About This Activity
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
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