Jazz guitarist Biréli Lagrène was born in Soufflenhem, France on September 4,
1966, to a Romani family and his ethnic heritage has come to define his playing
style. He is undeniably influenced by the late Django Reinhardt, something the
artist makes no attempt to hide, and this is borne out by the title of his debut
album Routes to Django (1980). Upon its release, the album immediately signaled
that Biréli Lagrène was a guitarist of outstanding ability. The album was
followed two years later by Fifteen (1982) and Biréli Lagrène began to tour with
artists of the caliber of Al Di M...