The particular velocity with which Bireli plays is dripping with astounding musicality and playfulness. It is a myth that speed diminishes content. Bireli, Stochelo, Sylvain, etc have shown this over and over. Sour grapes indeed.
I'm a young guitar player, and despite my ignorance first of all I noticed that this kind of piece has to be played like that, I noticed that especially because I've learnt a lot of poetry in Stochelo's phrases and compositions, and a lot of original rithmic solutions in Bireli's solos...doesn't matter the speed, its a problem of art and listening.
Im my opinion there is Django and then there is 'Gypsy Jazz' / Manouche. Django is untouchable... unsurpassable. If we were listening to django through the mics and guitars these guys are using, it would take your breath away... He never played a note too many... His material from the 30's is still kicking ass!! Bireli also kicks ass!! His chops are incredible and ideas wonderful, but he and no other will touch django by far. Bireli not a jazz guitarist!?!? ha He's one of todays best!
I understand what you mean. It is up to the young generation of guitar players to differentiate and to develop their own way of playing.This is an interesting discussion, which is worth to introduce at more forums.
I need to add as well, that I get teary eyed listening to Stochelo's 'For Sephora'. That's why I completely disagree when someone is trying to reduce these artists to just mere 'lick meisters'.
But "Made in France" is a beautiful tune. Speed or no speed during solo part it's still a beautiful tune. If it's not for Bireli, I wouldn't have found gypsy jazz which I came to love after and traced it back to Django. I came from rock background and a lot of rock guitarists admire Bireli because of his virtuosic abilities and his superb phrasing. And then we realized that as a whole gypsy music is beautiful. Doesn't matter which came first. These modern players imho have popularize the music
My grandma will build a space ship before u can understand which level is Bireli playing on. P.S.: Tommy Emmanuel said once he's favourite player is Bireli. U know what this means? I think u dont
You're either having a bad hairday or just plain jealous. I've been playing much longer than you. I now live in France so I have had the chance to see Stochello, Bireli, Romane and Angelo Debarre etc., live. They deserve their acclaim. A tuxedo and a bow tie doesn't improve musicianship one iota, personally, I couldn't care less about their dress sense, and I respect their right to occassionally throw in the kitchen sink. Unnecessary notes - are they the ones you can't find?
Septic, I'm a nobody in the gypsy jazz world and post my videos for the sake of family and friends. I have been playing this stuff since the mid 1970's and during that time I have observed how the level of poetry that Django and his peers infused into their ground breaking music has now been diminished by today's "Masters" into velocity, an over abundance of unnecessary notes and basically dressing like slobs when they hit the stage.
What you have written is insane sir. I understand your critique in a way, but please... Judging artists like these two upon one performance is ridiculous. Furthermore, Django's own harmonic and melodic thinking is now outdated. Bireli is next level, he surpassed him. Furthermore, please bear in mind that no one can play every time with 100 percent musicality and focus. Some gigs are just gigs, more about skill and craftsmanship then music, but even then, it is still amazing to watch...
I though I'd better check Tony Greens videos, their alright but nothing special, there are now dozens of players at that level. Django has been surpassed, same with Charlie Christian, Stephane, & Charlie Parker - however, that doesn't diminish my respect for them, they have their place in the history of jazz.
It seems that I've gotten all the 20 something's knickers in a twist with my comments concerning the aesthetic value of Bireli & Stochelo's playing. Both of those fellows are astounding musicians without question, but my problem, especially with Bireli, is that he's sold out by sticking with the gypsy jazz where he knows the solid money is. At 17 years old Bireli was experimenting with electric fusion and seeking musical horizons beyond the impossible. Look at what Jeff Beck has accomplished.
NolaVenice It’s great music. They are great at playing it. Bireli did fusion and killed at it. Still does. What’s wrong with going for the money gigs? You think he should have carried on with the science experiments? This music is far more accessible to the public. I love the advanced harmonies too, but you have to earn a living, Jeff Beck isn’t a fusion player, but sure, he’s great. He was also in the Yardbirds during the right era. You can’t just credit someone’s success to their playing. It’s a whole lot of things. Everybody is killin it. It’s all Good. There is no bad side to this.
NolaVenice No need to be having an “issue” with Bireli. He’s doing great. Having fun. Still plays lots of stuff. The reason you see this is because it’s what made him popular in the first place. It’s his roots. Always will be, and no matter where he goes musically, they will always be his roots, and he will always kick more ass at doing what he does then anyone.
This video makes it pretty clear to me that Bireli & Stochelo are not jazz players at all but rather just common "lick meisters" who have had a profoundly negative effect on the young aspiring gypsy jazz players throughout the world.
That's bold... I don't think you would have put out a claim like that if you took the time to familiarize with Bireli's recordings and concert performances through the years. This video only showcases parts of his artistry, and his playing can completely change depending on the style of music he's performing (straight ahead, bebop, fusion and electric vs acoustic).
