You're staring at a chord progression on a lead sheet. Thinking through the first few bars of a jazz standard. You're getting ready to start your solo and carefully choosing the first phrase you'll play... It's finally time to show off the stuff you've been working on. Time to create ...Read More
Blues
You're staring at a chord progression on a lead sheet. Thinking through the first few bars of a jazz standard. You're getting ready to start your solo and carefully choosing ...Read More
Have you ever noticed how there's a special group of improvisers that seem to know EXACTLY what to play over any tune at any time – no matter what it is? The key doesn't matter, the tempo doesn't matter, even the style of music doesn't matter... You could blindfold them, ...Read More
Have you ever noticed how there's a special group of improvisers that seem to know EXACTLY what to play over any tune at any time – no matter what it ...Read More
One thing that gets lost in the day to day mentality of practicing jazz improvisation is this simple fact – you don't have to solve EVERY musical problem each time you walk into the practice room... Contrary to all the stories you hear or the pressure you might feel, you ...Read More
One thing that gets lost in the day to day mentality of practicing jazz improvisation is this simple fact – you don't have to solve EVERY musical problem each time ...Read More
If you want to learn the language of jazz, then transcribing a blues solo should be at the top of your list! But if you’re just starting to transcribe jazz solos, the task might seem daunting or way over your head. In fact many beginners who want to play jazz ...Read More
If you want to learn the language of jazz, then transcribing a blues solo should be at the top of your list! But if you’re just starting to transcribe jazz ...Read More
Blues is the backbone of so much in jazz. The melancholic feeling. The soul. The call-and-response phrasing, walking groove, and clearly defined melodic statements…blues is ingrained in jazz at its very roots. And every jazz musician at some point or another has to learn how to play the blues. There’s ...Read More
Blues is the backbone of so much in jazz. The melancholic feeling. The soul. The call-and-response phrasing, walking groove, and clearly defined melodic statements…blues is ingrained in jazz at its ...Read More
When it comes to improving as an improviser, there are only so many tunes you can memorize. Only so many chord symbols and progressions you can force into your brain… After a certain point you actually need to learn how to play over these sounds. ...and truth be told, this ...Read More
When it comes to improving as an improviser, there are only so many tunes you can memorize. Only so many chord symbols and progressions you can force into your brain… ...Read More
You know the routine…You pick out a new tune, read through the melody, and start to work on a solo. You've got a few ideas, throw in a couple of your favorite licks, and follow the guide tone lines. And then it happens...you’re stuck playing the same old scales and ...Read More
You know the routine…You pick out a new tune, read through the melody, and start to work on a solo. You've got a few ideas, throw in a couple of ...Read More
Every serious improviser has to deal with the blues. From the players just starting out in school, to the musicians at local jam sessions, to the biggest names performing on international stages. Because the blues goes hand in hand with creating music in the moment. But unlike many players think, ...Read More
Every serious improviser has to deal with the blues. From the players just starting out in school, to the musicians at local jam sessions, to the biggest names performing on ...Read More
8 Techniques Mark Turner Uses to Dominate the Blues
If you’ve ever listened to Mark Turner you’ve probably wondered the same thing as me...What the hell is he playing? Rather than coming from the mind of an improviser, his solos sound like the work of an ambitious architect. Complex structures reaching into the stratosphere, lines with impossibly wide leaps, ...Read More
If you’ve ever listened to Mark Turner you’ve probably wondered the same thing as me...What the hell is he playing? Rather than coming from the mind of an improviser, his ...Read More
How to Play the Blues In All Keys
Arecent question from a reader inquired about the blues in all keys: "I'm a sax player and have been working through the blues in all keys for the past few months, and was wondering if you guys had any tips, tricks, or any advice?" We've all heard it time and ...Read More
Arecent question from a reader inquired about the blues in all keys: "I'm a sax player and have been working through the blues in all keys for the past few ...Read More