Ok, Ok, I know I have really been hammering the transcription thing in the past couple of weeks and I promise this is the last you will hear from me on the subject for a bit. I just wanted to share this article from the great website, Jazz Advice that really gets to the point of what I have been saying over the past few weeks and echo's the sentiment that I have stressed so much. The Jazz Language I like that this article stresses the importance of jazz as a language and makes many … [Read more...]
One More Article On Transcription…..
Transcription: The Most Important Part of Any Practice Routine
I know that I have recently done a podcast episode about how to effectively transcribe a solo, but it has occurred to me this past week just how important this process is to the aspiring jazz musician. I have been churning out transcriptions lately and I can actually feel myself getting better with each one I complete. Transcription is ear training, technique, and vocabulary all combined into one activity. This is why I think more and more every day that transcription is the most important part … [Read more...]
For All My Bass Players Out There: Masterclass With The LEGENDARY Ray Brown!
This one is for all my low end people out there. I got the chance to interact with Ray Brown in college right before he passed away. All I can say is wow, this guy is one of the most legendary musicians in history and has played with everyone you could ever imagine. He was also very down to earth and easy to talk to. He couldn't help but to educate you in everything he said. This guy oozes swing and the attitude that made his era of music so great. Even if you aren't a bass player, this video … [Read more...]
A Lesson On Stacking Chords From Russell Ferrante
This video is awesome. Russell Ferrante is a legendary musician and is the Pianist in the Yellowjackets. Here, he gets into stacking chords and some of the possibilities that come with creating more complicated harmony. This lesson may be a little advanced for some of you out there but make sure you bookmark this and come back to it later. These skills are essential for every musician, not just pianists. When you play jazz you need to have some kind of piano skills regardless of what your … [Read more...]
A George Garzone Masterclass In Russia
I'm from the Boston area and George Garzone has been a fixture in my life since I started playing jazz in middle and high school. He plays every single Monday night in Cambridge with his band, The Fringe. He also happens to be one of the coolest guys on earth and an otherworldly musician. Being in the same room and listening to him play is something that you MUST do if you ever get the opportunity. I like this clinic because he talks a lot about a variety of topics. Yes, some of it is … [Read more...]
Masterclass With The Late Great Clark Terry
Clark Terry is a trumpet and education legend. I was fortunate enough to get to spend a lot of time with Clark back when I was in college. Every moment spent with him was a lesson on being the best musician and human being that you possibly could be. Clark was a special human being and his contributions to jazz and the community could never be overstated. The guy lived and breathed beautiful music. He has played with anyone and everyone you could ever imagine and some of his stories would … [Read more...]
A List of Summer Music Camps
Looking to immerse yourself in music over the summer? Summer music camps are a great way to add some education and meet new musicians. There are all kinds of camps all over the United States and wider that will allow you to get better at music even when school is out for the summer. I have made many life long friendships from attending camps like this over the years. Only people that are fairly serious about music are going to take time out of their vacation to go and intensely study music … [Read more...]
A Great Chris Potter Masterclass
Youtube is so wonderful. My morning routine requires getting inspired for the day of practicing and making music. I'll type something random into Youtube like "jazz masterclass," and start my search from there. Within a few minutes I have usually found something amazing that is going to get my brain going and possibly show me something new and exciting to get my juices flowing. Today I found this fantastic Chris Potter masterclass from the Jamey Aebersold summer camp. Before Youtube, you … [Read more...]
Ingrid Jensen With A Great Lesson On Sound And Intonation
Ingrid Jensen is one of the best trumpet players out there right now. I have also had the pleasure of working on some of this stuff with her in person when she was a guest artist where I went to grad school. She kicked my butt on this stuff and made me realize that I needed to work on this material. The stuff that she talks about in this video is REALLY important. Using your ears to start playing with good intonation is more important than using a tuner. The tuner has it's uses but connecting … [Read more...]
Get Your Mind Blown By Hal Galper
This is one of my favorite videos on Youtube. I have probably watched it 20 times at this point. Hal Galper is a legendary jazz pianist and educator and this video will make you rethink everything about approaching your instrument and your time feel. We were always taught to play with as much emotion as we possibly can, right? What Hal says about minimizing emotion in this lesson is astounding. We can still create a very real emotional connection to the music we are playing without letting … [Read more...]
