ABC

ABC is a swinging composition by Belgian jazz musician Alfons „Fud“ Candrix. It was recorded by Django Reinhardt on March 12, 1943 in Paris during the German occupation.

Despite Django having recorded it, the song never became a big standard in the gypsy jazz repertoire. Most modern manouche musicians don’t know it or don’t play it — you rarely (if ever) hear it at jam sessions or concerts.

Musical character: It’s an up-tempo swing number with a simple, catchy melody and classic AABA structure. The chord changes are straightforward and pleasant for improvising.

Interesting facts:

• Django recorded „ABC“ in a period when live performances and recordings were very limited due to the war.
• Fud Candrix was a popular Belgian bandleader whose compositions occasionally crossed over into gypsy circles.
• Because it’s not overplayed, „ABC“ can be a refreshing and relatively unknown piece if you want to play something off the beaten path.
• It works well as a medium-fast swing tune and is suitable for practicing rhythm and solos without the pressure of a super-famous standard.

Even though it never became a classic like „Minor Swing“ or „Nuages“, it remains an interesting historical recording from Django’s wartime period.