Existential musings of a dilettante...

Lango-Django

Please forgive a posting that may be a bit on the personal side... those that are more interested in technique and gear may want to skip this one!

************

As my screen name probably implies, my two main guitar heroes are Django and Eddie Lang.

I've been playing guitar for about fifty years now, but in retrospect I've learned more in the last eight years than in the past forty-two combined.

This is, of course, partly due to my retirement from my day gig, but mainly due to attending "Django in June" several times, where I first met and studied with Michael Horowitz to learn proper RH technique.

Then I went on to become a regular here at Djangobooks.com, where I've had the benefit of so many of my fellow members' expertise. I've tried to repay your wonderful support by contributing as much as I can in return.

*************

Ok, that's just the background for my current existential situation: recently I had an intense realization--- what I really want to do NOW is more serious study of my other guitar hero, Eddie Lang.

Not so much Lang's pioneering single note style, much of which now seems pretty basic compared to the Django stuff, but his wonderful rhythm guitar playing, which never fails to fill me with joy.

I realize that no matter how much I study and work at it, I'll never really get close to Django's genius-level playing.

But that's okay, at least I've reached the point where a dilettante like me can go to a jam session and have fun playing in this style.

But with Eddie's rhythm playing, a) it's actually not that technically demanding, though he does have a lot of cool tricks to study b) it makes me happy and c) it's a good fit with the Dixie/swing trio I play with.

**************

Now, I'm quite aware that vast majority of the players who come here are not really interested in Eddie Lang. And that many/most adherents of the pompe probably couldn't care less about that antique kind of rhythm style.

But what I'd like to do is get an online forum going with other players interested in that style.

This could happen here at Djangobooks.com, IF Michael and the rest of you folks think it would be appropriate at this site, since it has nothing to do with Django or gypsy jazz.

If not, and I can fully understand why not, there are other online jazz guitar hangouts where I could go do the same thing, places where it might be a better fit.

Therefore, I sincerely request your thoughts on this, Michael and fellow posters...

Thanks,

Will

MichaelHorowitz

@Lango-Django Sure, I'd be happy to start an Eddie Lang sub-forum for you.

kevingcox

Bones

Sure sounds good!

Jehu

I'm in! I definitely dig Lang, and I'd love to learn more about his rhythm style.

Lango-Django

Michael and my fellow Langologists, thanks for your support.

So, Michael, if you'd be so kind as to establish a new sub-forum... suggested name "Eddie Lang Club"...

Thanks,

Will