“Bistro Fada” is the theme from Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” and was composed by Gypsy Jazz guitarist, Stephane Wrembel. I had the pleasure of hosting Stephane and his band at Berry College in Rome, Georgia a few months ago, where he gave a masterclass and a great performance that evening. Inspired by the performance, I began learning more about this style of music, which ultimately lead to me recording this cover.
Gypsy Jazz
If you’re unfamiliar with Gypsy Jazz (or “Jazz Manouche”), it is a style of music popularized by guitarist Django Reinhardt in the early 1930s around Paris. It combines elements of American Swing Jazz, French impressionism, and folk music of the nomadic Romani people sometimes referred to as “gypsies.” The style of music is still very much alive today with many modern gypsy jazz guitarists adding their own worldly influences. Here is a list of some of my favorite modern Gypsy Jazz guitarists.
Modern Gypsy Jazz Guitarists
- Stephane Wrembel
- Biréli Lagrène
- Stochelo Rosenberg
- Jimmy Rosenberg
- Andreas Öberg
- Joscho Stephan
- Gonzalo Bergara
- Adrien Moignard
- Olli Soikkeli
Click here to order Stephane Wrembel’s album Bistro Fada
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