Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt was a Belgian-born Romani guitarist and composer associated with the French jazz scene who died in 1953. He helped pioneer the style known as gypsy jazz by blending Romani musical elements with swing-era jazz, often performing in small groups that paired lead violin with one or more guitars. After a fire injured two fingers on his left hand he developed a distinctive technique that emphasized rapid arpeggios, inventive chromatic lines, and a strong rhythmic drive supported by the percussive acoustic guitar rhythm known as la pompe. His approach to improvisation and ensemble playing influenced later generations of jazz and guitar players.