This fascinating look at the art of improvisation in the Gypsy jazz tradition shows you how to really swing! Paul Mehling, leader of the Hot Club of San Francisco, has a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of this powerful and infectious style, and he provides a wealth of information and playing tips to get you off to a solid start.
Before long, you’ll be playing exciting solos in the style typified by Django Reinhardt, Birelli Lagrenne and other hot players of this dynamic genre. You’ll learn the theory and playing techniques behind the music, including the exercises, scales, modes and arpeggiated picking ("the heart of the Reinhardt style") that will allow you to come up with your own improvisations. He includes advice on fingering, use of the metronome, singing your solos and how to "focus your attention so your hands can play what your ears hear."
Paul teaches the special elements that give this music its distinctive ring: "sweep" picking, ornaments (glissandos, trills, bends, tremolo, vibrato, etc.), diminished and augmented runs, triplets and the other special sounds that "put the Gypsy in Gypsy swing." Includes some hot jamming with Paul and Tony Mandraccia, rhythm guitar.
