Swing 39

Swing 39 is one of the best-known original compositions by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. Written and first recorded in 1939 by the legendary Quintette du Hot Club de France, the tune perfectly captures the elegance, virtuosity, and infectious rhythm that define classic Gypsy Jazz. It remains one of the essential works in the Manouche Jazz repertoire.

Django Reinhardt recorded Swing 39 with Stéphane Grappelli, creating one of the Quintette's most celebrated performances. Their remarkable musical dialogue—combining Django's inventive guitar improvisation with Grappelli's lyrical violin—helped establish the composition as a timeless Gypsy Jazz classic.

Musical character:
Swing 39 is an energetic medium-up swing with a memorable melody, rich harmonic movement, and a strong rhythmic drive. Its elegant structure offers outstanding opportunities for improvisation while maintaining the unmistakable spirit of the Hot Club sound.

Connection to Manouche jazz:
As one of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli's signature compositions, Swing 39 is a cornerstone of the Manouche Jazz tradition. It is regularly performed at festivals, concerts, workshops, and jam sessions, where it remains a favorite among musicians of every generation.

Interesting facts:

• The title Swing 39 refers to the year 1939, when the composition was first recorded.
• The tune was one of the last major recordings made by the classic Quintette du Hot Club de France before the outbreak of the Second World War.
• The composition showcases the extraordinary partnership between Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar-and-violin duos in jazz history.
• Its memorable melody and rewarding chord progression have made it one of the first original Django compositions learned by many Gypsy Jazz musicians.
• Today Swing 39 is considered an essential standard of the Manouche Jazz repertoire and is performed by musicians all over the world.

Swing 39 perfectly embodies the elegance, energy, and creativity of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli at the height of their partnership. More than eighty years after its creation, it continues to inspire musicians as one of the defining masterpieces of Gypsy Jazz.