You heard me right. In the city that gave birth to jazz, I'm having a hard time finding other dedicated gypsy jazz players.
I've tried, really! I put up a hand written card at a popular coffeehouse that features much live music. I've advertised on craigslist, looking for other players interested guitarists that I offered to accompany or teach what I've learned.
Oh, I know there are a couple of small bands that include a gypsy style guitarist and play a few gypsy jazz standards in their repertoire. There is, however, no Hot Club New Orleans dedicated exclusively or primarily gypsy jazz, as far as I can tell.
In my search so far, I've come across two guys who showed some interest in this music, but neither appeared to have the time or drive to study and practice the music for a couple of hours a day like I do. So, for the moment, I'm programming in my own accompaniment through Band-in-a-Box and using the various sites that offer recorded accompaniment of the classic gypsy jazz tunes.
If you're reading this and live anywhere near New Orleans, chances are you have a keen interest in this music and you're already trying to play it. And that goes for you violinists, clarinetists, accordionists and bassists as well. Get in touch with me and let's get this jam going!
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Edit: he replied quickly haha. He wants to me to give you his number. He's a bit shy, but he's game will PM you his number.
http://www.mississippigipsy.com/
He's based in New Orleans (despite the name of his site)
Checking out Russell Welch now, this is good stuff!
I'm beating the bushes, so to speak, to roust out the shy but studious players that might be lurking on this sight, if there are any in my area. It just seems that this should be a natural environment for Gypsy Jazz to flourish. I may just have to dedicate myself to making it happen. Not a bad project, if I do say so myself.
Hello Brent Melancon! I haven't heard back from the chief yet, but hopefully all 3 of us can get together for some campfire jazz manouche jam sessions! I really would love to play some of the manouche repertoire with some local people.
Glad to hear from both of you. I'll get back to y'all personally with some contact information.