Django's Itineraries in England
1934 - 1948

Django's UK Visit

1934 

- Aged 24
 

Jean Sablon had found Django working in the newly opened “Boîte à Matelots” in Paris. “The musicians, wearing striped sailors’ jerseys, were installed in a mock-up of a fully-rigged ship. Among them was a guitarist who really stood out : Django Reinhardt. I went back often to listen to him and became friends. Sometimes I would go by late to pick him up and we would go together to the “Croix du Sud” in Montparnasse to hear the best saxophone player in Paris, André Ekyan.” It was in this very club, favourite hangout of the jazzmen of the day, that the historic meeting took place between Django a Stephane Grapelli.

Cabaret

April 16, 1934 ~ London
Jean Sablon (vo)
acc. by André Ekyan (cl); Alec Siniavine (p); Django Reinhardt (g)
A three week gig in April 34 at the "Monseigneur Club" in Piccadilly accompanying Jean Sablon. Sablon used the traditional French cabaret chanson into his own individual sound. In his time was often referred to as the “French Crosby”. Was also a lyricist and composer of songs. One of his well known songs was “Sur Le Pont D’Avignon from 1939.

Although the "Melody Maker" reviewer thought Sablon was good, he felt the accompanying group, which also included clarinet/saxophonist Andre Ekyan, was a waste of time.

Django possibly made his first radio broadcast during this visit.

Sablon with Django, Grapelli and Andre Ekyan Orchestra 16/01/34
Sablon & Django
 

Roy Fox Band at the Monsiegneur Club London  with Al Bowly on Rhythm Guitar -

A Selmer Maccaferri - was it an Eddie Freeman - No.

One of the sound engineer asked why they kept changing songs between takes... The Ultraphone director decided to lower the volume of the remaining songs (after Dinah), he was worried about defective recordings (too much dynamic...), that was a bad move according to Panassié since the volume of the remaining 3 songs is quite low compared to Dinah. According to Panassié, Dinah was the best recorded piece of the day

Al Bowlly and Grande Bouche Selmer Maccaferri at the Monsiegneur Club