Biréli Lagrène is a dazzling virtuoso of the jazz guitar whose techniques and stylistic flourishes echo the legendary legacy of Django Reinhardt. Born on September 4, 1966 in Soufflenheim, Alsace, France, into a Romani family with a rich musical tradition, his prodigious talent was evident from a young age. By the time he was in his early teens, Lagrène was already drawing comparisons to Reinhardt, swiftly becoming known in jazz circles as a formidable talent with a deep understanding of Gypsy jazz and a fluency in various other styles, including bebop, fusion, and classical music.

Throughout his expansive career, Lagrène has been lauded for his fluid improvisations, rapid-fire technique, and emotive phrasings that span the spectrum of jazz music. His discography showcases a versatile artist continually evolving through collaborations and solo work, unafraid to explore and reinvent. "Teora," released in 2021, adds another adventurous chapter to his oeuvre, encapsulating his ever-explorative approach to composition. In other recent works, such as "Biréli Lagrène plays Loulou Gasté," he pays homage to other musicians, integrating his own influences while weaving a tapestry of smooth harmonics and complex melodies. Whether reimagining the works of past greats or creating original material, Biréli Lagrène's music remains a testament to his remarkable talent and his enduring passion for the art of jazz guitar.

Genres

French Jazz

Gypsy Jazz

Jazz Guitar

Related Artists

Django Reinhardt

Pat Metheny

John McLaughlin

Al Di Meola

Stéphane Grappelli

Stochelo Rosenberg

Romane

Oscar Peterson

Jeff Beck

Thomas Dutronc

John Scofield

Bill Frisell

Latest Release

Teora

Biréli Lagrène

Single - Released November 14, 2023