Join us for our 6th New Zealand national workshop for Gypsy jazz guitarists in Wellington, registration is now open.
Background
Recently the guitar style of Django Reinhardt has grown hugely in popularity. Guitarists in all corners of the globe are eager to learn this exciting guitar style as Gypsy jazz or Jazz Manouche undergoes a resurgence. Guitarists such as Bireli Lagrene,Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre and Tchavolo Schmitt are amongst many that are carrying on the tradition of this dynamic and mysterious music.
In this 2-day practical workshop you will have an opportunity to learn the techniques needed to play this amazing style in a friendly supportive environment with master Jazz guitarists Leigh Jackson and Steve Sherry
All levels will be catered for and no prior knowledge is needed to participate as all techniques will be introduced from scratch, however a working knowledge of the guitar would be helpful. Classes will be separated into beginner and advanced classes so that you can work at your own level. All that is required is an acoustic guitar and a pick, we will provide the rest.
Workshop Content
RHYTHM PLAYING
These sessions involve a practical in-depth look at the principles of gypsy swing rhythm, which are often misunderstood and to be honest can’t be learned from a book. Using traditional techniques you will learn the hand positions and rhythmic emphasis needed to produce the authentic feel of the rhythm. The common approach to this rhythm produces a lumpy heavy feel that provides little propulsion for the soloist and has a strong tendency to slow down. Guitarists such as Bireli Lagrene and Django Reinhardt use a very economic and efficient right hand system that is essential to gain the smooth and effortless rhythm feel. Using the correct wrist/hand geometry and traditional training, relaxation is possible even at the fastest tempos.
Using the correct method, within a short time, you will be swinging in a much more authentic way. You will identify the common faults that crop up and be able to put into practice a much more coherent sense of the gypsy swing rhythm.
The central most important rhythm that has to be learned is called "La Pompe". In this session the traditional Parisian, Alsacian and Dutch styles will explored as will the emphasis and articulation that lead to a more authentic sound. Attention will be drawn to the type of chords and how they are used in standard progressions, which plays such a huge role in the overall authenticity of the sound. Also covered in this session will be the waltz style of accompaniment, Latin variations including Bossa, Rumba and Bolero. How to read and write 'Grilles' will also be explored as an efficient but simple way of notating chord progressions.
SOLOING and TECHNIQUE
These sessions will focus the role and technique of the soloist in gypsy jazz and solutions to the specific difficulties required to master this area.
The main emphasis will be placed on learning the traditional gypsy rest-stroke picking technique as used by Django Reinhardt himself. This remains one of the most misunderstood but essential components of the gypsy jazz guitar sound and is known about by very few people. Leigh Jackson was taught this style of right-hand technique as a youngster and will pass on the traditional techniques needed to grasp this way of playing.
The attack, tone and sheer velocity this picking method offers is unparalleled in any other style of guitar playing but can be adapted to produce stunning efficiency in any style.
Once you are using this ancient approach to picking you will notice an instant improvement in your mobility, and within a short time the difficulty of arpeggios and fast articulation due to tension inthe right hand will disappear. You will learn the unique technical approaches used by the masters that have been handed down through generations and never written down. The scale and arpeggio techniques used by Django Reinhardt, Bireli Lagrene and other gypsy guitarists will be examined and various patterns and transcriptions will be analysed.
THEORY
The relationship between chords, arpeggios and unique Manouche pentatonic scales will be examined along with the construction of the chord voicings and progressions unique to this style.
ENSEMBLE/GROUP PLAYING
In these sessions you will have an opportunity to put what you have learnt into practice and play in a small group appropriate to your level. Jamming is probably the most essential element that leads to better playing as all of the techniques are combined to produce an exciting flow of ideas. If the workshop is in the summer months the jamming takes place in shaded areas outside of the building. Gypsies like Django would jam endlessly, trying out new phrases and ideas in a friendly competitive environment. Repertoire and arrangements will be provided. |
