djangoO: European Festival of Gypsy Music
Gypsy Swing – Hommage a Django Reinhardt

Biréli Lagrène and Joscho Stephan, guitars
Peter Bockius, bass

Biréli Lagrène

As »Django Reinhardt’s legitimate successor«, Biréli Lagrène has long since left the footsteps of the great Gypsy hero Reinhardt, not least as he also devotes himself to jazz, folk and modern musical styles. In the meantime, the list of those who have worked with Lagrène, who lives in France, has grown to include, among others, Richard Galliano, Herbie Hancock, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell and Billy Cobham. Celebrated as a child prodigy and Django reincarnation, guitarist Biréli Lagrène would time and again return to his musical roots of gipsy swing after excursions into bebop and jazz rock.

Joscho Stephan

Joscho Stephan also places his mark on modern gypsy swing. He knows like no other how to stand out from the many current gypsy swing adaptations by combining gypsy swing with Latin, classical and pop in addition to the many interpretations of the well-known classics of the genre. This is where Stephan’s strength as a creative visionary comes to the fore  and where he captures the imagination of young and old concertgoers alike. Stephan’s first encounter with gypsy jazz legend Biréli Lagrène took place on his album »Guitar Heroes«.

Together with bassist Peter Bockius, the two will bring their different musical directions to bear in this concert. One thing is certain: neither of them will deny their gypsy swing roots.

About the festival