We weigh in with our latest book review, Dix Bruce's "Gypsy Swing and Hot Club Rhythm for Mandolin." This fabulous book and CD combination is a rich opportunity for any eight-stringer ready to broaden accomplished Bluegrass/Folk horizons into string jazz. If you're already somewhat familiar with the fretboard and playing fiddle tunes, this is your gateway into the Gypsy treasure solidified and popularized by Django Rheinhardt and Stephane Grapelli.

Dix explains his strategy of taking more familiar Bluegrass chords as a starting point, "Mandolin is not universally recognized as a 'jazz instrument.' When I interviewed Tiny Moore in 1978 he told me about the unbelieving looks he'd get when he hauled his 5-string to a "jazz" jam. Not only did they not think he could play anything they'd dig, far worse in their heads, they thought he was a country player. They changed their minds after a few notes!

"Couple that with my experience of almost 40 years of teaching where I have very rarely if ever taught an intermediate or advanced mandolinist, or anyone interested in jazz or swing, who did not come out of the bluegrass, country, folk mandolin tradition. They are, as far as I can tell, about 99% the audience for this type of book and I wanted to give them at least a few chords that were familiar. Let them relax into things a bit. There may be players out there who start out on mandolin with jazz interests and sensibilities but I sure haven't met them!"

Read review: Gypsy Swing and Hot Club Rhythm for Mandolin

Read more artist and book reviews: Spotlight on New Artist Recordings and Books

Posted by Ted at September 21, 2007 5:32 AM