This week we take a look at some instances of one of Monk's favorite sounds, the whole-tone scale. This was a prominent sound in Monk's music and we talk about how he changes the chords to create space for this important sound in the jazz language. WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to our patrons including … [Read more...]

Welcome back! New month = new series. This month we are looking at one of the greatest composers and pianists of all time, Thelonious Monk. In this episode we look at a particular phrase on his composition, Bemsha Swing. Enjoy! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to our patrons including transcriptions and a FREE … [Read more...]

I figured this would be a great way to end our 2 month series on the blues. Modulating up a minor 3rd every chorus is a great way to test yourself and practice through the keys in a logical way. Make sure you grab the etude and have fun! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to our patrons including transcriptions and a … [Read more...]

This week we take a look at the guitar master, Wes Montgomery and his solo on D Natural Blues. There's a lot going on here and much to learn from this amazing musician. Enjoy! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to our patrons including transcriptions and a FREE gift  of our latest Ebook, The Diatonic Method. We hope that … [Read more...]

This week we dive into the minor blues and take a look at, what I think, it one of the truly unique and memorable solos in jazz history. Oliver Nelson's solo on Stolen Moments is such a refreshing take on a minor blues we can't ignore it! Enjoy the episode! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to our patrons including … [Read more...]

Happy New Year everyone! This week we continue with our study of the blues taking a look at a Charlie Parker solo that is actually at a manageable tempo and moderate difficulty. Enjoy the episode and don't forget to grab the PDF! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to our patrons including transcriptions and a FREE gift  of … [Read more...]

This week we continue on with our study of the master musicians playing the blues. We find ourselves dissecting the master of masters, John Coltrane over his 1958 recording, Blue Train. This one can be intimidating but stick with it and you'll gain some valuable insight into one of the greatest jazz players of all time. Enjoy! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be … [Read more...]

This week we are continuing with our blues series by taking a look at one of my favorite solos. Freddie Hubbard plays a jaw dropping solo on Birdlike and we owe it to ourselves to take a look at a couple of choruses and figure out what makes this so special. Enjoy! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to our patrons … [Read more...]

Welcome back to another great episode on the blues! This week we are looking at a MASTERFUL solo from the great, Jack Teagarden on Wolverine Blues. This will give us a chance to talk about an alternate version of the blues and, of course, take a look at another great solo we can take some lessons from. Enjoy! YT Video of the recording I transcribed from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soK_CflzAVw WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and … [Read more...]

New series! This one will feature blues solos with some of the greatest musicians throughout history. We will start with a couple of choruses and analysis of the great, Sonny Rollins on his composition, Tenor Madness. Hope you enjoy this new series and some ideas from the greats! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be bringing you many extras exclusively to … [Read more...]