AE Video: Finding the Elusive Gyspy Swing Rhythm!

Phil

Hey Ed...interesting stuff..thanks for posting...seems to me, that when you and I were just lads, back in 2003 and were chewing on our jerk chicken whilst watching Jan Brouwer keep rhythm for Fapy...that Jan had a much freer/lighter/bouncy, (whatever's the correct expression), technique with his right arm...it's an interesting comparison and I enjoy both styles.
cheers
Phil

Archtop Eddy

So true Phil. I remember Jan talking about mimicking an accordion with the rhythm. Kind of a quick rhythmic "whop" with each chord as if you're bouncing your hand on an accordion. Then there was Fapy's suggestion to ensure sufficient swing with the right arm by mounting a pencil in the upper bout of the guitar body and touching the pencil with each rhythm strum.

It seems to me, the feel of Gypsy jazz rhythm has changed many, many times since the Hot Club's first recordings. It keeps changing and it will keep changing. There's a thousand GJ-inspired bands in the world today -- all with access to one another; all with exposure to other musical feels that they bring to the GJ table; and, all with a desire to make their mark whether revising an old school sound or playing something new.

Have you ever been to a pot-luck and found five bowls of potato salad? You may prefer one over the other and dislike another, but it's all potato salad. Same goes for GJ rhythm. AE

Jazzaferri

Wise words Eddy