Django Reinhardt: The Perfect Blend of Melodic And Technical Skills?

[windycityblues]

I tried discussing this on the jazz forum I'm a member at, but didn't get much of a response. Maybe I'll get more feedback here.

After listening to a whole lot of Django Reinhardt, I have realized that he seems to be a perfect blend of somebody with great technical skill who can also play beautiful melody lines. Usually, a musician tends to lean more one way than the other, but Django seems to do both so well. His lines on songs like "Minor Swing" and "The Sheik of Araby" are amazing and take great technical skill, but at the same time his general playing in any song is also very supportive of the melody. Then you also have great pieces like "Tears" where he really shows his melodic side. I just can't get enough of his playing! What are your thoughts?

[bcdon]

I just heard of Django by way of Guitar Techniques (Aug 2010). After your post I am super interested now.. I'll have to track down some of his music. Thanks!

[windycityblues]

I just heard of Django by way of Guitar Techniques (Aug 2010). After your post I am super interested now.. I'll have to track down some of his music. Thanks!

Here are links to the songs I mentioned:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpmOTGungnA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6jwvS0mHwo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhlZCzzoTVY

[R_of_G]

Django's proficiency is obvious and is usually the first thing one notices about his playing. One listen and you know, this dude can play.

His melodic sensibilities are second only to Charlie Parker's in my eyes.

Because of his disfigured left hand, so many of his melodic lines are played on one or two strings which has been a tremendous influence on the way I approach phrasing.