We've mentioned Gypsy's Music before with the introduction of their G model, and their recent Octave Mandolin. We're proud to introduce them as a new Sponsor of the JazzMando website. Welcome, Walt and Juan!

Featuring a wide variety of exotic hardwoods, their focus is on the subtle sophistication and acoustics of the flat-top, though the G model features a very slight induced arch as well as an EMG-B active pickup. They are one of few manufacturing companies that are still US based, and produce a premium acoustic product at a magnificently low price. We've even put a deposit on an Octave for the lab we look forward to receiving in January for research purposes.

Okay, and some selfish reasons, too.

Visit their website: Gypsy's Music

We'd like to thank all our sponsors for their generous support of the JazzMando Site. These builders, music retailers, software developers, and record labels are on the cutting edge of creating products that serve our market, and we encourage you to click on their banners (over to the right) and spend some time on their sites.

Advertising revenue is directed at maintaining the site, but also for offering scholarships, supporting clinics and workshops and events, new product development and instrument designs, and other important projects that spread the good word about playing jazz on the mandolin.

Posted by Ted at 05:30 AM

November 28, 2007 | Acoustic project on tap for Tap

Nigel Tufnel to release acoustic album, with mandolin, mandola, and mandocello? All kidding about "going up to eleven," Christopher Guest (from legendary rockumentary band Spinal Tap) is recording a mandolin "meditation" CD in 2008, an abrupt departure for the popular comedian/musician.

Of course Guest's prowess as a writer, actor, and director are well documented, but many aren't acquainted with the musician's musical abilities. "We've played all over the world as Spinal Tap and the Folksmen," he said. "And they aren't comedy shows really. They are essentially concerts where the music has to be solid."

He must be good because the prestigious Berklee School of Music is presenting the artist's alter ego with an Honorary Doctor of Music degree later this week.

Read Boston Herald article: Guest's rock parody on Tap

Posted by Ted at 06:15 AM

November 25, 2007 | Absynth Quintet: Kevlar Mariachi Pants

With a CD entitled "Kevlar Mariachi Pants" you know you're in for a heap of fun. The Southern California based Absynth Quintet have just released an eight song collection recorded live in October 2006, mastered this August and is jam packed (pun intended) with crowd-pleasing fun. Featuring JazzMando regular, Chris "Bird" Jowaisas on mandolin, the other four include Tofu Mike Schwartz on drums, Rudy Luera on upright bass, Ian davidson, banjo and Ryan Roberts, guitar. This is cutting edge music, as they say on their website, "landing somewhere on the infinite spectrum between jazz and bluegrass. It's funky, progressive and will get your feet moving. Their music defies definition, at times hinting at gypsy jazz, and at other moments leading the listener on a rich, seamless, musical odyssey."

Sometimes gypsy, sometimes psychedelic rock, these guys give it their best in high energy acoustic entertainment. Take sometime to view their website, or listen to the sample tracks on their MySpace page:

Website: Absynth Quintet
MySpace Page

Better yet, buy the CD: Kevlar Mariachi Pants

Posted by Ted at 09:58 PM

November 22, 2007 | Black Friday Alternative: DPM T-shirt

In the US, a frightening Post-Thanksgiving shopping tradition has gained traction the last couple decades, Black Friday. Some shoppers have it down to an art form, crafting strategies the Thursday before, collecting circulars and mapping out the best deals, fighting through crowds, some even braving the cold in long lines hours prior to the 5:00 AM store opening.

Personally, we'd rather have a root canal than participate in the debauchery. Keep the $29 DVD player and $295 flat screen TV, we'll just wait to do our shopping when civilization gets back to normal.

If this kind of shopping is not your thing either, check out the JazzMando Merchandise Center. We have picks, strings, and cloths, but the coolest gift this Christmas Season will be our Limited Edition "Dogs Playing Mandolin" T-shirt. On the beach (well maybe not in the Northern Hemisphere) or in the gym, this is a real conversation starter, and a fun form of self-expression for any mandolin player, or mandolin player's friend.

Check them out and help support the JazzMando website with a purchase: Dogs Playing Mandolin Tee

Click picture for close-up

Posted by Ted at 10:48 PM

November 20, 2007 | New Acoustic Disc downloads

Acoustic Disc is one of the only independent labels to offer digital downloads on their own website. In addition to the entire Acoustic Disc library of CDs, five special new releases from DGQ guitarist extraordinaire, Frank Vignola are now available as downloads, as well as their 100% Handmade Digital compilations, Acoustic Cheer Holiday, Acoustic Swing, DGQ live, and more at Acoustic Disc download page.

Visit Acoustic Disc Downloads Page

NEW Selections:
Don't Blame me
BUCKY PIZZARELLI & FRANK VIGNOLA
This Is The Way We Play
GENE BERTONCINI & FRANK VIGNOLA
MaMa Vig
MASEFIELD, MAZZAROPPI, VIGNOLA
Super Guitars
HAQUE, VIGNOLA, MAZZAROPPI, ZUKOR
The Living Room Session
DAVID GRISMAN, FRANK VIGNOLA, ROBIN NOLAN

Current Selections:
100% Handmade Valentine
A selection of 20 beautiful songs, hand picked by David Grisman for your favorite valentine.
100% Handmade Acoustic Swing
An inspired collection of Acoustic Disc's finest.
100% Handmade Holiday Cheer
A festive collection of your favorite holiday songs.
David Grisman Quintet 'Live in concert'
First official live DGQ release 08/19/04

Posted by Ted at 04:32 PM

November 18, 2007 | Larry Howe and the Compass Rose Quintet

We have the privilege of sharing with you the music of Chicago area mandolinist Larry Howe and his eclectic acoustic ensemble, Compass Rose Quintet, in our review of their latest release, Cosmopolitango. Larry's musical journey started with his roots in Boston, a 15 year stint in the San Francisco Bay area, and now his current digs in Chicago.

Cosmopolitango is a compelling blend of diverse styles, including French Musette, Middle Eastern Ghira, Gypsy swing, South American Tango, and some Caribbean dance music. Glance through our review and pick up a copy of this CD for yourself.

Read Review

Purchase: Cosmopolitango

Posted by Ted at 05:20 PM

November 16, 2007 | Don Stiernberg & Tony Williamson in December Concert

Chicago meets Low Country, Randy Wood Guitars announces an incredible opportunity to hear jazz mandolin Godfather Don Stiernberg along with acoustic legend Tony Williamson at the Randy Wood Concert Hall in Bloomingdale, GA, Sunday Dec. 16th 7:00 PM. Enjoy the two world class mandolin masters live, along with the blazing guitar wizard Jeff Autry and the ever popular and dynamic bassist Ben Tucker for an evening that you won't forget.

Concert address and phone contact: 1304 E. Highway 80 in Bloomingdale Ga. (912)748-1930

Ticket information.

Sponsored by Randy Wood Guitars, Inc.

Posted by Ted at 05:31 AM

November 14, 2007 | Django in June heads up, 2008

Word up from Andrew Lawrence and the Django in June festival in 2008. The dates are gelling and it looks like you'll need to block off June 10-15 on your dance card. Negotiations for site and staff are almost complete, and we'll have more info when that happens. Looks like Smith College again in Northampton, MA, and John McGann will likely reprise his successful workshop in Jazz Mandolin.

More information forthcoming so stay, er... tuned.

Posted by Ted at 05:49 AM

November 11, 2007 | JP Charles new website

This just in from Brazilian friend and world-class luthier, Jean Paul Charles, a newly revamped website. We mentioned him earlier this year, the connection with jazz mandolin innovator Michael Lampert who speaks highly of Charles' work.

Of particular interest around here is his signature hollow-body electric 4- and 5-string mandolins, but he is also known throughout the world for his native bandolims. He's certainly got the access to the wood, as well as a thriving South American musical environment to help him produce the classic indigenous Choro tone.

Check it out: JP Charles Luthier

New email contact: Jean Paul Charles

Some of the coolest Brazilian woods you've ever seen!

Posted by Ted at 08:46 PM

November 09, 2007 | Aaron Weinstein wants to be happy

Former mandolin student of Don Stiernberg, and recent graduate of Berklee School of Music, Aaron Weinstein has posted a wonderful video of the swing tune "I Want to Be Happy" on his Myspace page.

Already a seasoned veteran in his early 20's, having recorded and/or toured with the likes of Bucky Pizzarelli, Gene Bertoncini, Claude Phillips, Frank Vignola, and Skitch Henderson, Weinstein's swing fiddle prowess is well beyond his years. He's recently wrapping up a duo recording with jazz superstar John Pizzarelli, soon to be released.

We've been privileged to hear his mandolining; someday, we're hoping to hear some formal mandolin recordings as well.

View Video: I Want to Be Happy

Artist Website: Aaron Weinstein

Posted by Ted at 07:46 AM

November 07, 2007 | Dola Chords

New from the world's (inarguably) greatest online mandolin resource, Scott Tichenor's Mandolin Cafe, Mandola Chords. Maybe transposing isn't your thing (worth working on, though) or you are just looking for some fresh alternative voicings for your Dola; this is a great place to start:

Mandolin Cafe Mandola Chords

Thanks, Scott!

Posted by Ted at 07:58 AM

November 05, 2007 | November DjangoBooks update

Always great to hear from our friend Michael Horowitz and DjangoBooks.com. Check out the latest in Gypsy Jazz recordings and books, and of course the latest from the video archives:

Moreno
Paulus Schafer
Stochelo Rosenberg

Don't miss Michael's new title, Gypsy Rhythm, currently in stock and shipping!

Posted by Ted at 06:03 AM

November 02, 2007 | John Reischman YouTube

Sometimes you discover a YouTube video you just have to spread around. In this Lost Weekend Western Swing Band performance recorded at the Freight and Salvage (Berkeley, CA) back in March of 1989, we see a younger John Reischman, dazzling us with his incredible tone and swing vocabulary. In this incarnation, he's a sideman in this very capable Western Swing ensemble including guitar (Don Burnham), bass, pedal steel, clarinet, and violin.

These are master musicians and well worth a 4-1/2 minute listen. How can anyone not smile while they are listening to Western Swing, especially when played this spectacularly?

View video: Time Changes Everything.

More John Reischman

Posted by Ted at 08:20 PM