ACCORDI - PENTAGRAMMA - TABLATURE - GRAFICO DELLA TASTIERA

PENTATONIC SOLOING STRATEGIES FOR GUITAR, Modern Ideas for All Styles. Erik Halbig. CD TABLATURE

Pentatonic Soloing Strategies per la chitarra prende i più comuni strumenti di improvvisazione, le scale pentatoniche, e vi  fa vedere le sue praticamente illimitate possibilità.  Inizia con scale pentatoniche standard magiori e minori nelle 5 posizioni base e continua con la sfida delle variazioni pentatoniche per string skipping e sweep picking. Il libro culmina con le serie delle scale ?, compreso la 9-a tonica, diminuita, e la scala pentatonica a tono pieno aumentata. CD con la dimostrazione di tutti gli esempi inclusi nel libro.

Pentatonic Soloing Strategies for Guitar Modern Ideas for All Styles
By Erik Halbig
Item: 00-35302
UPC: 038081396064
ISBN 10: 0739070967
ISBN 13: 9780739070963

Series: The Improv Series
Category: Guitar Method or Supplement
Format: Book & CD
Instrument: Guitar

Pentatonic Soloing Strategies for Guitar takes the most common improvisational tool, the pentatonic scale, and shows you its almost limitless possibilities. It begins with standard major and minor pentatonic scales in the five basic positions and quickly moves into challenging pentatonic variations for string skipping and sweep picking. The book culminates with a series of substitution scales, including the rootless 9th, the half-diminished, and the whole-tone augmented pentatonic scales. A CD demonstrating all the examples in the book is included:

FEATURES

THEORY, FORMS AND VARIATIONS FOR MAJOR AND MINOR PENTATONIC SCALES.

PENTATONIC SCALE PATTERNS THAT INCORPORATE SWEEP PICKING AND STRING SKIPPING.

EXTENDED INTERVAL FINGERINGS

12 SUBSTITUION SCALES TO EXPAND YOUR TONAL VOCABULARY AND ADD COLOR TO YOUR PLAYING.

EXAMPLES IN TAB AND STANDARD MUSIC NOTATION.

INTRODUCTION
The pentatonic scale is a scale consisting of five notes. It can be found in almost every style of music, from early African-American spirituals such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" to the classical compositions of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel to the bluesy rock guitar sounds of Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton.
Players sometimes fall into the rut of playing the "same old pentatonic licks." This book-which will change how you think about the pentatonic scale-is the remedy for this situation.
This is not a beginner's book. To use it effectively, you should already have a working knowledge of music, music theory, and the minor and major pentatonic scales. However, a quick review of the basics is included on page 5. A review of the minor and major pentatonic scales follows (starting on page 11), after which you will learn many new and exciting ways to manipulate and rework these basic scales. Most importantly, practical applications are provided.
There are lots of new ideas in this book to stimulate your own creativity. You can write
down ideas that come to you on the blank page (page 95) at the end of this book. Good luck!

A compact disc is included with this book. Use the CD to help ensure you're capturing the
feel of the examples and interpreting the rhythms correctly. The symbol shown at the left
appears next to every example that is on the CD. Example numbers are above the symbol,
while the track number below the symbol corresponds directly to the example you want to
hear. If there's a decimal (1.1,1.2, etc.), it means that there's more than one example on the
track. Track I provides tuning notes for your guitar.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Erik Halbig holds a degree in studio/jazz guitar performance from the University of
Southern California School of Music. He has presented numerous clinics and special
seminars at the California and Nashville campuses of the National Guitar Workshop.
He is also the author of two other Alfred/National Guitar Workshop titles: Mastering
Rock Guitar (#14096) and Stand Alone Tracks: Country (#17805). Currently living
in Nashville, Tennessee, Erik is busy doing session work and touring. He has toured
and recorded with Sugarland, Sara Evans, Blackhawk, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna,
and many others.

Acknowledgements
Thanks to Bruce Bolen, Jr. at Fender Guitars, Myles Rose at Groove Tubes, Ryan
and Chris at Gadow Guitars, Derek Brooks at Ernie Ball, Danica Levy at Levy's
Leathers, James Heidrich at Bad Cat Amplifiers, Steve Blucher at DiMarzio,
Michael Tuttle, Don Grosh, and Ampeg Amplifiers.

CONTENTS
About the Author .
Introduction .
Getting Started .
Whole Steps, Half Steps, and Scales .
Standard Music Notation .
Tablature (TAB) .
Sliding .
The Guitar Fretboard .
Pentatonic Theory , .
The Major Scale .
The Minor Pentatonic Scale .
The Major Pentatonic Scale ; .
The Minor Pentatonic Scale .
Five Minor Pentatonic Scale Forms in A .
The Major Pentatonic Scale .
Five Major Pentatonic Scale Forms in A .
Variations .
Variation I-Sliding Combinations .
Variation 2- Weaving Combinations .
Variation 3-Extended Weaving Combinations .
Variation 4-Extended Weaving and Sliding Combinations .
Variation 5-Skipping and Weaving .
Variation 6-Sequenee Weaving .
Variation 7-Weaving and Sliding .
Extended Interval Fingerings .
Extended 4th Intervals .
Extended 5th Intervals ,. .
Extended 7th Intervals .
Penta-Scales .
Pentatonic Motives .
Four-Note Motives .
Five-Note Motives .
String-Skipping Pentatonics .
One-Note-Per-String Pentatonics-Sweep Picking .
One-Note-Per-String Pentatonic Combinations .
Substitutions .
Rootless 9th Pentatonic Scale .
Dominant 7th/9th Pentatonic Scale .
Minor 6th Pentatonic Scale .
Minor 6th Blues Pentatonic Scale .
Lydian Dominant Pentatonic Scale .
Half-Diminished Pentatonic Scale .
Lydian Pentatonic Scale .
Dominant Pentatonic Scale .
Altered Dominant Pentatonic Scale .
Whole Tone Augmented Pentatonic Scale .
Dominant 7b9 Pentatonic Scale .
Diminished Pentatonic Scale .
Conclusion .
 

SHRED BOOT CAMP, The First Comic Book to Teach You the Secrets of Shred Guitar By Hurwitz. CD TABLATURE

LIBRO METODO DI MUSICA HEAVYMETAL, CON CD. 

SPARTITI PER CHITARRA,

ACCORDI, GRAFICO DELLA TASTIERA, PENTAGRAMMA E TABLATURE

By Tobias Hurwitz, illustrated by Jesse Smolover 

MICHAEL ANGELO BATIO
Item: 00-30283
Category: Guitar Method or Supplement
Format: Book & CD

Shred Boot Camp is the first comic book of its kind: a complete book and CD package that guides you through the adventurous journey of saving the human race by performing heavy metal pyrotechnics on your guitar -all while teaching you to shred like a pro! As you conquer your way through this five-week workout, you'll be exposed to the most challenging licks from The Shred Squadron. CAUTION: Shred at your own risk- the world is depending on you!

"The fastest guitar I ever played in my life was on Shred Boot camp. It’s a great product! "-Michael Angelo Batio, Guitar World Magazine

" Shred Boot Camp has to be one of the coolest new shred books out to date!! Plus it contains some of my fastest playing EVER!!!! "- Dave Martone

THE CHORD FACTORY, Build Your Own Guitar Chord Dictionary. Berklee guide 238 pagine. TABLATURE

LIBRO METODO DI MUSICA, STUDIO SUGLI ACCORDI.

SPARTITI PER CHITARRA CON:

GRIGLIA DEGLI ACCORDI, PENTAGRAMMA E TABLATURE.  

Series: Berklee Guide
Publisher: Berklee Press
Medium: Softcover
Author: Jon Damian

The Chord Factory is for all levels and styles of chord explorers, from professional-level guitarists in need of harmonic stimulation and to fill in some "gray areas," to the early-level guitarist just embarking on that fascinating and fun aspect of exploring chords and harmony. This added chord vocabulary and understanding will strengthen all areas of your musical world as a performer and composer. 238 pages

The Chord Factory is for all levels and styles of chord explorers, from professional-level guitarists in need of harmonic stimulation and to fill in some "gray areas," to the early guitarist just embarking on that fascinating and fun aspect of exploring chords and harmony. This added chord vocabulary and understanding will strengthen all areas of your musical world as a performer and composer.

• Learn thousands of chords
• Build your own creative harmonic toolbox
• Use harmony more effectively
• Expand your fingerboard facility
• Play more creative comping parts

Author Jon Damian is an active international performer, composer, arranger, lecturer, clinician, and author. His varied career has included performances with performers ranging from Howard McGhee to Bill Frisell, Linda Ronstadt to Johnny Cash, Luciano Pavarotti to Leonard Bernstein and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and many others. He is considered among the world's foremost thinkers about guitar theory and pedagogy, and is author of The Guitarist's Guide to Composing and Improvising (Berklee Press: 2000). Many of his students have become guitar luminaries, such as Bill Frisell, Wayne Krantz, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Leni Stern, James Valentine, and Mark Whitfield.

"What an amazing book! Incredibly detailed and thorough. presenting everything in a clear, sometimes humorous way. Jon Damian has done all of us guitar players a huge favor: He's taken us by the hand to some brand new, exotic places musically. Thanks Jon! I'm happy to work at The Chord Factory."

—Jim Hall, Legendary Guitarist and NEA Jazz Masters Fellow

"Jon Damian blows my mind! In The Chord Factory, he goes deeper and deeper, daring to go where few, if any, have traveled, He looks around every corner, leaving no stone unturned, and continues to unlock the mystery, wonder, magic, and FUN in music. Jon gives us the keys. I look forward to this next adventure."

—Bill Frisell, Grammy-Winning Guitarist

"This fresh look at chords and their construction inspired new ideas for me right away. Jon's unique perspective reveals the rich language inherent in great chord progressions. He never loses sight of the fact that it's not how many chords you know, but how well you use them. Try taking a look at the unique ways that Jon and his imaginary friend Chester see chords. It will open up an expansive new world of expression for you."

—James Valentine, Grammy-Winning Guitarist (Maroon 5)

"Jon Damian always manages to relate in an emotional, visceral way to the study of music, making even the most theoretical aspects of that study easier to connect with, artistically, for anybody who's lucky enough to be studying with him. Plus, as this new book clearly illustrates, he knows some really good grips."

—Wayne Krantz, Guitarist (Steely Dan, Michael Brecker, Billy Cobham)

"The Chord Factory shows why Jon Damian is such a popular and influential teacher. The book is systematic and thorough, yet at the same time it is creative and open-ended, giving the reader tools and concepts for a lifetime of exploration and learning. Everything is explained clearly—from single-note "harmony" to altered 13th chords and beyond. The focus is always on sound, music, and creativity, and it's fun to read. I plan to recommend this book to all our guitarists and also to non-guitarists, who can apply its principles to improvisation and arranging."

—Allan Chase, Chair of Contemporary Improvisation at New England Conservatory

"Author Jon Damian has created a masterful work in his latest book, The Chord Factory. ... Damian has created a book that not only shows various chord shapes, but also teaches the guitarist the theory behind each voicing. Guitarists of all levels can benefit from reading through this book.... The book is very easy to read and has a lot of humor throughout.... a book that would benefit every guitarist. Highly recommended!"

—Brandon Bernstein, for Just Jazz Guitar magazine

FUNK / R&B GUITAR Creative Solos, Grooves & Sounds, THADDEUS HOGARTH Berklee. CD TABLATURE

LIBRO DI MUSICA FUNK CON CD.
SPARTITI PER CHITARRA CON GRAFICO DELLA TASTIERA, ACCORDI, PENTAGRAMMA E TABLATURE.

Creative Solos, Grooves & Sounds
Series: Berklee Guide
Publisher: Berklee Press
Medium: Softcover with CD TAB
Author: Thaddeus Hogarth

Learn deep funk/R&B guitar! These hands-on exercises, licks, and technical discussions will help you play in the style of Kool and the Gang, Prince, James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield, Soulive, and other great artists, spanning from old school to contemporary funk/R&B grooves. The CD features demonstration and practice tracks, played by the Boston-based R&B/funk group the Thaddeus Hogarth Band. Guitar tablature, fretboard diagrams, and traditional notation are included. You'll learn how to: play lead lines and build solos; understand and use scales over funk/R&B harmonies; create rhythm-guitar parts that support funk/R&B grooves; bend strings to expand your palette of scales, harmonies, and ornamentation; and much more!

These hands-on exercises, licks, and technical explanations will help you play in the style of Prince, James Brown, Kool and the Gang, Sly and the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield, Soulive, and other great artists, spanning from old school to contemporary funk/r&b grooves. The CD features demonstration and practice tracks, played by the Boston-based r&b/funk group, the Thaddeus Hogarth Band. Guitar tablature, fretboard diagrams, and traditional notation are included. You will learn how to:

• Play lead lines and build solos
• Understand and use scales over funk/r&b harmonies
• Create rhythm-guitar parts that support funk/r&b grooves
• Bend strings to expand your palette of scales, harmonies, and ornamentation
• Use articulations, such as muting, sliding, plucking, and others
• Use characteristic funk/r&b amplification and effects such as distortion, wah-wah, envelope filters, chorus, and more
• Gain facility with all these tools via time-tested exercises

Thaddeus Hogarth is an associate professor of guitar at Berklee College of Music, where he has trained hundreds of guitarists in the art of funk/r&b. He is an active performer and recording artist.

"When I was a young blood, starting out in the Apollo Theater house band, the knowledge the old timers shared with me was invaluable. As I started working through the lessons in this book, it felt like an extension of those glorious soulsters—guiding me like Lewis and Clark, down the trail to Funkland. This will be a priceless tool for the novice, as well as the pro of other disciplines. Bravo."

—Nile Rodgers, Guitarist/Producer/Composer/Arranger (Chic)

"Thaddeus Hogarth has articulated some of the 'secrets of the funk' in an easy to understand, practical manner. It is the only book I've ever seen that approaches funk and r&b with due respect, in its simplicities and complexities. He not only gives great examples but also takes you into the exploratory harmonic possibilities to find your own voice. If you're looking for "That Book" to unlock the inner workings of the groove and what to do on top of it, this is the book to read."

—Billy "Spaceman" Patterson, Guitarist/Composer/Producer/Arranger (James Brown, Sly Stone, Miles Davis, George Clinton)

"A timeless staple of r&b guitar. The format is meticulously detailed, the recorded examples are first rate, and the listening list is a veritable treasure-chest map."

JORGENSON JOHN, INTRO TO GYPSY JAZZ GUITAR. CD DVD 2-hour.
SHEET MUSIC BOOK WITH CD and DVD 2-hour with GUITAR TABLATURE. 

LIBRO DI MUSICA MANOUCHE GYPSY JAZZ, CON CD E DVD. 

SPARTITI PER CHITARRA CON: 

ACCORDI, PENTAGRAMMA, TABLATURE. 

LIBRO DI MUSICA JAZZ CON CD E DVD.

SPARTITI PER CHITARRA. ACCORDI, PENTAGRAMMA E TABLATURE.

In this first of three volumes of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine's new Gypsy Jazz Guitar instructional series, "Intro to Gypsy Jazz Guitar," Jorgenson provides the foundational information and practice material necessary for you to gain an understanding of the Gypsy jazz guitar style. The first half of this volume addresses the important element of Gypsy jazz rhythm. The second half of this first volume addresses soloing. Each volume of this three-part series includes a 2-hour instructional DVD, an audio CD with practice audio tracks, and a full format book which presents all of the theoretical information, chord charts, fret board diagrams, music notation, and tablature for the material presented on the DVD.

Song Title: Composer/Source:
1-4-5 Blues Progression
A Minor Pattern
Adding C#dim7
Adding the A and E& chords
Adding the Daug
Adding the G9
An Interview with John Jorgenson
Appendix
Audio CD Contents/Forward
Basic Strum Patters
C Major Note Map
C Minor 6
Changing the C7 to C6
Chromatic Pattern 1
Chromatic Pattern 2
Chromatic Pattern 3
Chromatic Scale
Chromatic Scale moving up the neck
Chromatics
D augmented Arpeggio
D Major
D Major Pattern 1
D Major Pattern 2
D Major Pattern 3
Downstroke Exercise

DVD Contents
F Major
F Major Pattern 1
F Major Pattern 2
G Major
G Major Arpeggio
G Major Pattern 1
G Major Pattern 10
G Major Pattern 2
G Major Pattern 3
G Major Pattern 4
G Major Pattern 5
G Major Pattern 6
G Major Pattern 7
G Major Pattern 8
G Major Pattern 9
G Minor
G Minor 6
G Minor 6 Pattern 1
G Minor 6 Pattern 2
G Minor 6 Pattern 3
G Minor Pattern
Gypsy Jazz Rhythm Details
In-between Notes
Introduction/Acknowledgements
Lead Playing
Minor Blues Progression
Minor Blues with 3-Note Chords
Open Strings, Unison, & Dissonance
Rhythm Example #1
Rhythm Example #2
Rocking the bass on C7 & D7
Simple Minor Blues Progression

John Jorgenson is perhpas best known as a founding member of the Desert Rose Band, for his dazzling fretwork with the super guitar trio The Hellecasters, from his six-year stint as a member of Elton John's band, and his session work with a diverse range of artists including rock icons Elton John, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt and Bob Seger, country legends Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Emmy Lou Harris and Hand Williams Jr., and international superstars like Barbara Streisand and Luciano Pavarotti. Even though he has made his living playing primarily rock, country, and pop music John's love for jazz and swing music dates back to his youth when his father, James, was conductiong for Benny Goodman. John, who idolized Goodman, actually got to play with his hero while his father led the way. As accomplished on clarinet as he is on guitar, Jorgenson's first swing recording After You've Gone was a tribute to both his heroes, Django Reinhardt and Benny Goodman. Released in 1985, John played Django style Gypsy jazz ont he first side of the LP and recreated the sound of the Benny Goodman Quintet, playing both Charlie Christian's electric guitar parts and Goodman's swinging clarinet style, on the other. His 2004 release Franco-American Swing, which primarily features John's original swing music, has received rave reviews. In the world of Gypsy jazz music, John Jorgenson has long been known as one of the true American masters of the Django Reinhardt guitar style. In 2003, when the musical director for John Duigan's film Head In The Clouds was looking for someone who could faithfully re-record two tracks from the Quintet of the Hot Club of France for use in the film Guitar Player Magazine's editor recommended Jorgenson. John not only transcribed and recorded the Hot Club's "Blue Drag" and "Minor Swing" for use in the film, he also played the role of Django Reinhardt in the movie. John has also performed with leading European Gypsy jazz artists Bireli Lagrene and Romane, appeared on recordings with Babik Reinhardt and Angelo Debarre, and has written many articles and lessons for national and international guitar magazines. Three guitar virtuosos: John Jorgenson, Jerry Donahue, and Will Ray - collaborated for a one-time-only performance which eventually grew into a 10-year partnership.

AUDIO CD CONTENTS
1: G chord rhythm
2: G chord rhythm with alternate right hand pattern (upstrokes added)
3: Simple 1-4-5 blues progression
4: Final blues progression (with all added chords)
5: Rhythm Example 1
6: Rhythm Example 2
7: F chord rhythm
8: D chord rhythm
9: C chord rhythm
10: 1-4-5 progression
11: C7 chord rhythm
12:D7 chord rhythm
13: Minor Blues Progression

FORWARD
Flatpicking Guitar Magazine is proud to present the first in a three-part instructional series on Gypsy jazz guitar. We are honored to have John Jorgenson, one of the true American masters of the Gypsy jazz style, as the instructor in this series. As you will see on the DVD, John's great enthusiasm for this style of music is infectious and he presents the material in such a systematic and easy to follow manner that anyone who spends time practicing what John teaches here will not only gain valuable insights into the Gypsy style of guitar playing, but will also greatly expand his or her knowledge of the fret board and increase their improvisational skill level. I feel that John's inclusion of Brad Davis as the "student" on the DVD brings a casual and entertaining atmosphere to the visual portion of this instructional package. The addition of an extensive and detailed book as a companion to the 2-hour DVD allows John the opportunity to present much more theoretical knowledge, and address each section of the course in greater detail, than time or space allowed on the DVD itself. Lastly, the inclusion of a practice-along audio CD adds a very practical aspect to the instructional package. It provides the viewer with a valuable practice tool that will continue to be useful for years after the viewer has assimilated the basic material here. No matter how advanced a player becomes, practice tracks can always be useful.
Because the majority of the information here is theoretical in nature and is aimed at providing the student with a strong musical foundation, its principles can be explored far past the specific information and examples that are outlined here. For instance, in the soloing section John spends a great deal of time with the G major arpeggio and G major patterns. Understanding that all of this information can be transposed and applied to any key and at any position on the neck gives the student the opportunity to then take the initiative to explore all of the patterns in a variety of keys and positions. Additionally, John's emphasis in this course on taking time to practice free-form improvisation of every position, pattern, and arpeggio that is demonstrated provides the student with a tremendous practice tool for improving improvisational skills. If the student follows John's system of starting with short four or five note patterns and working to improvise over a rhythm bed with just those notes before moving on to add more complex note patterns and ornaments, even beginning level students can start to gain knowledge and experience that will naturally begin to unlock the mysteries of improvisational playing. I hope that you enjoy the material presented here, learn a lot, and have fun! Dan Miller Editor and Publisher Flatpicking Guitar Magazine

INTRODUCTION/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Over the years, I have been approached many times to write instructional books and make instruction video material. I opted not to do them for many reasons, but largely because there was already so much material available to the learning guitarist. With the recent growth of interest in the Gypsy Jazz style of music in America, I felt there was room, and even need for a teaching tool that could help guitarists start to unravel the mysteries of this enchanting and complex style. Pioneered in the 30's by the phenomenal Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, this style of music incorporates techniques and concepts that are unique, many which likely Django himself invented. To the American guitarist who has developed by learning rock, blues, country, bluegrass or jazz this is an often baffling and overwhelming style to grasp, especially at the beginning. I first heard and was captivated by Django's playing in 1979, after I had been playing the guitar for 12 years. Although obviously not a beginner, I felt like I was attempting to learn a whole new language just by ear. Over the years I have continued to study and play the style, and continue to learn new elements now. In this DVD series my intention is for the students to be able to piggyback on those years of studying, performing and jamming so that progress can be attained at a more rapid pace. I feel that theory is an important aspect of the learning, and also serves to give a language to speak about harmonic movement, chord progressions, etc. I grew up in a musical household, and have an innate understanding of theory as well as having studied theory as part of my musical education so it is natural for me explain harmonic and improvisational concepts in a theoretical sense. All the theory in the world, however, will not make a great performer. The ears must be trained to hear the different chords, arpeggios, etc., which then can be translated into shared feelings and emotions, which of course are the ultimate goal of any musical performance. I want to thank Brad Davis for participating in this series, and being such a willing and enthusiastic "student." As I have a personal aversion to the "one guy talking to a camera for an hour" type of instruction DVD, Brad's presence made the whole filming aspect of this project relaxed and easy. Plus, he is a great player and learned the concepts very quickly! Don't get discouraged if you don't learn as quickly as Brad does, after all he is an experienced professional guitarist. I also need to thank Brance Gillihan for his camera work, and his creative and diligent editing. I don't even want to know the technical aspects of his work on the authoring of this DVD! Rusty Russell's excellence behind the still camera produced the cover shots for the intermediate and advanced volumes, and Brance supplied the photo for the intro volume. Most of all I need to thank Dan Miller for making this all happen. His countless hours transcribing the musical examples, creating tab and notation, editing text and layouts show an enormous commitment to creating a product that is of as high a quality as possible, and one that will give the buyer an incredible amount of information. To say that Dan is dedicated is an understament; he has gone to great lengths physically, creatively and literally to present this project to you, and I give him kudos, thanks, and congratulations! John Jorgenson July 2004 Nashville, Tennessee

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN JORGENSON
What is Gypsy jazz?
Gypsy jazz in general is music in the style of Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grapelly and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. The lineup of this group that first recorded in 1934 consisted of guitar an violin as the lead instruments, with 2 more guitars and a string bass as the rhythm section. This was highly unusual for the time, as jazz had been played more with horns for lead instruments, and drums, piano and/or banjo and string bass or tuba as the rhythm section. To have a jazz ensemble made up entirely of string instruments was innovative and elegant, and Reinhardt and Grapelly were the first non-American jazz musicians to really be recognized and influential. Reinhardt and Grapelly were influenced some by the American violin/guitar duo of Joe enuti and Eddie Lang. But the biggest influence on Django musically was Louis Armstrong. Django was already a prodigiou musician with un anny skill on the banjo-guitar at an early age, and earned money as a teenager accompanying Musette accordionists live and on recordings. After injuring his left hand in a fire in his caravan in 1928 at age 18, Django developed a whole new technique on the guitar while recuperating, mainly using his index and middle fingers, as the others were permanently pulled ba - by the burned tendons. In a relatively short period of time Django was again out playing, sometimes with his brother Joseph accompanyinc him, and caught the attention of Emile Savitry who played for him a 78 record of Armstrong's "Dallas Blues". Django was fascinated with this new American jazz, and quickly adapted many of Armstrong's phrases and rhythmic feels to his guitar. Django's gypsy heritage had already imbued his music with a firey passion, and the addition of the jazz elements created a whole new style of music, now called Gypsy jazz. Grappelly's influence on the development of this style is equally important. His flawless intonation, highly melodic improvisational style and elegant swing perfectly balanced Reinhart's wildly virtuosic playing and the natural competition between these two soloists drove each of them to new heights. In many early reviews of the QHCF's recordings and concerts, Grapelly often got more kudos than Django.
The music that the QHCF made was heard around the world thanks to the 78 records of the day and of course radio. This exotic, swinging combo caught the attention of many future guitar and violin stars and showed that swing could be played on string instruments as well as on horns. Influences for the QHCF can be easily heard in the music of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, seminal electric jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, pop guitarist and inventor Les Paul, Nashville stalwart Chet Atkins, bluegrass guitarist Clarence White, mandolinist David Grisman, champion fiddler Mark O'Connor. the list could go on and on-nearly every guitarist and violinist since owes a big debt of gratitude to the pioneering work of Django, Stephane and QHCF. Today Gypsy jazz music is still very much alive, and has had a thriving scene in Europe for years, thanks to artists like The Rosenberg Trio, Bireli Lagrene. Romane, Angelo Debarre, Dorado Schmidt, Fapy Lafertin, Rafeal Fays, Serge Krief. Boulou and Elios Ferret and Jimmy Rosenberg. There are many festivals in Germany, England, Holland, Norway and France featuring Gypsy jazz music. In London there is a club called Le Quecumbar that features Gypsy jazz every night. The American scene is a little behind Europe, but coming on strong in the last few years. Now there are Django festivals in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Seattle, and lots of gypsy jazz players and bands. Seattle has a thriving scene including Pearl Django and Micheal Horowitz, and other pockets around the country are cropping up including Alphonso Ponticelli in Chicago, Raul Reynoso, Club Django and the Hot Club of San Diego in Southern California, the Hot Club of San Francisco in Northern California, The Hot Club of Philly, Arizona, Minnesota- you name it and there is probably a Hot Club of... and lest we forget our neighbor to the North, there are also big contingents in Montreal and Toronto. Once you know the sound of Gypsy jazz, you will start hearing it often in films and television. It seems to always lend a light, swinging elegance to the ambience whenever it is played, and if the current interest level is any indication this mu i will always be bringing new recruits to the fold! From a musician's perspective, what are some characteristics of the Gypsy jazz style that help define it? (In other words, if a musician from a different genre had never heard Gypsy jazz, what would you tell them about it rhythm, chords, soloing, etc. that would help him understand what it is all about?) Gypsy jazz is characterized in part by the rhythmic feel, which is more of a 2 beat feel in faster songs and a 4 beat in the slower ones, but the rhythm is always driving and insistent. The style that the rhythm guitar plays is called "Le Pompe" and always has a strong back-beat. The melodies are very romantic and rhapsodic, with vituosic flourishes from both the guitar and violin. The solos stay mostly in the Swing-era harmonic content, in other words they don't use a lot of the altered extensions but stay a little more "inside" than bop, which came next in the jazz evolution. The gypsy element is especially prominent and more obvious in minor key songs like "Dark Eyes" which comes from an old gypsy folk melody. Minor 6th and diminished chords and arpeggios are used liberally, and one rarely hears a minor 7th chord unless it is used as a passing chord.