How to Think Like a Pro Jazz Musician: Michael Brecker and The Power of Simplicity
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Jazz Advice and Tips, Jazz Musicians, Playing Techniques, Premium, Transcribing, Visualization
It sounds so complex. So difficult. So advanced. Great jazz musicians sound as though they’re implementing highly complex and difficult concepts that mere mortals could never hope to access, but in reality, professionals think simpler than you’d ever imagine. It’s the beginners and intermediates who study the pros and abstract what they think is going on in a convoluted and complex way.
Jazz improvisation is a real-time activity. This means there’s no time to think.
And even in the practice room where you do have infinite time, simplicity is your best friend because when the heat of the moment comes and you’re on stage, it’s the simple stuff that will be there with you.
Professionals use simple concepts.
They use them effectively and they disguise them…
Michael Brecker and simplicity
When you think Michael Brecker, you probably don’t think simple.
He plays so fast. So effortless. So perfect.
But, when you closely look at what he’s playing and take away the lightening speed that he’s known for, you’ll see many of the simple jazz concepts you’re familiar with.
Go ahead and take a listen to his solo on John Coltrane infamous tune
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