BOSTON workshop

dennis

Hi folks, i'll be in town on 21st , 22nd, and 23rd of February:

i'm copying the same info from my LA workshop so here it goes

here's a description of the workshop:

Denis Chang workshop

4 hours - 80$

-rhythm coaching session. I will show and explain the common rhythm styles of the great rhythm players (Hono Winterstein, Nous'che Rosenberg, Hervé Gaguenetti, etc...). We will work on synchronization exercises for both hands. We will discuss rhythmic effects, and various styles of accompaniment.

-Gypsy Jazz picking technique. We will take examples from the masters (django, stochelo, jimmy, angelo, bireli) to demonstrate the various ways this technique can be used.

-Improvisation. We will start from scratch using basic chord progressions and explore the various colors and substitutions we can use to make an interesting solo. It is an in-depth study on voice leading and rhythmic phrasing.

-Advanced substitutions. For those who are more interested in modern approaches to django's music, we will study various chord substitutions, symmetrical scales and how we can we apply them.

This workshop is EXTREMELY intensive and it is strongly recommended that participants bring a tape recorder or video camera.

I know how most workshops go (especially in GJ) they're often very terrible and advanced students end up paying money for something they already knew, or at best, they learn a few things but the other students slow them down.

I have a different system for my workshop. First of all, it is 4 hours long. Second of all, I try to keep student participation to a minimum, students participating are often more for demonstration. The workshop is designed for all levels, but actually geared more toward people like you.

The way I work is I try to get maybe at least one beginner, one intermediate and one advanced student to participate so that everyone in attendance can recognize themselves.

The workshop itself is 100% gypsy jazz in approach. I believe I've come up with a simple and effective way to explain the masters approac this music.

The first part of the workshop is on technique and it is exaustive. A lot of people make a few mistakes in the way the technique is used, and they're a bit too systematic with it, when in fact it's something fairly natural and depends a lot on rhythm and tempo... So i would like to show a few of these overlooked and important concepts.

We also talk about the left hand, because it is as important as the right hand. A lot of people have the technique down, but they still dont have that "particular" sound that is instantly recognizable (when we listen to say django, bireli, stochelo or angelo) because they're actually overlooking some important left hand articulation concepts.

I will also talk a lot about rhythm, because in all styles, and really especially in this one, it is the secret to unlocking the picking technique and the first step to being able to solo (all the big names spent time playing rhythm for someone at some point, django, bireli, angelo, etc...).

Then I show my voice-leading method to explain gypsy jazz improvisation, but again it is based strictly on the django tradition. All the examples come from django, stochelo , bireli, etc.. the masters... towards the end, i also try to show a few more advanced concepts that advanced players may be aware of... but i show how to apply it within the style, and how guys like bireli or wawau adler use some of these.

pallopenna

Dennis,

Do you know where exactly it's going to be held, and how do we sign up?

Thanks, -Paul

dennis

hi paul location is yet to be determined! but if anyone';s interested just give me your email, and i'll put u on my boston mailing list. Thanks !!

dennis

just a reminder

that the workshop willbe held at the "outpost-zeitgeist art gallery" from 6pm til 10pm

186 1/2 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA, 02139

robertsaunders

NOTE: Earlier on Saturday 02/23/08 3-5pm (Check to make sure of time; the Lily Pad site says 2pm) Denis Chang and John McGann are playing a show at the Lily Pad (1353 Cambridge st. Inman Sq. Cambridge, MA).
$10 ca. cover. Matt Ambrose from Sinti Rhythm will be playing bass, and possibly the head of the Berklee String Department Matt Glaser will be sitting in on the Violin. It should be an excellent afternoon of Gypsy Jazz.

http://www.lily-pad.net

robertsaunders

Dennis,

Just wondering, for those who don't have a recording device, will there be any handouts, outline, or written reference that one can refer to after the workshop to remember what was discussed? Especially when learning licks and techniques, they can easily go in one ear and out the other. I am thinking also that note-taking would be a priority?

Thanks,

-Rob

dennis

hi rob

i dont usually do handouts, which is why i strongly encourage filming recording and as a last resort note-taking.

What I like to do is also get the people to build a community and start jamming with eachother so hopefully those who donlt know eachother in the workshop will exchange contacts and jam regularly, that's really the best way to learn

Thanks for everything!
D

robertsaunders

Every teacher has their own style, and I remember being in your workshop at Django in June which was exhilarating to say the least. I don't think going paperless will be a problem. And the recital beforehand will get me plenty psyched.

I agree with you about the community-building aspect...that continues to be a big benefit of this music. It is happening here in Massachusetts.

Looking forward!

-Rob

Phil

Hi Dennis - any chance you'll be making a visit to the Pacfic NW this year? Perhaps DFNW? I saw a clip of your lessons on Youtube and it was excellent!

Cheers

Phil

robertsaunders

Dennis Chang's concert yesterday at the Lily Pad and later workshop at the Outpost in Inman Square, Cambridge, were for this listener a resounding success.

Attendees of the concert were treated to fine Gypsy Jazz guitar playing by Dennis, as well as sideman, the flatpicking wizard John McGann (who doubled on mandolins), as well as our own Jack Soref from Sinti Rhythm, and a bebop Berkee guitar phenom named Javier. On violin was the distinguished Berklee professor and player Matt Glaser, and on bass, steady pilot Matt Ambrose from Sinti. The place was packed, crowd was enthusiastic, and but for our having to feed the parking meters every hour or two, the event went off idylically without a hitch.

Later at the the Outpost Dennis gave his intensive 4-hour Gypsy Jazz guitar workshop, regaling us with insights, demos of techniques, methods of rhythm accompaniment, tricks for soloing, and motivation enough to last us until his next workshop here. Happily, the workshop was recorded. His CD, by the way, titled Nature Boy, featuring him accompanied by Canadian group, Fleche D' Or (Golden Arrow) is a gem. I've been listening to it all morning...two thumbs up on that baby.

Thanks and a tip o' the hat to Jack Soref for facilitating the day's events.

Looking forward to the next GJ event here.

-Rob