Looking for good swing/western swing primer

[Flattpicker]

I need to find a good "intro to swing" mandolin book for a young student who just knows her basic chords and is probably ready to jump into the world of serious jazz chords and arrangements. I have a good Western swing guitar book for her sister, which starts with fiddle tune accompaniment and makes its way into Eldon Shamblin-style bass line/chord alternation, which is appropriate for guitar. Can someone recommend any progressive book(s) that would be similar for mandolin? I have the N. Hokkanen Pocket Guide, but I'm looking for a progressive approach to the style. They are really into swing and Western Swing (Ellingon, Glenn Miller, Bob Wills). Not your typical pre-teens, they are already good old-time fiddlers.

Thanks, any suggestions would be appreciated greatly.

[swampstomper]

Maybe Dix Bruce's (http://www.musixnow.com/) "Swing & Jazz Mandolin: Chords, Rhythm, and Songs DVD" might be what you are looking for.

Is your guitar book "Western Swing Guitar Style" by Joe Carr (Mel Bay)? I have this one and it is really good for the beginning W. Swing guitarist.

[Flattpicker]

Thanks for the tip, I'll see what I can find out about that DVD.

Yes, I'm using the Carr book so far. I also have the Whit Smith (Hot Club of Cowtown) DVD, but there's no book with it! Fortunately I already know a lot of the shapes he's using from taking a jazz guitar master class in college long ago, and from using the Carr book. A friend has the Ray Benson DVD, and a couple of people have recommended the Marcy Marxer book, so I think I'm pretty well covered on the guitar end. Other than Niles H's book, I'm in the dark with the mandolin.

[pglasse]

As far as chord books, there are now several good ones. I like John Baxter's Deluxe Encyclopedia Of Mandolin Chords quite a bit. http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Deluxe-Encyclopedia-Mandolin-Chords/dp/0786647973 This will give you many of the chords but not so much in terms of putting it all together in a complete system or style. For that, right now, your best bet might be finding the right teacher. This is something that I work with students on quite a bit, if you find yourself heading through Austin.

A certain amount of swing mandolin chord vocabulary can be borrowed from what jazz and western swing guitarists have done. Quick hints: it's often preferable to keep 3rds and 7ths in the bottom registers (G & D strings) rather than up high. If you have to leave out a note, often the root is the first thing to get rid of. Definitely have the mandolinist learn what the guitarist in the family is working on -- it's all really the same music.

It's very cool that you're supporting your kids in this. Best of luck.

Paul Glasse
Austin, Texas
http://paulglasse.com/

[Flattpicker]

Thanks, Paul--I will order that book soon.

I will send you a PM about the prospect of a lesson some time soon.

BTW, the girls are not literally "my kids," in any sense. I am one of at least 3 teachers they work with on a weekly basis: Mary Hattersley for fiddle, Elizabeth Warren for classical violin, and me for guitar/mando. I'm also starting to do some swing fiddle duo arrangements for them.

Here's a clip of them from a year ago, busking on South Congress during SXSW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWJc0C3k3Jo

[EdSherry]

The "swing" lessons on the Cafe are pretty good.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/swing.html

http://www.mandolincafe.com/petemartin.html

http://www.mandolincafe.com/jazzchords.html

http://www.mandolincafe.com/rhythmchords.html