Tis the season to be blatantly commercial and self-promotional, so we're going to be uncharacteristically self-serving and suggest a few goodies out of the JazzMando Merchandise Center for your mando and other musician friends...

The Circle of Fifths Polish Cloth is our most universal offering. What musician doesn't need a convenient routine in maintaining the finish (and resale value) of their instrument? Microfibre is baby-soft and gently pulls harmful oils and light grit off the wood, frets, and strings, virtually paying for itself in preventative maintenance and long-term instrument hygiene. Add to this the pedagogical benefit of a Circle of Fifths chart, conveniently draped over a music stand or case while practicing, and drilling ii V7 I's have never been so convenient.

Buy a bunch for students or the rest of the band, there's a bulk discount in packs of ten! (or just buy two and get the third free...)

Undeniably, we are Premium Flatwound String World Headquarters. Great pricing on Thomastik mandolin, and of course the exclusive source for the JazzMando JM11 mandolin and the new JD13 JazzDola Mandola strings. Give these to a friend for a chance to let him/her enjoy the comfort and warm sound of these strings personally.

Winter means cold and there's no better time to give the gift of warmth, a JazzMando Logo Aspen Polar Fleece Headband. We've still got a few left, but you better hurry; these were wildly popular last year, and when they're gone, they're gone. Great for skiing, jogging, scooping snow, or packing in the overcoat pocket for those times you just don't want to hassle with a hat.

Don't forget the JazzMando classic Old Djoe Clark T-shirt (long sleeve for winter!). Enjoy the scene of Bill Monroe and Django Rheinhardt trading fours in this cerebrally fictitious graphic. Whether friends get the joke or not doesn't matter. What matters is we get it...

If nothing else, a fistful of picks. Everyone likes to experiment and the JazzMando Proplec Pick with the extra gold hot stamp signature has been a perennial hit. Spread the love with a bag of good plectrum cheer. We'll even include a leather pick pouch/key fob-- a gift for yourself.

Remember, purchases made here help support the site, and bring you more information, tips, and tricks.

Seasons Greetings from the Elves in the JazzMando Research staff and shipping department!

Posted by Ted at 07:50 AM

November 29, 2006 | Instrument Physics

Interesting look at new ways of building acoustic instruments in a NY Times article. Check out the video on Babicz Guitars discussing the physics of thinning the top, distributing energy effectively over the soundboard with the right balance of stiffness and lightness. (We're always fascinated by novel technologies in improving instruments.)

Babicz video

Read the related article:
String Theory: New Approaches to Instrument Design.

Posted by Ted at 06:09 AM

November 27, 2006 | Django Primer

A terrific online read and comprehensive primer on the great gypsy guitar legend and string jazz innovator Django Reinhardt can be found a jazzpartout.com (Jazz Elsewhere). From the French perspective, Django's history is traced, exploring the origin of a revolutionary music "Un jazz sans tambour ni trompette" or "A jazz without drum nor trumpet." The article is a great read, his early influences, caravan fire tragedy, partnership with Stephané Grappelli, the birth of the Hot Club Quintet of France, and his introduction to amplified guitar.

Read article: Jazz Manouche Django

Purchase Bill and Django t-shirt: Old Djoe Clark

Posted by Ted at 06:02 AM

November 25, 2006 | JD13 Feedback

A little early for a broadscale report on the new JD13 flatwound mandola strings, but so far feedback is very positive! These aren't for everybody, but if you want a string that blends well with an orchestra and oozes rich character when you play solo for your own enjoyment, these may well be what your looking for.

Our favorite aspect (besides the sound) is the comfort. These flatwound strings are far less fatiguing for most players, and to everyone's pleasure, yield significantly longer life. Pardon the shameless plug, but here are some preliminary comments:

"I've had the new Labella JazzDola JD 13's on my Rigel Comet mandola now for about a week and a half. They have gotten some serious playing including a recording session for the Dayton Mandolin Orchestra's soon to be released Christmas CD. Bottom line is that I really like them. I've tried T-I's, Salverez and D'Addario's and these are by far the best for what I want on the Rigel. They feel like the T-I's (very easy on the fingers) but are much louder. They give me a good mellow tone that blends well in the orchestra but also projects when needed. Yes, the price looks high but I expect them to last as long as the T-I's (six months, at least) and they give me the sound I want. What more could I ask?"
Dave in OH

"I put the JD13s on my used Mid Mo M14 replacing some strings of unknown origin. The JD13s really brightened it up. They sound lively and full. I also like the feel. They're very smooth and easy on the fingers. My Mid Mo has a flat rather than radiused fretboard which I find a little hard to play. The JD13s make it a lot easer to finger."
LaVonne in WI

"WOOW. What a sound. It is really dark."
Levi in NE

"I have a set of these on my Eastman Mandola, and I really like them too. If you have tried T-I's or the Labella's on your mandolins, you should like these Mandola strings! I think they really improved the sound and tone of my Eastman, they may be the only thing I put on this Mandola! I love the feel of the flatwounds, and I think they have Great volume! I'm not a jazz player, I play more singer/songwriter/folk/acoustic-grass, on my mandola, and these strings are really nice!!!!!"
Jeff in VA

This has been a rewarding project to tackle. The nights of snapping D strings (7 in less than 15 minutes!) and finally getting it right, we're just pleased as punch to finally have a winner, especially in a virtually ignored market of 'Dola enthusiasts.

Try them for yourself!

Purchase: JD13 JazzDola Strings

Posted by Ted at 03:39 PM

November 24, 2006 | Ragtime Fiddle & Mandolin

If Joplin is your bag (or your rag!), check out the latest from Steve Parker, a 124 song transcription book of popular Ragtime songs arranged for Fiddle and Mandolin with accompanying guitar chords. Songs are collected from old time string bands, individual solo artists, and 33 transcriptions of piano rags, 4 from Scott Joplin.

Included are a complete index, discography, references to website resources, and a CD of MP3 audio to help you learn. This is a great opportunity to experience the earliest roots of jazz, and just play some fun songs.

Song list and content information:

Purchase online: Steve Parker Music

Contact: Steve Parker

Posted by Ted at 07:54 AM

November 22, 2006 | Intuition & Creativity Retreat with Joe Craven

Brought to our attention for 2007, multi-instrumentalist and mandolinist extraordinaire, Joe Craven is teaming up to offer a week-long retreat in beautiful Costa Rica. February 10-17, teaching at the "Intuition & Creativity Retreat" with author and intuitive Karen Grace Kassy.

From Joe: "This will be a transformative, meaningful and fun-filled "learning vacation" where each morning, we'll focus on music, art, writing, or intuition. Each afternoon and evening you have time off to rest or go horseback riding, whitewater rafting, visit the private butterfly sanctuary, walk, or play in the waterfalls -- too many things to list. This is truly a special place: 1200 acres in the heart of the rain forest of Costa Rica (a country with 5% of the world's plant & animal biodiversity). You will really be able to "get away from it all" and warm up from the cold winter in this paradise."

Cost is $1800 (US) per person; the group size is limited to only 20 people to keep the experience special. Contact Karen Grace Kassy at your earliest convenience to assure a spot. (Registration closes Dec. 1st) Sounds like a great place to be in February!

Contact: Karen Grace Kassy

Registration and information PDF

Artist Website: Joe Craven

View pictures of the retreat and wilderness preserve: Sueño Azul Website

Posted by Ted at 02:12 PM

November 21, 2006 | Stephane Wrembel NY Workshop Dec 3rd

Still some seats left in the Dec. 3rd Gypsy Jazz Workshop with Stephane Wrembel, in New York City. Howard Reinlieb, local impresario and clinic coordinator tells us "Big Apple" Django enthusiasts still have an opportunity to take in the native French and premiere Gypsy Jazz guitarist in this rare hands-on Gypsy Jazz Guitar Workshop, Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 am to 3pm at Manny's Hat Mall, 28 West 38th Street NY, NY. Admission is only $100, to work with a legend. Wrembel has studied and played with many of Europe's finest.

Don't miss out on an extremely fun learning experience. Contact Howard, daytime (212) 764-2218 (212) 840-2235/36 or email.

Tell him you heard about it at JazzMando!

Posted by Ted at 06:19 AM

November 20, 2006 | Sweet Sue

Born out of Burlesque, Dave Apollon really knew how to wow an audience with his mandolin. Jethro Burns claimed him as an influence and you can see why in this brief YouTube video archive with his Philippine String musicians.

View: Dave Apollon's "Sweet Sue"

Gotta love YouTube!

Posted by Ted at 05:47 AM

November 17, 2006 | MaMaVig Download

Delightful acoustic music, the new release from MaMaVig, featuring jazz veterans Frank Vignola, Jamie Masefield and Gary Mazzaroppi. Released last month, this Gypsy-flavored string trio recording is available online from VM Downloads. The ensemble has found its own signature sound, a Django-inspired texture and virtuostic flare, yet never losing melodic sensibility and focus in this dream combination of mandolin, guitar, and acoustic bass.

Some refreshing original compositions, and a surprise cover we haven't heard since Junior High, Gilbert O'Sullivan's bittersweet pop tune "Alone Again, Naturally."

We like!

Songlist:
1 Alone Again Naturally
2 Bill's The King
3 Dark Eyes
4 Diminishing Blackness
5 Flesh D'or
6 Fuscia
7 Golden Earings
8 Ham Hocks
9 Gary's Stool
10 Mama Vig Blues
11 Salad & Doughnuts
12 Stone Bridge Stations,

Download: VM Downloads

Posted by Ted at 06:05 AM

November 15, 2006 | Hilburn 5-String

From Boulder, Colorado, Builder Jim Hilburn introduces a new Bennedetto inspired 5-string, electric arch-top mandolin. Custom-built for award winning mandolinist Drew Horton, this hollow-body dream is powered by a special hand-wound Kent Armstrong humbucker pick-up with Alnico poles. Known for his incredible detail and sound on his F and A body instruments, we're excited to see him venture into a jazz style instrument!

See the earlier models on his website: Jim Hilburn

Contact builder: Jim Hilburn

Read the Mel Bay Mandolin Sessions: Interview with Jim Hilburn

View picture: 5-string Archtop

Posted by Ted at 07:53 PM

November 13, 2006 | Reason's Why

Huge Nickel Creek fans around the JazzMando lab. To our delight, they have released a "Best of" collection CD, aptly titled "Reason's Why (The Very Best)." Not only do you get the NC favorites (ours is Sean Watkins penned "This Side!"). but three additional live cuts from a superlative performance at the Freight and Salvage. Chris Thile's vocal/narratives on The Fox (Subterranean Homesick Medley) will blow you away; the rest of the band stretches out on in stunning individual solos on this one like they never have. Simply breathtaking musicianship!

But wait there's more! Seven videos on a DVD included in the set, no extra charge. This in itself is worth getting the package, even if you already own previous recordings. Available November 14th at the Sugar Hill Records Website, or preorder now!
Website: Sugar Hill Records

Artist Website: Nickel Creek

Christmas is just around the corner. Spread the love and share this amazing acoustic music with friends.

CD Song list:
1. The Lighthouse's Tale
2. Out Of The Woods
3. When In Rome
4. Helena
5. Smoothie Song
6. Somebody More Like You
7. Reason's Why
8. Can't Complain
9. I Should Have Known Better
10. This Side
11. Jealous Of The Moon
12. When You Come Back Down
13. You Don't Have To Move That Mountain (LIVE)
14. The Fox (Subterranean Homesick Medley) (LIVE)

Posted by Ted at 09:56 PM

November 11, 2006 | New JazzDola Flatwound Mandola Strings!

Though it seemed an eternity, the new JazzDola JD13 strings are finally ready to ship, and well worth the wait. These silky smooth flatwound mandola strings have been carefully researched over the last 7 months, lab-tested to accommodate a range of scale lengths and offer maximum finger control.

Pricey? Yes, but generally these strings should give to 3 to 4 times the wear, which means you get strings you have to purchase (and change!) less often. Though not specifically designed to offer a piercing punch, they do yield a rich resonance, a warm-bodied tone, and a comfort and playability second to none. Play with less fatigue and more sophistication, Classical, Jazz, and our own catch phrase, "Cerebral Folk" music.

Read about and purchase online: New JazzDola JD13 Flatwound Mandola Strings

View image

Posted by Ted at 06:27 AM

November 09, 2006 | Grisman on Tone

Designated Tone Master David Grisman weighs in with thoughts on tone in this Rochester Democrat and Chronicle interview:

"Real musicians must 'squeeze some golf balls,' develop enough hand strength to make those strings fill the room. Electric instruments were developed out of the need for volume. I don't think it's a big-enough excuse. That's not the purpose of music, to bludgeon someone over the head. The quieter you play, the more the listener has to listen.

"A large part of music is tone production and creating a sound. That's a real art, how a violin player, a guy like Stephane Grappelli, can play a few notes and you can tell who it is. That was as good as it gets in terms of a master and a unique artist. Expression. Tone. What he crafted with his violin was ... it took my breath away."

We couldn't agree more. Hand strength, a major factor in control, in addition to impeccable timing of Right Hand/Left Hand coordination, and (much) later speed, is what good tone production is all about, not just the instrument.

Don Stiernberg, himself one of our revered mandolin tone demigods, tells us of a time when he had considered trading one of his instruments. He was sensing a lack of tone potential in it, until handing it over to his friend, David Grisman. The Dawg picked it up and started playing some of the most beautiful music ever heard out of this instrument. "It was a lesson to me," quips Don; rich, undeniably huge tone.

"Guess it is the fingers," Don confesses.

We've got to stop blaming our instruments and start concentrating on our technique!

Read the article: After Dark

Posted by Ted at 09:31 AM

November 08, 2006 | What's up...

Having trouble knowing which way is up? This is crucial when you're opening your mandolin case; gravity can do some pretty tragic things to an instrument if you're not careful!

We've created a very useful tool for your mandolin case, and we still offer it free with every order from our JazzMando Merchandise Center. Check out these informative stickers, and be sure to read the warnings on our consumer information page.

More info: JazzMando Case Lid Stickers

Posted by Ted at 08:57 PM

November 07, 2006 | Giant Steps

Check out this great little 2:15 minute Flash clip forwarded to us by mando jazz innovator and buddy, Don Stiernberg. A graduate project from the Academy of Arts and Designs, Bezalei, visual artist and sax hobbyist Michal Levy (Israeli Architecture Museum) has based this visual presentation on the 1959 cutting edge music of Bebop pioneer, John Coltrane, "Giant Steps."

Levy writes, "When I listen to music I see colors and shapes and when I watch visual art I hear sounds.I wanted to express my sensing of shapes colors and music in this short movie."

Enjoy Flash Presentation: Giant Steps

About Michal Levy

Posted by Ted at 05:27 AM

November 04, 2006 | Lil' Rev Workshop

Midwestern mandolinists, get ready to rev up your blues playing with a Lil' Rev mandolin workshop at the Americana Music Academy, January 10, 2007 1419 Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, Kansas.

In this workshop, Lil' Rev will explore the music of the old time string-bands, from rags, novelty and blues, to waltzes and fiddle tunes. Learn the Ted Hawkins' ride, double stops, cross-picking, how to swing a rag, syncopation, how to improve your tremolo, mandolin history and recordings and more.

Lil' Rev's appearance in Lawrence is sponsored in part by the Mandolin Cafe.

Spots are filling up, to reserve yours, contact the Academy at 785-830-9640 or email.

Americana Academy

Posted by Ted at 06:56 AM

November 01, 2006 | Bussmann Ten String

From the whacky woodshop of genre-bending geniues Bill Bussmann, Old Wave Mandolins, #397, the MR10, ten-string Oval A-body mandolin/mandola. (his nickname: the Do-dola...)

Premium woods from Bruce Harvie's Orcas Island Tonewoods, a special Allen 10-string tailpiece, and some creative "cut and paste" Grover tuners, this dazzling beauty is going to make somebody VERY happy!

Dazzling, eye-popping flame, and impeccable detail, reach for your sunglasses before you click on this link!

MR10

Builder's Website: Old Wave Mandolins.

Our review of his Mandola.

Posted by Ted at 07:08 AM