In 1980 there suddenly was a 13-year old guitarist that was able to play all the 'licks' and songs of Django Reinhardt. His name, Biréli Lagrène, became known worldwide and in every concert hall the boy was presented as a miracle. Lagrène, originating from a gypsy family just like Reinhardt, has been playing since the age of four. After his breakthrough he made a couple of records in the style of Reinhardt, but after a while he consciously changed directions. He chose hardcore, rock-like fusion and in 1986 he recorded an album with bassist Jaco Pastorius. In the following years he specialized more in playing standards in the tradition of hard bop. With his latest album Gipsy Project (2001) he returned to his roots and worked there with many greats from the circuit.
