Denis Chang demonstrates "Dutch Style" of Improv

wayne nakamura

Here's some footage of Denis Chang demonstrating the "Dutch Style" of improv at Django in June 2007. I think the footage shows how quickly Denis' can get his lessons across to students.

Denis is planning on producing a 4 volume DVD set of Jazz Manouche Improv this fall. It will incorporate many of the different styles or schools of Jazz Manouche Improv. ie Dutch (a la Stochelo Rosenberg), German (Hans che Weiss) French (Django).

Denis wants this to be both comprehensive and definitive on the topics covered.

Judging from this short clip I think we have a lot to look forward to.


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cheers

wayne nakamura

wayne nakamura

Sorry for the incorrect link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG_naUqalfw


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wayne nakamura

Stackabones

Cool. Thanks for posting.

BluesBop Harry

Great!!! Can't wait!!
Wayne, Is there more of that video? I'm loving it
Send any Dennis Chang footage to me please:
<!-- e --><a href="mailto:ehulszbop@gmail.com">ehulszbop@gmail.com</a><!-- e -->
Thanks.

Michael Bauer

I sat in Denis' seminar on Dutch-style improv at Django-a-go-go. It was outstanding! The only problem I had was remembering everything. I am happy to hear that Denis is expanding his video offerings. My Christmas wish list is going to be easy this year.

Spalo

Yes, but what makes Stochelo's playing 'Dutch' style or Django's 'French' style?

Are there any basic characteristics to differentiate them?

SP

nwilkins

I think Denis probably meant to indicate that he would be showing the licks most frequently used by the Dutch players (Stochelo, Jimmy, Paulua etc.). And since these players rely heavily on the same licks it qualifies as a Dutch style of playing.

Elliot

This seems like they would be the short, scale oriented riffs one always sees in Samois video jams, as opposed to a more arpeggiated style one gets from Django and others.( I would think this is what makes Stochelo's style seem choppy as compared to a bouncy Tchavolo approach when, for example, they do those galloping ascending or descending phrases made up of a series of two notes played close together)...can someone confirm this or not?

Is the current European trend toward this style so popular because it lends itself to the fast paced jams over there? I'm reminded of someone's comment that "the faster I play, the less women come to my concerts", maybe Vai or Petrucci or someone like that, and am very wary about GJ becoming a boy's club phenomenon as a result.

jmcgann

...am very wary about GJ becoming a boy's club phenomenon as a result.

Becoming?

No, wait, at least 3% of the musicians at Django in June were female...

I mean, look at the many female GJ musicians...there are...umm....not too many...not even gajdos (gadjas?)

Seriously, I agree...who needs another boy's (or men's) locker room!

Elliot

I kinda meant from both ends, musicians and the people who are supposed to like this stuff, buy tickets, cds, etc. I wouldn't be interested in this if the endpoint was who can play fast around the picnic table/campfire.

So yeah, very few women among players; some singers and a bass player or two. Ms Park is the only guitar player I've even heard of.

But I gave up bullfighting for this (not manly enough), so I'm used to it.

jmcgann

I gave up bullfighting for this (not manly enough), so I'm used to it.

:P