Stochelo Rosenberg by Stochelo Rosenberg, Leo Eimers and Harry Klunder

Part fanzine, part family scrapbook, part biography, this lavishly illustrated hardcover is chockfull of rare photos, cultural insights and technical minutia about the great Gypsy guitarist Stochelo Rosenberg. Through his teenage years, Rosenberg played with his cousins Nous’che and Nonnie at festivals in Holland, Belgium, Germany and Austria. They premiered at the annual Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois-sur-Seine in 1989 and that year released their debut CD, Seresta. Their big break Stateside came in 1993 when the Rosenberg Trio performed as part of Stephane Grappelli’s 85th birthday celebration concert at Carnegie Hall. Stochelo has since become recognized worldwide as one of the elite practitioners of Gypsy jazz.

Through first-person reminiscences, along with testimony from relatives and colleagues, we get detailed information about the Rosenberg family tree along with an understanding of Django Reinhardt’s importance to the Sinti community. We also learn about the significance of the Pentecostal church in Rosenberg’s musical upbringing. An in-depth interview with Reinhardt’s luthier, Mario Maccaferri, provides some interesting insights into the craft. Some added treats include tablature for five songs, a 15-track CD and a signature Rosenberg pick.

Originally Published January 1, 2006