Leigh,
Thanks to you, Nick and Steve for a challenging but fascinating couple of days. I was well out of my depth, but you made me feel welcome and I appreciate that. What I wanted out of the weekend was an appreciation of what is involved in 'proper' gypsy jazz playing, to inform a decision on whether or not it was for me. I certainly gained that appreciation, and I am keen to continue. I have a very, very long way to go, but the longest journey starts with the first step - someone said the first 30 years are the hardest for learning to to play gypsy!
Once again, many thanks to you three - and also to the other workshop attendees, for making a rank novice feel very welcome.

Terry

Thank You Leigh Nick Steve and fellow players for the gypsy workshop it gave me a welcome boost for my playing and added many goals to for me to attain, also some new songs for me to appreciate and add to my mucic collection.
Was great to meet people who love the old style of music
Ill definately go back somtime - after lots of practice!
must get out and see 'hot cafe' sometime

The same sentiments from me: thanks Leigh, Nick and Steve.
I've come away with a lot of small but concrete things to work on, excellent advice on how to practice and a book that's going to challenge me until next January and beyond.
I finally feel my enthusiasm for gypsy jazz has some focus and direction.

Particular thanks to Steve, I've been playing through all the gypsy songs I know using (trying to use) the 'pompe' technique you showed us--I can't believe how much better the chord progressions sound now: light and bouncy instead of heavy and plodding.

And thanks to everyone else--friendly, welcoming people. It was a relief to jam with great players who encouraged me despite my playing out of time, soloing in the wrong key, mixing up A and B sections etc. Thanks Bobby, Marion and Maurice!

And even found someone to jam with in Auckland!

A weekend well spent,

James Fleming

Thanks for your kind comments guys, yes it was a great weekend for me and I am sure for Nick and Steve. Great to have their input.

We all noticed what a friendly atmosphere it was this time, nice to have a good laugh and be serious about the music at the same time, so thanks to you guys for making it work.

Once again this forum is here as support for the workshop so feel free to post questions.

Kind Regards
Leigh

Thanks Leigh, Nick and Steve
Had a great weekend. Still along way to go but that is all part of the fun.
Nice group of people and friendly atmosphere didn't make me feel too embarrassed when making all the mistakes you can make on an instrument.
Interesting collection of guitars as well. Will see whether I can find some others interested in a jam so now and then.

Cheers
Jan Arts

hey
how was your workshop ? a lot of work ? have you got some pictures ?
what are the tunes you learned ?
do you have a think for django and his 100 years ?
bye
olive

Hi Olive
I stupidly forgot to take a camera so no pictures sorry.

I was thinking about Django's 100 years and Samois will be very special this year. In New Zealand we are quite deprived of Gypsy Jazz so no celebrations or even a mention in the news here .....

Cheers
Leigh

I am keen for a jam anytime Jan...or anyone else, although I live in Masterton so need to plan in advance a bit. But will travel to play with others! It was a great weekend and I agree about the friendly atmosphere. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks Leigh and Nick! Was cool having special guest star Steve along too.

Jenny

a jam sounds good.
I'll have more time to practice now that mum wont let me carve up her victorian tortoiseshell antiques for picks.
if anyone wants an awkward gypsy jam im keen js give me a couple weeks to work out some good lines for those changes

Sounds great those positive responses for having a jam.
Maybe I should send an email to all those on the workshop of last weekend and take it from there. I am happy to that.

Cheers
Jan

sweet as - email a good idea Jan...and yep a coupla weeks would be great...stay in touch guys...

so no pictures ! no celebretion ! I think you played minor swing for django in your mind !
yes samois is going to be very special this year but I can't be there this year, I 'll be young father at this time !!
a + ol

Here in Belgium, lots of concerts were organized for Django's 100 years. (Djangofolllies) I went to one of them, it was fantastic.