Avalon

Avalon is a popular American song written by Al Jolson, Buddy DeSylva, and Vincent Rose. It was published in 1920 and quickly became one of the most successful popular songs of the early Jazz Age. Jolson's own recording reached the American charts in 1921, and the tune soon evolved into a widely performed jazz standard.

Django Reinhardt first recorded Avalon with the Quintette du Hot Club de France in July 1935. His energetic interpretation helped establish the tune as part of the classic Gypsy Jazz repertoire, and it remains one of the most frequently played standards at Manouche jam sessions today.

Musical character:
Avalon is a fast-paced swing tune with a memorable melody and a chord progression that encourages creative improvisation. Its bright harmonic movement, driving rhythm, and clear structure have made it a favorite among jazz musicians for more than a century.

Connection to Manouche jazz:
Although Avalon was not written as a Gypsy Jazz composition, Django Reinhardt's influential 1935 recording transformed it into one of the essential standards of the Manouche tradition. Today it is commonly performed by Gypsy Jazz musicians worldwide and is considered part of the core Hot Club repertoire.

Interesting facts:

• The song was published in 1920 and became one of the biggest American popular songs of the Jazz Age.
• Django Reinhardt recorded it with the Quintette du Hot Club de France in July 1935, helping introduce it to European jazz audiences.
• The opening melody closely resembles Puccini's aria E lucevan le stelle from the opera Tosca. Puccini's publishers successfully sued the song's authors, receiving financial compensation and future royalties.
• The tune has been recorded by countless jazz legends, including Cab Calloway, Coleman Hawkins, and the Benny Goodman Quartet, making it one of the enduring jazz standards of the twentieth century.
• Because of Django Reinhardt's influential interpretation, Avalon remains a staple at Gypsy Jazz festivals, workshops, and jam sessions around the world.

Avalon perfectly illustrates how an American popular song became a timeless jazz standard. Django Reinhardt's celebrated recording secured its place in the Manouche Jazz tradition, where it continues to challenge and inspire generations of musicians.