This week we are going to start another month long series all about playing tensions in context. This idea came from a post in the 10 Minute Jazz Lesson Community FB group and thanks to Kris for bringing this topic to my attention. This week is all about using the #11 over a major seventh chord and the different structures we can use to frame this note. There are a plethora of opportunities here and I think this will benefit anyone who is starting to use more interesting notes and stretching … [Read more...]

I thought it would be fun to talk about some great tools for yourself or the other musicians in your life this holiday season! For the first episode, let's talk about all of the wonderful real books out there! 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 are addressing two questions from one of our listeners and long time supporters, Dean. Dean is wondering about two things and I'm hoping that we cleared these questions up for him and also gave the rest of you some great exercises on approach tones and enclosures. Enjoy the episode and let me know if you have any questions! 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 … [Read more...]

This week we culminate our work for the month by looking at one of my favorite jazz tunes, Last Night on the Back Porch. This tune is simple and requires us to understand some of the most basic and important chord movements that occur so frequently in jazz. I'm hoping that the work you've done so far this month will prepare you to finally put it all together and handle this tune nicely. I have prepared our usual etude for you with some if the concepts covered and hope you enjoy this month's … [Read more...]

This week is dedicated to the legendary jazz producer, Teo Macero. Make some time to check out these videos and you will be amazed at some of the stories! 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! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKAv1aa9IA … [Read more...]

We are back with another Lick of the Month Episode! This time around, I have transcribed an entire chorus of solo for you so we can look at a complete statement instead of a lick. We are featuring the playing of the amazing New Orlean's Trumpeter, Shaye Cohn of Tuba Skinny. Her playing over Last Night on the Back porch is impeccable and will really open your ears to some cool devices. Shaye uses triplets in an extremely cool fashion along with, chromatic approaches and the clearest phrasing I … [Read more...]

Do you always sound good in the practice room? You may be seriously hurting your ability to learn new things.... … [Read more...]

This week we continue building toward our tune of the month episode by looking at a very common harmonic device used in many tunes. The IV to iv progression appears very often toward the end of progressions and we need to be able to handle this important movement as improvisers. In this episode we talk about what scale to use and give you some example phrases to highlight the important difference between the major and minor. Enjoy the episode! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS … [Read more...]

This week I'm letting you know about a band that I have been playing with for a long time, the Soggy Po Boys, and our new album, All In Favor! Check out the new album and get your copy today! … [Read more...]

We concentrate a lot on 7ths when it comes to playing jazz. But what do we do when we see a major chord that has no 7th?? This is a tricky thing for us improvisers in certain cases. I know that I had trouble doing this before some of my teachers clarified it for me. This week we take a look at 3 different phrases and how we can adapt them to major triads or major 6th chords. This month is going to be themed and all leading toward a culmination with our tune of the month episode. Enjoy! WANT … [Read more...]