Raphaël Faÿs

Raphaël Faÿs is a renowned French Gypsy Jazz guitarist who was born in Paris on December 10, 1959. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the world of jazz music, cementing his status as one of the most talented and respected guitarists in the industry.

Faÿs was born into a family of musicians, with his father being a guitarist and his mother a singer. He started playing the guitar at a very young age and quickly showed great talent and a deep passion for music. He was particularly drawn to the style of Gypsy Jazz, which had been pioneered by the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt.

At the age of just 12, Faÿs had the opportunity to meet and play with one of his heroes, the famous Gypsy Jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. This encounter was a pivotal moment in Faÿs’ career, as it gave him the chance to learn directly from one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Faÿs continued to hone his skills as a guitarist and perform in various jazz bands and ensembles. He was known for his virtuosity on the guitar, as well as his ability to blend traditional Gypsy Jazz with other genres such as blues, rock, and Latin music.

Faÿs has been a part of numerous groups and bands over the years, each showcasing his unique style and sound. One of his earliest collaborations was with the band “Swing Guitars,” which he formed in the late 1970s with his brother, Pierre. The band quickly gained a following and became known for their energetic performances and technical prowess.

In the 1980s, Faÿs formed the group “Boulou and Elios Ferré Quartet,” along with the Ferré brothers, who were also renowned Gypsy Jazz guitarists. The quartet was highly successful and released several albums, including “Gypsy Dreams” and “Alone Together.”

Faÿs has also worked extensively with the legendary Gypsy Jazz violinist Didier Lockwood, with whom he formed the “Gipsy Project” in 2001. The group combined traditional Gypsy Jazz with other genres such as flamenco, classical, and world music, and released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Gipsy Project & Friends” and “Django Forever.”

Faÿs’ style of guitar playing is heavily influenced by the traditional Gypsy Jazz style pioneered by Django Reinhardt. He is known for his technical skill and virtuosity on the guitar, as well as his ability to blend different genres and styles of music.

One of the defining features of Faÿs’ playing is his use of the “rest stroke” technique, which involves striking the strings with the fingers and allowing them to rest on the next string. This technique gives his playing a distinct and percussive sound, which is a hallmark of the Gypsy Jazz style, and Django Reinhardt music.

In addition to his technical skill, Faÿs is also known for his ability to improvise and create new and innovative arrangements of classic jazz standards. He often incorporates elements of blues, rock, and Latin music into his playing, creating a unique and eclectic sound that is all his own.

Raphaël Faÿs is a true master of the guitar and a pioneer of the Gypsy Jazz style. His contributions to the world of jazz music are numerous, and his influence can be felt in the work of countless musicians who have followed in his footsteps.

Throughout his career, Faÿs has remained true to his roots, blending traditional Gypsy Jazz with other genres andpushing the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar. His technical skill and virtuosity are matched only by his passion for music, which is evident in every note he plays.

In addition to his work as a performer, Faÿs is also a highly respected teacher and has given numerous masterclasses and workshops on Gypsy Jazz guitar playing. He has also published several instructional books and videos, which have helped to inspire and educate a new generation of guitarists.

Despite his many accomplishments, Faÿs remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record regularly, collaborating with other musicians and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar.

In conclusion, Raphaël Faÿs is a true legend of the guitar and a master of the Gypsy Jazz style. His contributions to the world of jazz music have been immense, and his influence can be felt in the work of countless musicians around the world. Whether he is performing on stage, teaching a masterclass, or recording in the studio, Faÿs’ passion for music shines through in everything he does, making him a true inspiration to all who love and appreciate great music.

DISCOGRAPHY

Gitarre, spielt Kompositionen von Marcel Dadi (Decca, 1976)
Raphael Fays (Sonopresse, 1978)
Gipsy New Horizon (Sonopresse, 1979)
Night in Caravan (WEA, 1980)
Vivi Swing (WEA, 1982)
Bonjour Gipsy (WEA, 1983)
La Musique de Django (Ariola, 1985)
Djangology (Carrere, 1987)
Voyages (Ricordu, 1989)
Gipsy Touch (Ricordu, 1991)
Sans Domicile Fixe (GHA, 1996)
Jazz Hot: The Gipsy Way (Mandala, 2000)
Guitar Romance (Royal River Music, 2003)
Swing Guitar (Le Chant du Monde, 2005)
Andalucia (Le Chant du Monde, 2006)
Django & Classic (Le Chant du Monde, 2006)
Django’s Works (Le Chant du Monde, 2010)
Django et Rien D’Autre! (Le Chant du Monde, 2010)
Circulo de La Noche (Ouest, 2015)
Paris Seville. Bois de Guitare: Madera de Guitarra (Fremeaux, 2018)