latin influence on Gypsy jazz

coopervery

Greg,
I have to begin by echoing the comments of praise for the quality of this book. It conveys a wealth of valuable creative insight into this music. I am enjoying working through all of the material, but as a chord melody player found the Dudley composition New Metro Swing to be a special treat. I am sorry I did not get to see Pearl Django while he was in the band.

I did get to her you guys in Florida recently, and attended your workshops in Waldo. Thanks for taking the trouble to come down this way and I hope it was a good trip from your perspective. I found your rhythm workshop to be especially valuable and took particular pleasure in your taking us through the tune Bossa Dorado. Later when I heard your composition Palo Verde on a CD I had picked up after the workshop I began to appreciate the strong latin influence on gypsy music, which is something I wish I had asked about during the workshop. I am getting the melody of Palo Verde fairly well off the recording, but there are a couple of harmonies I am still struggling to hear. I hope you will feature some latin influenced tunes in your in future books you release, because this material is so unique and wonderful - sort of the best of both worlds. By the way, your teaching skills are pretty impressive. Thanks for sharing them so generously.

Charles Cooper,
Jacksonville

gregruby

Thanks for the compliment on the book. I'm glad it is serving you as a useful tool.

We had a great time in Florida. I hope it can happen again sometime. Plus it was a great departure from the Seattle winter.

I'm glad you got something out of the workshop. I try to cover all the bases while still keeping it a playing experience. It is a subject I am passionate about and I like to share what I know.

I really love the Latin tunes as well. Thanks for the compliment on Palo Verde. It is a fun tune to improvise on. It will probably end up in the next book.

Keep playing and if you have any questions feel free to write.

all the best,

Greg

Passacaglia

I know this is an old thread, but ironically enough, I'm listening to Palo Verde right now - just got 3 more of PJ's albums, and I absolutely love their latin stuff, as well as their music generally.

Have to add, I spoke with Rick Leppanen the other day - he and my wife share alumnus status from the same small town college - and would like to say that in addition to being such a phenomenal musician, Rick's one heck of a gentleman. Can't wait to see them live. (First up is seeing Chris and Gypsy Caravan in Madison, next month - really excited about this, too!).

The play along book is en route - based on what Michael has to say, and my talk with Rick, I am very eager to tap this resource. Thanks, PJ, for your music, and Greg, for putting such a book together.

Paul