Home Luthiers Django in Life Dango in USA Django in Europe UK Pioneers GJ UK Diary

PAUL VERNON CHESTER

Manouche Maestro
 


Rhythm Guitar
Manouche Clubs
On-Line Tuition
LH Guitarists
Masterclass 1
Masterclass 2
Masterclass 3
Masterclass 4

Paul's Manouche Masterclass -
Gypsy Jazz Guitar Workshop

Paul Vernon Chester holds regular Tuition schools in Walsall in the West Midlands
It's a great opportunity to receive first class instruction from this world respected guitarist and a chance to download from him a deal of his personal recollections and anecdotes regarding the music he loves and promotes.
His dexterity, musicianship, intricate skills, historical interest and enthusiasm are a joy to absorb.  If you are a serious student you could have no finer teacher than Maestro Paul Vernon Chester in the demanding and delicate delights of Manouche Swing Jazz.

Manouche Workshops function well in conjunction with a Live Performance.
Talk to us about the possibilities.
The Artist knows best what they can do and what works, and who the potential participants are.  Workshops will give local enthusiasts a chance to participate. They will educate, encourage involvement, raise awareness and be fun.  They require good planning, preparation and evaluation.  If the workshop is combined with an event, it will encourage new people to come along to the performance (offer a joint ticket with entry to the main performance)  You are assured of a good audience, timid people may well feel encouraged to come to another post concert workshop the next day. 
It's a brilliant idea and reaches so many people - with excellent professional teacher-performers and a great chance to meet them in person.  We can also attach a short talk to the main event. Get the audience to come a little early to talk to the Maestro or stay behind to meet the Artists in person.


Paul's Next Proposed Workshop TBC 
Saturday 2010
Times - 10.30am till 4.00pm
Venue
St. Martin’s Church Hall
Daffodil Road (Off Sutton Road - B4151)
Walsall
West Midlands
WS5  3DQ  Google-Map

Note - The Workshop is subject to a minimum number to make it viable for hall hire but there is also only a maximum of 16 places and these are likely to go very quickly.
Don't leave it too late before you register your interest or book. 
Any candidates that miss the wire will be placed on an overspill list for the next Workshop Class.

Terms & Conditions Apply for Bookings

Advice to Manoucheries
Always Book early to avoid disappointment -
Attendance numbers are limited to 16 per Master Class.
Sorry - No Spectators - Students only.

Contact 01844 353117 or Paul Vernon Chester by email regarding future Workshop Bookings

The influence of music reaches into all areas of our psyche. Both a science and an art it has been shown to increase mental ability and stimulate our emotions. The teaching of both listening and playing skills enhances all our lives.

Obituary - Death of Alan Beaumont
- this was announced as very sudden by Mrs Beaumont and regretfully he will no longer be present but only in spirit at the Masterclass gatherings.  The funeral was held in Stafford, June 2010.  We convey our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his Widow and Family at the untimely passing of this avid Paul Vernon Chester Fan and fellow Guitarist.  Alan was a really great, warm guy and a loyal fan who attended both concerts and workshops. Paul will attend the funeral with Nick and have been requested to play two of Alan's favourite pieces; Chez Jacquet and Variation on a Borodin theme.
Alan loved these numbers, and this was a special Manouche Music send off.

Concert
'Duets for Django' - Tribute to a Friend'.


The Crown Hotel
38 High Street, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8AS
Saturday, 26th March 2011, 7.30pm.
Tickets £10. Contact Concert  Hotline: 07837501457
Tickets by Email


Travel by Public Transport.
The nearest train station to the venue is Walsall with good links from Birmingham New Street station. The bus (77), from Walsall to opposite St. Martin's Church Hall (the workshop venue) are currently every half hour. You would ask for The Longhorn Pub bus stop, Sutton Road. This is directly opposite the church. Alternatively, you could take a taxi from Walsall station which is approx £5.  Buses in Walsall are currently under review, with some number changes etc so check before departing.

Taxis from Birmingham New Street Station are approx £13.   


Paul's Workshops are set up to help educate and inspire a new generation of musicians and audiences though lectures, performances and workshops in schools, colleges and youth centres. The projects provide insight into Manouche Swing Jazz  and demonstrates how jazz improvisation is performed.  The workshop is well structured and Paul's aim is to keep the presentation informal:  Extensive parking available free.

The cost of the day is reasonable for such quality Tuition and includes a booklet, chord charts, lunchtime snack and lots of interesting additional material. 

The Workshop is divided into two sessions within the day, Rhythm and Solo. Nick Mellor assists throughout the day and all areas covered are clearly demonstrated. The abilities of students are quickly established in order to focus on individual improvement agendas. Activities are designed to enable you to work in group, duo and individual formats. Tuition provided is designed to challenge and will cover all of the key elements of Gypsy Jazz.  The day is not heavily theoretical and employs the 'Gypsy Tradition' of demonstration and assimilation.
Essential elements however, are enthusiasm, love of the music, fun, and a real desire to improve your personal best!  The whole programme is  based on Paul's own route to this music, which he invites you to follow!  Paul and Nick will perform a set during the lunch break. The workshops are a regular feature of Paul's year and are gaining in popularity to the point where he is running additional sessions. The day is overseen by Karen, Paul's wife, who welcomes you and ensures the day runs smoothly.
For students without a 'Gypsy Guitar' there will be instruments available for you to play.

Paul - We make it as 'hands on' as possible and supportively push the students out of their comfort zone. They really enjoy the challenge and learn a lot - go away with a lot, to improve their future playing skills.  Which is what it's all about.

Rhythm Guitar Techniques - Nick Mellor

  • Chord Knowledge
  • Triads
  • Chord Substitution
  • Voicing
  • Comping
  • Right Hand - technique/stroke variation
  • Building Tension
  • De-cluttering
  • Chord Rolls

Solo Guitar Techniques - Paul Vernon Chester

  • Octaves

  • Vibrato

  • Harmonics

  • Note Bending

  • Harmony

  • Runs

  • Arpeggios

  • Damping

  • Pauses

  • Attack

  • Restraint

Other Considerations
Starts and Endings
Tags
Mood
Contrast
Repertoire Construction
Energy Waste
Performance Confidence
Building a Solo.
Pick Technique.
The Guitar.

The Setting!
Chosen for its fine live acoustics that add to the ambience.

^The Workshop of June 2007

Student Comments:-

Hi Paul and Karen - Just a note to say how much I enjoyed Saturday's workshop... as usual with these things, I find that most of the work starts after the event when I try to practise the moves I saw demonstrated.... but I am more determined than ever to keep practising :)  I promised to send Jacqui some references on Manouche Chords... Once again, many thanks for a truly inspiring manouche workshop. - David

Dear Paul, Nick and Karen. -  just wanted to send a quick note to say thanks for a great day on Saturday at the workshop.  It was really good fun and such a pleasure to be with other people who share a passion for this music.  It was really useful to talk to Nick and gain a bit of an insight on the nuances of the rhythm aspect of the music, and a special thank you to Karen for all the grub. - Paul Staples

The Walsall Workshop was excellent, worth every penny. Paul is not only a superb musician but an excellent teacher (that is his day job of course), Nick was brilliant also. I've plenty of chord theory homework to do.  Warren.

This is just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed Saturday's workshop.  I'm really enjoying
the new CD - Duets for Django'.  Thanks to Paul, Nick and Karen for a good day. - Malcolm.

Thanks for a wonderful Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I learned a lot again from yourself and Nick, but it’s more than just that, it’s about being in the company of people who share my massive interest in Gypsy Jazz and being able to talk with them about the subject.  I look forward to the next workshop and hope to reflect more improvement.  Thanks to Karen for doing the food and looking after us.  - John

Hi Paul -12,000 miles would be a long way to come but I am sure it would be worth it:-) Sound like a good course.
Here's our one happening in New Zealand around the same time.......
http://www.gypsyjazzworkshop.com
Cheers Leigh
                                                                      
    _T___T___T_,                                          / Leigh Jackson Bmus, MMus(dist)
  {  o.      o.      o.... \==+==+==+==+==+ Guitarist-Pianist-Teacher-Composer =|
  /       `    --- `--------||==|==|==|==|==|==|==|= 
http://www.leighjackson.com +==|
 \ ,       _ _ _    ------||==|==|==|==|==|==|==|Wellington, NEW ZEALAND ==+==|
  { o '      o'       o'" /==+==+==+==+==+==+==+ 
leigh@leighjackson.com =+==|
    --T-----T-----T-'                                                        \ 0064 (04) 971 4763


LOGISTICS
There is adequate Parking Available and Overnight Accommodation can be arranged for those that require it in Local Hotels.

Some 5 Acoustic Guitars are available for those that wish to try other models and any who have yet to buy or cannot bring their own Guitar for Luggage reasons. Any acoustic guitar is fine to use, students don't particularly need a gypsy model.

The number of places will be limited to 15 students per Workshop and an overspill date will be arranged for those that fail to register early enough and as soon as numbers permit..

Food - Light Refreshments are made available for free and those that are Vegetarians should advise in advance.

Paul likes to talk with committed applicants individually to gain insight as to their interest and current level of ability.  Booking forms will be issued and settlement is by cheque payable in advance of the Workshop Date.


Duets for Django -
Students Should Study Intently This Unique Live Album


The first Live Album release date was 6th June 07 - CD Day


'Duets for Django'
recorded at Live @ Concert Jazz In Thame on 14/03/07 (Paul's Birthday). This celebration may account for the Manouche Magic captured by Jake Kirkpatrick at this Concert Jazz Venue in Oxfordshire.  This High Quality Production gives great insight to Paul's compositions, faultless technique and ability to improvise inventively on a chord structure and his tender treatment of .slow tempo compositions.  The attentive listening audience were so enraptured that their presence is only apparent in the enthusiastic applause at the end of each number.  A must for Manoucheries - This is professional stuff - no Bootleg productions - all worthy of Paul Vernon Chester's Highest Standards.

Paul's Observations to Jake Kirkpatrick - Sound Engineer.
.Just to let you know how delighted we are with the final product. As anticipated the recording quality is top notch and the packaging looks great.  Love the colour scheme. Nick's guitar works well for the tweaked volume. Notwithstanding the CD works really well. Many thanks for your hard work Jake and I feel we have a recording that truly reflects our performance ideals. It's only when you hear the audience at the end of each track you realise this is a live recording! I feel the same tension that I felt at the gig!
Very well done mate, you know your stuff. - Paul.
Track Listings are
Loverman
Douce Ambience
Chez Jacquet
Autumn Leaves
Lady Be Good
St Louis Blues
Mona Lisa
Blues en Mineur
Django's Waltz
Anouman
September Song
Minor Swing

on line CD Purchase

If you wish to obtain a Copy by sending a cheque - click here  CD Purchase Enquiry

Many thanks for the CD, I am very impressed and is a great reminder of a great concert.- Martin

CD received. - I had expected it to be good, but I wasn't prepared for it to be quite so delightful as it is. Paul Vernon Chester is probably fed up with people paying extravagant compliments on his playing, I would be obliged if you would pass on my congratulations on a truly masterful example of the Manouche guitar style - John McCarte

Yes, Paul is a brilliant player, recall his great show at L'espirit Manouche 2003!...Cheers, Phil

"Duets for Django" arrived this morning thanks very much. I am listening to it right now as I write this and enjoying it very much. Please pass on my best wishes to Paul and Nick, Would love to come down and have a tune with those guys, maybe someday if I can get a wee tour organised. Calum McKenzie - Bassist - Havana Swing

 


Video Link - Django Playing in 1939 J'attandrais
A tireless worker, he endlessly developed a trailblazing right hand technique, as well. Django was the first to frequently utilize what is now called sweep picking, where a run is played with the pick pushing through three or more strings sequentially with either a down or upstroke. His tremolo rivalled that of the great Italian mandolin virtuosi, a skill that he utilized on full chords and well as individual notes to great effect. Django preferred the thickest, stiffest picks he could find, generally using natural tortoise shell. But he never let his equipment dominate his creative skills. Delauney's book, for instance, cites one example where he showed up for a gig without a pick and proceeded to break off the tooth of a comb and used that as a substitute plectrum for the night! - Some Comb, Some tooth  eh - was it a nit (Bean) comb or just poetic licence.  He also used one of Les Paul's Button Picks while in the USA.

Django's Rhythm Techniques
Listen to this finger busting tirade from Django - Mystery Pacific (Mystery Train - long before Presley) this was recorded on 26th April 1937 and appears to end abruptly when Django hits the buffers - due to finger fatigue perhaps rather than a loss of invention..  So you wanted to lay down a rhythmic pulse just like a train on the tracks eh - try emulating this...........................

Mystery Pacific - MP3 - 4.46Mb

Selmer Maccaferri - The action is typically high to allow forceful playing and a louder sound with more sustain.

The player used to a more conventional guitar is required to adapt his/her playing style considerably with this type of instrument. The bridge is closer to the edge, so the optional picking spot is further than usual on the right for a right-handed player, and the combination of light, relatively soft strings and a heavy pick adds even more to the discomfort of the uninitiated.

G6

Chord G6. Left: Common jazz-voicing. Right: Gypsy style five-string voicing with the thumb on the lowest string
 

Because the natural sonic range for this type of guitar is somewhat thinner with less bass, it calls for chords with thicker voicing: Freddie Green's famous three-string chords should give way to Gypsy style four-to-six string chords, where the left hand thumb is usually reaching for the lowest note.

Light, soft strings are a constant source for doubtful wonderings, the common belief being: the heavier the strings, the more mannish the sound. While this is true in the flat-top world, where the beautiful heavy bottom is best reached with thick bronze strings, it won't fit in the Selmer/Maccaferri philosophy. As stated previously, the top is very thin, the finishing is extremely light and the bracing is simple. The wooden bridge directs the string pressure straight towards the slightly arched top. In order to have the top vibrating the way it's supposed to, this pressure must not be too high.

The guitar - if built correctly - will reward a humble player greatly for his/her efforts. Even thick voicing's don't interfere with the bass and other instruments, they supplement them. Still, the sound of the individual strings is so piercing that this guitar cuts easily through a regular rhythm section, when played with the right picking technique. The long sustained, clear ringing high notes sing with the most marvellous tone.

Jack Llewellyn's Transcription of 'Swing Guitars' by Django


 

Django in June - 2010 Week-End Tuition School Camp in Vermont USA
- Guitar, Mandolin, Violin and Accordion

If you haven't already registered, allow me to suggest 11 reasons why you should plan on joining us this year for either our full-immersion offering, Django Camp, or at least for the weekend.

  1. Joscho Stephan (guitar)
  2. Biel Ballister (guitar)
  3. Gonzalo Bergara (guitar)
  4. Gustav Lundgren (guitar)
  5. Aurelien Bouly (guitar)
  6. Michael Horowitz (guitar)
  7. Tim Kliphuis (violin)
  8. Evan Price (violin)
  9. Rob Reich (accordion)
  10. Jamie Masefield (mandolin)
  11. Martin Sjöstedt (bass)

Now, I'll grant you that we're not the only Django-inspired event with great musicians on the bill. All the best Gypsy jazz festivals offer that. (And I recommend you go!) But ours is the only one at which the artists have this job description: to work and play directly with you all day long. One place this happens, of course, is in the day's structured learning opportunities: a morning warm-up on Core Repertoire, followed by three 90-minute class sessions organized by level and/or instrument. But the artists on our staff are also sharing meals with you on the Smith College campus and staying right there in the dorm. There's time to talk, time to hang, time to jam.

In fact, your time with this year's teachers can begin right now. I've asked them to submit something for you to study as Django in June approaches and so far we have fine contributions from Joscho Stephan, Gonzalo Bergara, Evan Price, Tim Kliphuis and Rob Reich, with more on the way in coming weeks. You can access that material (and way more, all for free) from the pages of www.djangoinjune.com devoted to helping you get ready musically. Even if you've been there before, check out the pages devoted to "2nd Tier Tunes" and to the above-mentioned contributions from this year's teachers. Both have new material. I hope you find something there of interest. 


 

 
Mail jazzmaster@jazzeddie.f2s.com with questions or comments about the format of this web site.
Last modified: 29/07/2010