsy Jazz/swing in general is such an idiosyncratic style that books on the subject, like books on delta blues for example, regularly fall short of the mark or just include a series of licks and progressions 'in the style of', which results in the clinical diluting of the techniques required. The great Manouche and gypsy players would have certainly learned by ear or directly from other players, often family members.Ian Cruickshank knows all this and has created a book which instead of instructing, guides the player in the techniques and nuances of Django's playing. There are a few progressions and licks in there but where this book succeeds where others fail is in its emphasise on the importance of listening to the music and working them out for yourself.If you already play guitar and have a interest in the music then this book is for you. The photographs and history are fascinating and are always reinvent. I'm sure there are more detailed dissections of the style but few will be delivered with such a feeling of true Gypsy spirit.The next hurdle is affording a Maccaferri guitar.

So happy to see Ian's great book back in print. It has been a constant resident on my desktopin it's digital guise for years but as an analog dinosaur I love having the book.Much of this information is available from other sources these days, but whenthis book appeared it was groundbreaking in giving a bit of insight into getting agrip on this unfeasibly difficult music. (Unless you grew up in a Gypsy Camp withDjango absorbed with your Mothers milk). But no one else shows you the correct chord voicings and picking technique with thecharm and enthusiasm of Mr Cruickshank.If you like this music this is a must have..

Covers a little about the man, the lifestyle, and the technique. Mainly the technique.A really nice personal introduction to the style from one of the faithful. I bought this book years ago and it is still a treasure.