Workshop: Michael Horowitz

Rhythm Changes (i.e. the chord progression for "I Got Rhythm") is one of the most common chord progressions used in jazz. A full understanding and mastery of this chord progression is a prerequisite for any jazz musician. In this workshop, you will learn how gypsy jazz legends Django Reinhardt, Bireli Lagrene, Stochelo Rosenberg, etc, approached accompaniment for Rhythm Changes. We will discuss Django's more traditional sounding pre-war approach to Rhythm Changes as well as the more modern devices and chord substitutions used by contemporary players. By the end of this class you will have the tools to play Rhythm Changes like a pro! These examples will be included in handouts written in both standard notation and tablature.

Michael Horowitz is the founder of the publishing company and Gypsy jazz retail store DjangoBooks.com and is the author of the books Gypsy Picking, Gypsy Rhythm, and Unaccompanied Django.