Introduction (or re-introduction)

jovation

Hello, I thought I would introduce (or reintroduce) myself to this group.
I used to post frequently to the GJG group on Yahoo , sharing
transcriptions and other tidbits about playing.

My name is Jimmy, a.k.a "jovation" (from my Yahoo email address).
I've played guitar for over 30 years, and took a serious interest in
DR and Jazz Manouche ten years ago. I got quite involved in this
style of music, and have been fortunate to jam on a few occasions
with Paul Mehling. The past several years, I've had to lay off posting,
and music for that matter due to limited time, moving, etc.

I've recently moved from upstate NY to central New Jersey. I am now
getting back into playing, and have hooked up with a swing band;
the bandleader is also a fine Gypsy guitarist who frequents this group.
I also spend time on occasion in Austin, TX, so I am open for any members
in New York/New Jersey metro or Austin that are looking to jam.

About me as a player, I'm pretty solid in the fundamentals of many styles,
and understand theory and harmony. As mentioned, I transcribe frequently,
and some of my transcriptions are still posted around the Internet. I've just
transcribed Django's "Twelfth Year", so let me know if you'd like a copy.

Yes, the name "jovation" comes from Ovation, one of the guitars I play.
But my main guitar for Manouche is a Dell Arte Minor Swing,
the first petit bouche guitar that John Kinnard built for ****.
I have two kids, and that guitar is my third child! ;0)

A few other opinions from the past which generated friendly debate:

While learning the triad chords that Django played are important, I think
it sounds fine to play four and five note chords, even playing full bar chords
on occasion.

It would be nice to hear more manouche bands mix in more current songs
in their playlist, and not simply play the QCHF classics. After all, Django and
Stephane were constructing swing versions of the hits of their day, and I think
this music could attract a wider audience by covering melodies with which
more people are familiar.

Well, I look forward to reading and posting here as time allows, thought mostly
I am just looking for time to practice.

Cheers.

Jimmy (<!-- e --><a href="mailto:jovation@yahoo.com">jovation@yahoo.com</a><!-- e -->)

Tele295

jovation wrote:

It would be nice to hear more manouche bands mix in more current songs
in their playlist, and not simply play the QCHF classics. After all, Django and Stephane were constructing swing versions of the hits of their day, and I think this music could attract a wider audience by covering melodies with which more people are familiar.

Hi Jimmy!

I'm somewhat new to the gypsy jazz scene, but I completely agree with you about bringing new material into the genre. Django was always looking forward, never back. I'm not about recreating Paris in the 1930's, limited to that technology and repertoire. I think most jazz musicians aren't.

Have you heard Robin Nolan's "Friar Park". It's a clever GJish piece that pays tribute to George Harrison. According to the story, Robin wrote it when George hired him to play a party at the Harrison estate (Friar Park)

BluesBop Harry

jovation wrote:

While learning the triad chords that Django played are important, I think
it sounds fine to play four and five note chords, even playing full bar chords
on occasion.

Actually Django played full 4,5 and 6 note chords more often than not. Check out the transcriptions of his solo pieces in "Unaccompanied Django", it's commonly assumed that because of his injured hand he only played 3 note voicings but that's a mistake.
In fact a lot of full fingered guitarists (myself included) often have trouble getting all the notes Django played in his chords!!

It would be nice to hear more manouche bands mix in more current songs
in their playlist,

Check out Zaiti, Robin Nolan, Bireli Lagrene, The Selmer 607 project they have some non Gypsy jazz songs in their repertoire and lots of fresh ideas in their vocabulary.

Welcome to the forum!