Greg Ruby: The Oscar Aleman Style
When
Approximate running time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Venue
Event Notes
Greg Ruby: The Guitar Artistry of Oscar Alemán – Licks, Solos, and Repertoire
Oscar Alemán’s inimitable style of swing guitar playing reaches back to the earliest days of Hot Club jazz. Before Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli recorded their first notes as the Quintette of Hot Club of France, Alemán was already an in-demand guitarist on the 1930’s Parisian jazz scene—leading Josephine Baker’s backing band, performing with ex-patriot American jazz musicians and even receiving an offer to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Without question, Ellington was correct when he remarked about Alemán, “this cat has roots.”
While much attention has been given to learn Django’s style, this workshop will demystify and make accessible Oscar’s unique approach to music. In Licks, Solos and Repertoire, expect to learn some classic Oscar licks, examine an Oscar improvised solo and add some of his songs to your repertoire.