Double Bass Essential Django Repetoire

[Jason Sypher]

So, I'm here in Amsterdam and I have the opportunity to round out a crack band of Gypsy Jazz players. I've heard plenty of Django and more importantly I think, I've played and listened to a lot of early Jazz and Swing. I think I really have something to bring to the table but, I don't really know what tunes I should focus on. There are some jam sessions to attend and I thought I would get my sea legs there before we actually put the band together. What tunes should be on my "A" list to memorize?

 

[Huy Nguyen]

Minor Swing and Peche La Mouche gets my vote.

 

[Marcus Johnson]

Nuages.

 

[TimoMetzemakers]

Nuages (not knowing this one is a no-no!)
Minor swing
Swing '39
Swing '42
Djangology
Swing guitares
Troublant boléro
Douce ambiance
Manoir de mes rêves

 

[Marcus Johnson]

Troublant Bolero! I love that one, I gotta get the guys to pull that one up again.

We (Gypsy Pacific) never do a gig without playing Swing '42, Djangology, and Douce Ambiance.

 

[Marcus Johnson]

Nuages (not knowing this one is a no-no!)

One time we did a gig with Larry Coryell as our special guest, and Nuages was a highlight that I won't soon forget. He did an improvised solo intro and outro that had us all with our jaws on the floor.

 

[drew_bassmore]

Although, I am no expert, the folks from the Hot Club of San Francisco advised me to get some of the Robin Nolan, music minus one, Gypsy Jazz workbooks.

If nothing else, take a look at the repertoire for each volume, and use that as a guideline as what to focus on.

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Unfortunately the bass has horrible intonation in places, and doesn't hold down the bottom to support other soloists much of the time, but I have found a couple of the books I have to be a nice way to run through some of the repertoire when there aren't jam sessions available.

 

[ToR-Tu-Ra]

I like Django's take on Sweet Georgia Brown

 

[tzadik]

Jason, How's it going/how did it go? Sorry I didn't see this sooner. Are you all set for tune recommends at this point?