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JazzGitan - a Django Reinhardt/Stephane Grappelli Tribute

Willits Community Theatre
Willits, CA

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JazzGitan - a Django Reinhardt/Stephane Grappelli Tribute

JazzGitan is an all-acoustic quintet in the tradition of hot Gypsy Jazz from the 1930s. Come hear them at the Willits Community Theatre on Sunday, June 26 at 2pm. This rare show will feature a selection of standards originated by Django Reinhart and Stephane Grappelli during their domination of the Paris jazz scene in the 1930s & 40's; plus a cross-section of songs from the modern Gypsy Jazz repertoire.

Presented by Gypsy Jazz veteran Don Price, the show is guaranteed to be a foot-tapping, exhilarating display of classic Latin, Blues and Swing standards performed in the unique up-tempo Django Style.

The amazing background to Gypsy Jazz begins with Django Reinhardt in Paris, before World War Two. After he suffered injuries in a fire, Django was forced to play guitar with only three fingers on one hand. With the irrepressible Grappelli on violin, the pair created a remarkable style that came to dominate two subsequent decades of jazz in Europe.

Price says his band offers a repertoire of Djangos remade jazz classics, along with some of Prices own original compositions. He says standards like A Train or All of Me have been reworked into the Gypsy Jazz form through what is known as le pompe or the pump of the Parisian Django style. Along with Price on guitar, the band features Giorgi Khokhobashvili on violin, Hunter Matthews on acoustic rhythm guitar, Devan Kortan on acoustic guitar, and Dexter Williams on stand-up bass.

Their WCT show coincides with JazzGitans release of its fourth CD, Trio. After playing the Django sound for ten years, Price admits its still a challenge to offer the lines that Django Reinhardt laid over the standard jazz tunes. He says, This is high-energy jazz, not cerebral; but in-your-face acoustic guitar, violin and slap bass. Its highly improvisational and you never know whats going to happen.

Advance tickets for the show are available in person at Mazahar, 38 S. Main St., Willits; online at brownpapertickets.com; or by phone 24/7 at 1-800-838-3006. Tickets will also be available at the door until sold out. The WCT playhouse is located at 37 W. Van Lane (behind Shanachie Pub).

Don Price was first taught music by his mother who was a professional musician, performing with players in the 1940-50's including Hank Garland, Bob Wills, and a host of others. Having grown up on all styles of music, Don has played music ranging from rock, blues, country, swing and jazz, and everything in between. With a degree in music education he is on the recommended teacher's list for University of Southern California, and a faculty member of the Guitar Activity Institute in California. As a teacher/educator in Jazz Studies Don now offers workshops and clinics in Gypsy Jazz for schools, music stores, and anyone interested in learning about le jazz hot!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfHfZfuqd1I