Paul Desmond plays the alto saxophone unlike any other…sweet, melodic, and precise, always leading the listener through a clear story from one musical idea to the next - It’s as if every single idea he plays naturally builds on what came before it… So how does he do it? ...Read More
Paul Desmond plays the alto saxophone unlike any other…sweet, melodic, and precise, always leading the listener through a clear story from one musical idea to the next - It’s as ...Read More
With his unique improvisational style and innovative approach, Charlie Parker not only revolutionized how to play alto saxophone, but how to play jazz as a whole. He had a concept all his own that transcended what came before him and elevated the music to new heights! It's no wonder that ...Read More
With his unique improvisational style and innovative approach, Charlie Parker not only revolutionized how to play alto saxophone, but how to play jazz as a whole. He had a concept ...Read More
It's the subtleties of articulation that make melodies come alive. But, being so subtle, articulation is one of those concepts that's difficult to grasp, or for that matter, even teach. And it's personal. Nearly every player has their own distinct method of articulating, which yields a different result. With all ...Read More
It's the subtleties of articulation that make melodies come alive. But, being so subtle, articulation is one of those concepts that's difficult to grasp, or for that matter, even teach. ...Read More
John Coltrane is probably best known for Countdown and Giant Steps, or his earth-shattering intensity on A Love Supreme. But often overlooked is the depth and beauty of his phrasing and lyricism... When I first heard the album Kind of Blue, I was blown away. And I still am to ...Read More
John Coltrane is probably best known for Countdown and Giant Steps, or his earth-shattering intensity on A Love Supreme. But often overlooked is the depth and beauty of his phrasing ...Read More
Ever feel like something is missing from your solos? You spend hours learning tunes and transcribing solos from your favorite recordings, you've memorized the chord progressions and diligently practiced the tricky fingerings, but when you listen back something is off. And it's frustrating because you can't quite place your finger ...Read More
Ever feel like something is missing from your solos? You spend hours learning tunes and transcribing solos from your favorite recordings, you've memorized the chord progressions and diligently practiced the ...Read More
Uggh…ouch...Have you ever made these sounds when you’ve listened to a solo? You know, one of those solos where you hear a couple of unsavory phrases and that’s it...no more! For the love of God, please make it stop! If you listen to a good amount of music, I’ll bet ...Read More
Uggh…ouch...Have you ever made these sounds when you’ve listened to a solo? You know, one of those solos where you hear a couple of unsavory phrases and that’s it...no more! ...Read More
Anew year is the perfect time to look back at what you've accomplished in the practice room and to look forward to what you still wish to achieve as a musician. It's also a great time to make a fresh start, to realign yourself musically, and to set some new ...Read More
Anew year is the perfect time to look back at what you've accomplished in the practice room and to look forward to what you still wish to achieve as a ...Read More
We often get a ton of great questions from our readers about what to practice. These inquiries range from players that are stuck in a daily musical rut to aspiring improvisers that simply don’t know the next step to take in the practice room. The truth is, every musician encounters ...Read More
We often get a ton of great questions from our readers about what to practice. These inquiries range from players that are stuck in a daily musical rut to aspiring ...Read More
Many times when we're soloing we get boxed in so to speak. We think that when we're on a particular chord, we must play that chord and that chord only. We have tunnel vision and there exists little possibility. One technique that dramatically relieves this boxed in sound and mindset ...Read More
Many times when we're soloing we get boxed in so to speak. We think that when we're on a particular chord, we must play that chord and that chord only. ...Read More
Time and again, we've stressed on this site that scales are not the secret to jazz improvisation. However, scales can be beneficial if you practice and apply them in the right way. Once you aurally understand and ingrain the vital aspects of the jazz language (i.e. phrasing, melodic construction, expression, ...Read More
Time and again, we've stressed on this site that scales are not the secret to jazz improvisation. However, scales can be beneficial if you practice and apply them in the ...Read More