Acoustic Guitar Magazine – September 2003 – by Dave McCarty

After sitting at the feet of some of the top Gypsy jazz players in Europe and analyzing every component of the music associated with Django Reinhardt, Michael Horowitz has come up with Gypsy Picking, a landmark achievement that unravels the complexities and inner secrets of this fascinating style. In the first instruction book to explore the intricate right-hand picking patterns of Gypsy jazz in such detail, Horowitz takes the reader/student through downstrokes, sweep picking, horizontal arpeggios, syncopations, rest strokes, triplets, and other pivotal techniques. The 64-page text includes a series of helpful musical examples that demonstrate how a guitarist can use each pattern melodically, and Horowitz plays each example on an accompanying CD.

During my stay in Holland I spent a great deal of time at the Gypsy camp in Gerwen. Gerwen, along with its sister camp in Nuenen, has produced some of the world’s best Gypsy guitarists. Stochelo Rosenberg, Jimmy Rosenberg, Nous’che Rosenberg, and Wasso Grunholz are just a few of the talented guitarists from these camps.

This recording was made in Gerwen during one of my “lessons” with Paulus Schafer. Paulus is one of the immensely talented Gypsy guitarists from Gerwen. Gypsies always appreciate good music. During this jam nearly half the camp was crowded into Paulus’ caravan. One Gypsy even grabbed a camcorder and filmed the whole thing. I’ve never seen the video, but this mini-disc recording captured Paulus and I playing the Reinhardt composition Douce Ambiance. I solo first and then Paulus solos (he is also whistling throughout the performance!). Recorded on June 7, 2002. Enjoy! -Michael

For those of you who have been studying the Gypsy Picking book, here’s a pattern to add to your vocabulary. It’s based on Picking Pattern #5. It’s essentially a major version of Example 5.3 from the Gypsy Picking book. Use it anytime you have four or more measures of a major chord to play over. It also works in many other situations, most notably on Rhythm Changes tunes such as Daphne, Swing 42, and Belleville. The chord symbols above the music are the most literal interpretation. They are only a suggestion. Enjoy!

Audio Example

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