This week starts a series on something that I use in my practice each and every day. These progressions are how I get ideas into my playing and functioning as I'd like them to. Whether you're learning vocabulary or trying to get a certain sound into your playing, these examples will be extremely valuable additions into your toolbox. This week we start with simple, mono-quality chord progressions that have us looking at either major, dominant, or minor chords. I have also given you a piece of … [Read more...]

We all know that Charlie Parker is the father of modern jazz. The advancements he made in such a short life are nothing short of amazing. He changed the face of music and transcended what was possible on his instrument. Almost every legendary jazz musician attributes Bird as being one of their main influences. This warrants deep study of his music and this is what we are going to do today. There is one line on Confirmation that has always stood out to me as being a very important piece of … [Read more...]

I just got back from a 10 day tour yesterday and this week I share some of my thoughts on using music as a vehicle for traveling and spreading the love through our instruments. Would you like to support the creators of this podcast? If so, please head over to our Patreon page and show your love by donating $3 or more each month. You get incredible benefits and this keeps the podcast coming at you regularly. Thanks so much! … [Read more...]

This week we answer a question and build an episode around an email from one of our listeners, David. David wants to know the difference between getting more of a traditional sound (think NOLA style or the 1920's) and a more modern, bebop oriented sound. This was a really fun topic and we explore it using a timeless jazz standard. I have written two short segments of what I consider to be completely different styles. I think you'll gain something from this episode no matter what type of sound … [Read more...]

This week is all about the practice of mindfulness and the benefits it can have on clearing your mind before practice and performance. Would you like to support the creators of this podcast? If so, please head over to our Patreon page and show your love by donating $3 or more each month. You get incredible benefits and this keeps the podcast coming at you regularly. Thanks so much! … [Read more...]

Bass lines aren't just for bass players. Everyone should have a basic understanding on how to put together something that works and can get the job done. This week I'll give you my basic system for how to put together a clear bass line that functions. Bass players: understand that I'm not a bass player! This is simply to give someone an idea of how to play something clear and will work for many low pressure situations. In this episode, we explore the bass line system over the circle of fourths … [Read more...]

Stephen Pressfield's book, The War of Art, sheds some serious light on how creative people can overcome resistance and get more work done on a regular basis. This book changed my life and I'm sure it can do the same for you. Check it out today! Would you like to support the creators of this podcast? If so, please head over to our Patreon page and show your love by donating $3 or more each month. You get incredible benefits and this keeps the podcast coming at you regularly. Thanks so much! … [Read more...]

This week is all about making a statement in the truest sense of the word. All too often we get caught up in playing too many notes and relying on material we already have under our fingers. This is fine, but we want to remember that our music should make a statement. Sonny Rollins is the best example I can think of to break us out of this. Think what you want about Sonny's music, but you can't deny that he can truly make a memorable statement through his instrument. This week we take a look at … [Read more...]

Have you ever wondered why some of your favorite players can inject the blues wherever they want? This is because they know when and how to use this particular sound. This week's episode is all about getting some of that sound to come out even when you think it shouldn't work. When we want to use that blues sound, there are some things we need to consider and some scales we can put together to make it happen in a convincing way. Enjoy the episode and I hope to hear more blues in your playing … [Read more...]