Introduction to Gypsy Jazz: Gypsy Rhythm, Gypsy Picking
with Chuck Kish ( Hot Club of Saratoga )
4 weeks: Feb 4th, 18th, 25th and Mar 4th
7 pm – 8pm
$120
Learn the basics of Gypsy Jazz style.
Gypsy Swing music has been passed down through the generations through families and generally as a folk process: watch, listen, imitate, learn. When Django Reinhardt "fathered" Gypsy Jazz along with Stephane Grappelli and The Quintet of The Hot Club of France in the 1930's it was just called jazz. It is now a genre known for soulful ballads and driving swing, with fiery solos
This class is an introduction to the basic elements that distinguish Gypsy Jazz from other genres. We will focus mainly on the unique Gypsy Rhythm known as la pompe, the foundation of the entire genre as commonly known today. We will explore various ways to play and styles of rhythm, common chords used, and lastly a very brief intro to soloing in the style.
To get the most out of this class participants should be comfortable playing typical guitar chords and strumming. Some experience with picking melodies, and barre chords is helpful but not necessary. This class will focus on playing, the how more than the why, though the why will often be mentioned. Any acoustic guitar will be fine for this class.
4 weeks
Week 1: Gypsy Jazz Style, La Pompe, Power Chord of GJ
la pompe: downstroke style
powerchord of gypsy jazz #1
minor swing
Week 2: La Pompe styles, Another
la pompe: upstroke style
powerchord of gypsy jazz #2
Dark Eyes
Week 3: Other Gypsy Rhythm Styles
Varying la pompe
A few more chords
Gypsy Bossa, Rumba
Swing Gitane played as swing, bossa, and rumba
Bossa Dorado if time permits
Week 4: Other Chord Forms, Intro To Gypsy Picking and Soloing
rest stroke picking
stylistic basics in the genre
some basic triads and tetrads on which to bass soloing
wrapup
