Gypsy Swing

Back in the 1930's Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli anchored the Hot Club of France, a quartet or quintet playing what became known as Gypsy Jazz. Finding this Gypsy Swing in Minneapolis is almost as weird as finding the Tango in Finland.

The following clips are for Chris, who is usually on top of the hip Twin Cities scene, but finds himself laid low by a long illness. Get well, son. And to Marie, who found the Midwest too slow and bucolic, so moved to the sophisticated world of L.A. But mostly to Lorna who stayed back here for the simple life.

At The Times, which Chris claims is too small for a band and dancing. Pouft! (French for, "You uncultured Americans know nothing.")

And with the beautiful Maud Hixon. Like a sweet porcelain doll.

The Clearwater Hot Club, with the Kid, Sam Miltich, who walked out of the woods north of Grand Rapids, a full grown musician. Accompanied by his father and a guy they pulled out of a polka band. God Bless Minnesota.

Parisota Hot club, with Raphaël Fraisse, a Gypsy with a fiddle who found a home in Minnesota, only to die of leukemia. He's jammin' with Django now.