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Which Gypsies created Gypsy Jazz?
The gypsies migrated from India in the eleventh century,
subsequently spreading into Asia Minor, Europe, Egypt and
North Africa over the succeeding centuries. Various
authorities divide the gypsies in distinct nations or tribes
including the Gitanos, the Kalderash, and the Manush or
Sinti. Regardless of the division made, the Manouches or
Sinti gypsies of France and western Europe are considered
separate from the main body of the Roma. Gypsy Jazz arose
among the Manouches. The Manouche gypsies were well
known for luthiery and playing musical instruments. The
widely distributed Roma are also well known for music, but
emphasize the violin as the primary instrument.
Gypsies in general suffered persecution and enslavement as
suspected Muslim sympathizers. They still suffer persecution.
Thousands live as refugees from Kosovo, fleeing the latest
wave of “ethnic cleansing.” The Nazi killers also targeted the
group, killing perhaps 500,000 Gypsies. Economic pressure,
prejudice, and physical danger drive Gypsies into nomadic
life, not the romantic yearning for the road. Their long-term
marginalization forces the Gypsies outside state structures
developed by other ethnic groups, and they remain
segregated, discriminated against, and persecuted. Gypsies
highlight the dark side of the EU quite well and are still
discriminated against in the US. Indeed, the last anti-Gypsy
law in the US was repealed in 1998. Little wonder that
Gypsies consider themselves a tribe outside of states and
borders.
Gypsy jazz guitar arose among the French-Speaking
Manouches. The most famous early Gypsy jazz player was
Django Reinhardt, a Manouche. The Ferret family often
accompanying Reinhardt in performances were Spanish
Gitane gypsies. Both groups apparently still live in Paris, but
remain apart except perhaps for music. Manouches and Sinti
remain the majority of Gypsy jazz players. Violin dominated
Gypsy fiddle with an eastern European flavor remains
emphasized by most of the widespread Roma. Spanish
flamenco music arose with the Gitane gypsies.
Manouche gypsies traditionally occupied horsedrawn wagons,
although this lifestyle is fading in modern Europe. In the
1930s, many Manouche families camped in "The Zone"
outside of Paris, traveling widely from that base.
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