Review of "Plugging In" by Joe Deninzon. STRINGS Magazine September, 2012

by Joe Deninzon | Aug 18, 2012 | Plugging In, Reviews

PLUGGING IN REVIEW

STRINGS MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER, 2012

By Mimi Rabson

 http://www.allthingsstrings.com/Reviews/Editions/Plugging-In-A-Guide-to-Gear-and-New-Techniques-for-the-21st-Century-Violinist

 BOOK BRINGS VIOLIN INTO THE 21^ST CENTURY

It’s hard to understand why the violin and the guitar went such disparate ways in the 20^th century. After all, they are both stringed instruments with long histories in Western classical music and with repertoires filled with works by great composers. Both instruments also play pivotal roles in non-concert music.

Yet today when a child says, “I want to play the violin,” that child gets an entirely different education than the one who finishes that sentence with “guitar.” Joe Deninzon brings the process of bringing the violin into the 21^st century by making the music and technology of the contemporary electric guitarist available to the curious and willing violinist.

Plugging In begins with an ample, informative discussion of the hardware involved-from instruments to amps and pedals-including step-by-step instructions about how to make the equipment sound good and work well. Also included are fantastic etudes for developing new bowing techniques, as well as harmonic and rhythmic concepts for the rock-oriented player.

The book translates the language that electric guitar players have been using for years into “violin-ese.” Deninzon’s magnificent playing and technical expertise make it easy to understand. The book also lends legitimacy to the pursuit of rock and funk violin, something that I feel is long overdue.

Deninzon makes a point of encouraging violinists to carve out their own roles in the music and bands they love. While violin is not yet an essential instrument in every rock band, with this book around, it won’t be long before that changes.

-M.R.

PLUGGING IN book review from Jazz Weekly

by Joe Deninzon | Jul 31, 2012 | Plugging In, Reviews

http://www.jazzweekly.com/2012/07/joe-deninzon-plugged-in-a-guide-to-gear-and-new-techniques-for-the-21st-century-violinist/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=joe-deninzon-plugged-in-a-guide-to-gear-and-new-techniques-for-the-21st-century-violinist

Joe Deninzon: Plugged In-A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist

July 27, 2012

By George W. Harris

While guitarists have been comfortably plugged in to their amplifiers since the Swing Era, violinists have generally been less ambitious to explore the sonic potential of “going electric.” This booklet and cd/dvd goes a long way to introduce the curious violinist to the new world of sounds and styles.

Joe Deninzon goes through everything you’ll want to know about this niche, from the history to finding an amp as well as scales, chords, patterns and jams. The book has a plethora of licks and etudes to help you get the feel of the style, while the cd and dvd are user friendly workshops that will get you through a lot of initial questions, saving tons of time, energy and discouragement.

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