Jacques "Piton" Reinhardt

Jacques “Piton” Reinhardt was a unique character in the realm of gypsy jazz, embodying the spirit and culture of his people through his fiery and rustic guitar playing. Born into the esteemed Reinhardt family in France, he was naturally steeped in the musical traditions of his heritage.

His playing style was often described as “fast and furious,” harnessing the raw energy of gypsy jazz in a manner that was distinctly his own. He held a deep reverence for his cousin Django Reinhardt, and was known to perform most of Django’s repertoire with great skill and passion.

Despite his remarkable talent, Piton was a true gypsy at heart who preferred to remain within his culture rather than seek wider recognition. As such, he never recorded commercially, choosing instead to perform live, where he could directly engage with his audience.

Piton’s instrument of choice was a guitar crafted by the renowned luthier Jacques Favino. In true gypsy fashion, he used tape to hold his Stimer pickup in place on the guitar.

One of the venues where Piton frequently performed was La Chopes des Puces, a beloved hotspot for gypsy jazz enthusiasts in Paris. He performed there between 1966-67, captivating audiences with his powerful performances.

Jacques “Piton” Reinhardt passed away leaving no commercial recordings, but his legacy lives on through his sons, Coco and Samson, who continue to perform and carry the torch of their father’s unique style into the present day. Through their performances, the spirit and legacy of Piton’s rustic and fiery gypsy jazz lives on.

Souvenir de Rennes – 1958 Mission Evangélique Tzigane Vivian Villerstein Piton Reinhardt Gagar Hoffmann is available courtesy of Samy Daussat