ChaStewFiddle
Sweet Georgia Brown in F :: Gypsy Jazz & Blues Violin Backing Tracks
updated
(DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK FOR FREE @ chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com
KEY: C
TEMPO: 240bpm
STRUCTURE: 4 bar intro, 4x in C, Tag Outro
COMPOSER: Harry Akst, lyrics by Benny Davis 1926
======================================================
ALL THESE TRACKS are available as digital downloads (in lots of different audio formats) from my BANDCAMP SITE at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/. All free (but you can make a donation if you are feeling generous ;-)
Also, if you need these tracks at different tempos or in different keys, with more choruses etc., drop me a line at chastew2016@gmail.com and I can customise a track for you for a paltry $5 a track.
======================================================
Free backing tracks at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com
Free backing tracks at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com
Here's one from Bach's double violin concerto in Dm that was used by Grappelli on at least one occasion.
Free backing tracks at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com
There is a backing track for this tune at youtube.com/watch?v=oAH2AqtgmLc&list=PLUQV6RFOFmf-mFJ0ZK6y4CMBSM_kf9r9b&index=16
You can download it from Bandcamp (free) chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/track/hcq-strut-gypsy-jazz-backing-track
The first part of the improv is broken down in the video youtube.com/watch?v=iows7SsQ1Fc&list=PLUQV6RFOFmf9qd75VQK50AaCEs0W-JCej&index=15
Franz Poptie was the Dutch Stéphane Grappelli. This is the first phrase from his version of HCQ Strut, originally by the Hot Club Quintet (hence the HCQ) featuring Grappelli and Reinhardt.
Free backing tracks at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com
The scales here are B minor and D major pentatonic. These are basically the same notes which are:
B D E F# A for Bm pentatonic
D E F# A B for D major pentatonic
I have a backing track video for practicing these scales here:
youtu.be/rRTT10TbcEE
You can also download the track from my Bandcamp account for free (although donations are possible, wink wink ;-)
chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com
(This is a revised upload as in the original I foolishly put the wrong notes on the screen, while playing the right ones! Thanks to those that pointed this out.)
(Free download @ chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com)
KEY: C to F
TEMPO: 210bpm
STRUCTURE: 4 bar intro, 3x in C, 3x in F
COMPOSER: Walter Donaldson 1930
This version is more like the recording Grappelli & Reinhardt where they modulate to F. The chorus is in C x3 and F x3 (which is a bit longer than the original recording for more practice!)
Here is a version in C only ... youtu.be/_pUtRf1uZpU
[Sorry for not posting over the last few months - this was due to a serious illness but I hope to get back to regular posting soon]
======================================================
ALL THESE TRACKS are available as digital downloads (in lots of different audio formats) from my BANDCAMP SITE at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/. All free (but you can make a donation if you are feeling generous ;-)
Also, if you need these tracks at different tempos or in different keys, with more choruses etc., drop me a line at chastew2016@gmail.com and I can customise a track for you for a paltry $5 a track.
======================================================
(Free download @ chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com)
KEY: C
TEMPO: 210bpm
STRUCTURE: 4 bar intro, 5 choruses
COMPOSER: Walter Donaldson 1930
This was recorded by Grappelli & Reinhardt but they modulate to F.
Here is a version that does just that... youtu.be/R6fjENfAs_o
[Sorry for not posting over the last few months - this was due to a serious illness but I hope to get back to regular posting soon]
======================================================
ALL THESE TRACKS are available as digital downloads (in lots of different audio formats) from my BANDCAMP SITE at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/. All free (but you can make a donation if you are feeling generous ;-)
Also, if you need these tracks at different tempos or in different keys, with more choruses etc., drop me a line at chastew2016@gmail.com and I can customise a track for you for a paltry $5 a track.
======================================================
(Free download @ chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com)
KEY: C
TEMPO: 119bpm
STRUCTURE: 4 bar intro, 8 choruses
COMPOSER: Cole Porter
A Cole Porter classic that swings very well.
======================================================
ALL THESE TRACKS are available as digital downloads (in lots of different audio formats) from my BANDCAMP SITE at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/. All free (but you can make a donation if you are feeling generous ;-)
Also, if you need these tracks at different tempos or in different keys, with more choruses etc., drop me a line at chastew2016@gmail.com and I can customise a track for you for a paltry $5 a track.
======================================================
I still think it's awesome but there are a couple of things:
1) The transmitter doesn't change to green when fully charged (despite a software update)
2) The USB power connection is flimsy and doesn't seat firmly in the socket
(Free download @ chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com)
KEY: Dm
TEMPO: 220bpm
STRUCTURE: Count-in intro, 16 choruses
COMPOSER: Traditional Lyrics by Yevhen Hrebinka
A classic Gypsy Jazz tune from a traditional Russian ballad (probably). Nice and easy to improvise to using D Melodic Minor (over A7 and Dm) and Gdim (same as Edim, Bbdim or C#dim) over A7(b9) plus the usual arpeggios and licks.
======================================================
ALL THESE TRACKS are available as digital downloads (in lots of different audio formats) from my BANDCAMP SITE at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/. All free (but you can make a donation if you are feeling generous ;-)
Also, if you need these tracks at different tempos or in different keys, with more choruses etc., drop me a line at chastew2016@gmail.com and I can customise a track for you for a paltry $5 a track.
======================================================
It all went smoothly and was all good fun but in the words of Joe himself "I'm never doing that again!" :-)
KEY: G
TEMPO: 200bpm
STRUCTURE: Four bar intro, four choruses, repeat ending
COMPOSER: Harry Warren, Johnny Mercer, 1938
======================================================
ALL THESE TRACKS are available as digital downloads (in lots of different audio formats) from my BANDCAMP SITE at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/. All free (but you can make a donation if you are feeling generous ;-)
Also, if you need these tracks at different tempos or in different keys, with more choruses etc., drop me a line at chastew2016@gmail.com and I can customise a track for you for a paltry $5 a track.
======================================================
I already uploaded a Bb version of this but Christiaan van Hemert
recently did an interesting lesson but in the key of G. So, I put this up in case you want to practice the tune in G and follow some of Christiaan's advice.
Christiaan van Hemert's lesson
youtube.com/watch?v=xuQtbX7AkoQ&t=616s
KEY: Am
TEMPO: 200bpm
STRUCTURE: Four bar rhythm intro, 6 choruses
COMPOSER: Traditional
======================================================
ALL THESE TRACKS are available as digital downloads (in lots of different audio formats) from my BANDCAMP SITE at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/. All free (but you can make a donation if you are feeling generous ;-)
Also, if you need these tracks at different tempos or in different keys, with more choruses etc., drop me a line at chastew2016@gmail.com and I can customise a track for you for a paltry $5 a track.
======================================================
A traditional Russian klezmer tune Yosl Yosl that has become a favourite of Gypsy Jazz musicians. It's also been recorded in hundreds of different versions with lyrics in dozens of languages.
It's a great tune for practicing the minor 2-5, like Minor Swing, you can throw in the b9 on the E7 (F) for an exotic "klezmer" sound.
An up-tempo version featuring Jason Anick
youtube.com/watch?v=JcxApR2fdhQ
A slower vocal version with vocals (Tomas Novak on fiddle)
youtube.com/watch?v=WqawqSF4xs8
==============================================
A lick, or rather a few phrases, from the relatively unknown Frans Poptie, the Dutch Grappelli (1918 - 2010), which he used over the first eight bars of HCQ Strut.
It's always a good idea to borrow from players other than Grappelli and Poptie has done versions of a few jazz standards, including Sweet Georgia Brown and HCQ Strut.
Although not that well known, a lot of game players have heard him on the song "Rhythm for You" by Eddy Christiani & Frans Poptie, which was used as the Fallout 3 computer game soundtrack. (Released in 2008)
Download the backtrack from BANDCAMP
chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/track/hcq-strut-gypsy-jazz-backing-track
or use the one on this channel
youtu.be/oAH2AqtgmLc
Here's a version of the original
youtube.com/watch?v=c8_cZSrqqpE
You can download the backing track FREE here:
chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com
Just enter $0 in the field (unless you are feeling generous, of course).
Or use the channel's backing track:
youtu.be/oAH2AqtgmLc
If you have a tune or solo you'd like me to breakdown just let me know in the comments :-)
The Diminished 7th arpeggio consists of four notes, all a minor third apart e.g. G, Bb Db Fb (E). As the notes are all an equal distance from each other it's known as a "symmetrical" arpeggio.
You can download the backing track FREE here:
chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/track/paquito-gypsy-jazz-backing-track
Just enter $0 in the field (unless you are feeling generous, of course).
Or use the channel's backing track:
youtube.com/watch?v=cVNO9nthXoI
If you have a tune or solo you'd like me to breakdown just let me know in the comments :-)
==============================================
A lick from the amazing Florin Niculescu over a Dominant 7 chord that can be transpose to loads of keys.
A bit of a hasty video thanks to too much work since I got back to Asia. But Xmas is coming :-) Hope to have more time then.
Mackie
Dan Webster & Emily Lawler (youtube.com/channel/UCIJk40KgTuYAsDfh9T7tmZg)
Doom Folk
(Odd loss of stereo at around 4 mins - no idea why - sorry about that)
KEY: Em
TEMPO: 180bpm
STRUCTURE: Four bar rhythm intro, 8 choruses
COMPOSER: Paquito Lorier
======================================================
ALL THESE TRACKS are available as digital downloads (in lots of different audio formats) from my BANDCAMP SITE at chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com/. All free (but you can make a donation if you are feeling generous ;-)
Also, if you need these tracks at different tempos or in different keys, with more choruses etc., drop me a line at chastew2016@gmail.com and I can customise a track for you for a paltry $5 a track.
======================================================
A version by Robin Nolan and his bro
youtube.com/watch?v=I2JIO1JWlWc
Another version
youtube.com/watch?v=xcaUqbqbXLU
==============================================
This nice easy and melodic lick, originally played on by Eddie South on his recording of Sweet Georgia Brown over a dominant chord, E7.
We transpose it to B7 and G7.
youtu.be/zf6KtNPHjAw
Line 6 claim that you can run up to four of these devices together and each unit will automatically select its own frequency - there would be no interference or clashing.
I couldn't get hold of four but I did manage three and, with the help of my friends Sue & Jim tested them together.
==============================================
This nice easy 2-5-1 lick, originally played on guitar, works nicely on the violin. You can play it all in first position or use second to make it a little more fluid (fewer string crossings).
Played in C the chords are Dm7 - G7 - CM7
Then it can be transposed into other keys by playing on higher or lower strings.
==============================================
An easy but sweet little blues lick from one of Grappelli's versions of Daphne. To make things a bit more interesting we'll do this one in SECOND POSITION! If you are not used to position work (I wasn't) don't panic - it's pretty straightforward and second position is a useful one for playing jazz and blues.
I was looking for some basic features:
1) Great, clean, as-close-to-acoustic-as-possible sound for my Yamaha YEV-104
2) A built in reverb so I could stop carrying an extra box around
3) The ability to mount it on a stand (my ears are in my head, not my knees)
4) Durability, portability (It's 7kg or 15.6lbs)
5) Good value for money (of course).
This little amp seems to give me all this and looks great. It is available in black but the wood finish complements the violin nicely.
I managed to get a bargain price for this but the on-line prices vary wildly from the £285 I paid to more than £500! So, shop around.
My problem now is getting this to Cambodia when I return later this year. I'll keep you posted on my success with this and how it performs in a live situation.
Here are the spec:
Frequency Response 50Hz - 20kHz
Max Power Out 50W RMS
System format 2 way biamp.
Woofer Power 40W RMS
Tweeter / Horn Power 10W RMS
Sensitivity 1W 1m 90dB
SPL MAX 108dB
Crossover Electronic
Woofer size 5"
High Freq driver Compression tweeter
Box 2 way bass reflex
Construction Plywood
Weight 7kg
Dimensions Height: 29cm, Width: 24.5cm, Depth: 25cm
This company produce a whole range of amps and their site is:
www.acus-sound.it
==============================================
Here's a classic (some would say clichéd) way to end a song. Grappelli used it at the end of "Minor Swing". It's a pretty easy chromatic lick you can also use to link two choruses (i.e. in All of Me).
In the video we start in C and transpose it to G, F and A.
The string height is now 5mm (G) 3mm (E) - it was super-high when I bought it!
The last time I was at the festival was 1975 so things have changed a bit but Whitby is still a charming and interesting sea-side town, dating back to the 7th century.
Making videos is a bit tricky where I'm staying now but hope to get back to regular production soon.
================================================================
THE LICK is an improvisational cliché which, as Wikipedia puts it, is "now usually used for comedic effect". It's just a basic minor 2-5-1 lick but watch the video below to find out why it's become such a meme.
youtube.com/watch?v=krDxhnaKD7Q
The original of "The Lick" is lost in the mists of time, no one seems to know where exactly it came from, but it's worth knowing to feel one of the "in" crowd at your next impromptu (or promptu) jam session. Enjoy!
P.S. if you are wondering the violinist ripping out the lick at 0:30 is Zach Brock - check him out.
And if you want the notes - here they are youtube.com/watch?v=SVzK1znrBD0
================================================================
Using classical quotations in your improvisation is a good way to spice them up. Most of your audience will then be wracking their brains trying to decide which piece the lick came from!
Here's on from Bach's double violin concerto in Dm that was used by Grappelli on at least one occasion.
================================================================
A very simple but effective lick as used by STUFF SMITH in his classic song "You'ze a Viper". He plays an amazing solo in this tune and if you haven't heard it it's worth checking out.
youtube.com/watch?v=TKFH_zh4gY0
It's in G but can be transposed to other keys quite easily.
==============================================
This one is a short lick but I demonstrate how to play it in NOSE configuration (No Open Strings Employed). If you don't use open strings in a lick you can shift it up and down the fingerboard and change key really easily.
Grappelli used this one as an intro lick quite often (usually in D).
================================================================
A development of Lick 001 adding a chromatic run.
Check out Lick 001 if you haven't learned it yet.
youtu.be/dd-6915PpH8
I've included the notes on the screen (in alphabetic notation - some repetitions not written) to help you out. Let me know if this works for you. You should, of course, try to reproduce and learn these little snippets by ear, wherever possible.
================================================================
An impressive sounding lick from Grappelli in G that isn't actually that hard to play. Part of the lick can be used on its own and be transposed into C.
I've included the notes on the screen (in alphabetic notation - some repetitions not written) to help you out. Let me know if this works for you. You should, of course, try to reproduce and learn these little snippets by ear, wherever possible.
================================================================
Here's a very melodic dominant 7 lick from Eddie South (1904-1962). South didn't leave the great body of work that Grappelli did but he was one of the great jazz fiddlers of the era. This comes from South's version of Sweet Georgia Brown which is packed with fabulous lines and melodic licks.
I've included the notes on the screen (in alphabetic notation - some repetitions not written) to help you out. Let me know if this works for you. You should, of course, try to reproduce and learn these little snippets by ear, wherever possible.
In this video I go through the two scales so we can learn them together! youtu.be/itJJGr0mdGQ
Bm pentatonic scale: B, D, E, F#, A
D major pentatonic scale: D, E, F#, A, B
The scales here are B minor and D major pentatonic. These are basically the same notes which are:
B D E F# A for Bm pentatonic
D E F# A B for D major pentatonic
I have a backing track video for practising these scales here:
youtu.be/rRTT10TbcEE
You can also download the track from my Bandcamp account for free (although donations are possible, wink wink ;-)
chastewviolinmusic.bandcamp.com
(I'm going to create an album with all keys so this may not be ready immediately)


