Style:

Gypsy Jazz, typically played at medium-up tempos.

Form:

A-B (16 Bars) [8-8]

Arrangements:

A slightly different melody is used on both the head in and out.

Key:

A minor

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition is very simple. The A section begins on Imi before moving to IVmi, and a turnaround is then used to return back to the tonic minor. Many different turnarounds are commonly used, with the most common being variations of V7 - bII7, bVI7 - V7, and IImi7b5 - V7. The B section features very similar harmony, only beginning on IVmi - before moving to Imi. A common reharmonization of this section is to begin on IVmi7 and cycle diatonically in 4ths before arriving at the final minor II - V which returns to the tonic.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 120 times to date and is one of the most popular compositions of all time in the gypsy jazz repertoire. It was first recorded by Django Reinhardt and the Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1937, and he would also record several times throughout his career. It continues to be performed frequently to this day and is an especially popular jam session tune.

JGC Top Picks:

Django Reinhardt, Rome 1949 

Biréli Lagrène Trio, Gipsy Project & Friends, 2002 Stephane Grappelli, Live in San Francisco, 2015