Jean Reinhardt, known as Django, was a Belgian-born Romany jazz guitarist and composer who lived most of his life in France.He was one of the first major jazz talents to emerge in Europe and has been hailed as one of its most significant global exponents.  With violinist Stéphane Grappelli Reinhardt formed the Paris-based Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934, playing what is known as ‘gypsy swing’ or simply ‘Django jazz’. The group was among the first to play jazz that featured the guitar as a lead instrument. Reinhardt recorded in France with many visiting American musicians, including Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter, and briefly toured the United States with Duke Ellington’s orchestra in 1946. 

Wellington-based ‘Les Tripes’ present the music of Django Reinhardt, playing in the classic style of Django and Grapelli, with two guitarists James Quick and Adrian Jensen, and bassist Rob Henderson. For our Jazz in Martinborough concert the Les Tripes trio have added drums (TBA) and clarinettist Blair Latham.  This is an entertaining programme of  sit-down listening music that’s also foot-tapping and very film-noir.

Jazz in Martinborough
Martinborough Town Hall
Friday 4th September 2025