Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

France

Birth

:

September 4, 1966 in Saverne, Alsace, France

 

Biréli Lagrène is a French jazz guitarist and composer who was born on September 4, 1966, in Saverne, France. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a guitarist who played in a gypsy jazz style. Lagrène began playing the guitar at the age of four and was soon performing with his father and other musicians in his hometown. At the age of eight, Lagrène was discovered by jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli, who was impressed by his talent and invited him to perform with him in Paris. This was a turning point in Lagrène's career, as he began to gain recognition as a prodigious young talent in the jazz world. Lagrène's early recordings were heavily influenced by the gypsy jazz style of his father, but he soon began to incorporate other styles into his playing, including bebop, fusion, and classical music. He was particularly influenced by the music of Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery, and John McLaughlin. In 1980, Lagrène recorded his first album, "Routes to Django," which was a tribute to Reinhardt. The album was well-received and helped to establish Lagrène as a rising star in the jazz world. He went on to record several more albums in the 1980s, including "Gipsy Project," "Standards," and "Foreign Affairs." Lagrène's playing style is characterized by his virtuosity, speed, and technical precision. He is known for his ability to play complex lines and solos with ease, and his improvisational skills are highly regarded by his peers. He is also a skilled composer, and many of his compositions have become jazz standards. Lagrène has performed with many of the top jazz musicians of his generation, including Jaco Pastorius, Benny Goodman, and Larry Coryell. He has also collaborated with classical musicians, including the Orchestre National de Lyon and the WDR Big Band. In 1994, Lagrène was awarded the Django Reinhardt Prize, which is given annually to a musician who has made a significant contribution to the development of gypsy jazz. He has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Instrumental Album for his 2004 album "Gipsy Project & Friends." Lagrène continues to perform and record, and his music remains highly influential in the jazz world. He has been praised for his ability to bridge the gap between traditional gypsy jazz and modern jazz, and his innovative approach to the guitar has inspired countless musicians around the world.

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