Try This Minor 2-5-1 Lick – TTT #21
Minor 2-5-1’s can be tricky… Try this lick which uses chromatic approach notes and accurately expresses the harmony of each chord in this progression. https://youtu.be/huSp1osx9Jc CLICK HERE FOR THE NOTATION If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of The Week you would like us to do, please leave them in the comments down […]
This is the Smoothest Minor Chord Voicing! – TTT #20
Great pianists from Bill Evans to Robert Glasper have used this minor chord voicing. It is very versatile, and can be transposed and sound good in all 12 keys! Try it out for yourself and see what you can create. https://youtu.be/Ztkw2KVXC7I CLICK HERE FOR THE NOTATION If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick […]
Check Out Ornette Coleman’s “Turnaround” – TTT #19
Ornette Coleman was known for inventing “free jazz,” a completely spontaneous approach to improvising in a jazz style. He also wrote some unique compositions, including this 12-bar blues titled “Turnaround.” These chord changes come from the last 4 measures of the blues, and move chromatically in half and whole steps. CLICK HERE FOR THE NOTATION […]
Duke Jordan Blows Through the Circle of Fifths (LOTW #213)
In this weeks lick, we showcase one of our jazz piano heroes, Duke Jordan. He was a legendary sideman with greats such as Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderly, and made several influential recordings as a leader. His classic jazz composition, “Jordu,” features a chord progression known as the circle of fifths. Listen to how he […]
Oscar Peterson’s Iconic Solo on “Sometimes I’m Happy” (LOTW #207)
Few jazz piano trio albums are as beloved as The Trio, live in Chicago in 1961. Oscar’s signature trio with Ed Thigpen on drums and Ray Brown on bass is unrivaled in terms of their ability to swing. This track is no exception, and Oscar holds nothing back during his solo. Enjoy this excerpt from […]
Red Garland’s Signature Blues Lick (LOTW #169)
Red Garland sure knows how to play the blues! Listen to his blues-playing on “Blues by Five” from the classic recording session by the Miles Davis Quintet in 1957. At the top of his second solo chorus, he begins a triplet line with his signature blues lick. This is a good one to add to […]
Duke Ellington’s Famous Intro to “In A Sentimental Mood” (LOTW #168)
From his iconic collaboration with John Coltrane in 1963, Duke’s introduction to his composition “In a Sentimental Mood” is treasured in the jazz community. Players often refer back to it when performing this tune, try it out for yourself next time you go to play it! CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK […]
Mulgrew Miller Altered Dominant Lick (LOTW #167)
Mulgrew Miller lays down this line over his solo break on the standard tune “If I Should Lose You” from his 2006 album Live at the Kennedy Center. His altered notes over the dominant chord lead into what will be an eventful solo filled with post-bop language. CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE […]
Kenny Barron Kills This Line On His Own Tune (LOTW #166)
“Voyage” is a modal tune that has made its way into the canon and has become a true jazz standard. Kenny Barron shows us how it’s done beginning in the first chorus as he navigates the chord changes of his own tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9eZUvwoFgE CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you have […]
Oscar Peterson’s Famous C-Jam Blues Solo Break (LOTW #165)
Well folks, this is an absolute must know when it comes to solo breaks! This Oscar Peterson solo break on “C-Jam Blues” is one of the most famous solo breaks in jazz history. It’s an absolute must know in everyone’s repertoire. Do you know it? If not, then you better get to it! 🙂 https://youtu.be/Vke26Huj0RA […]
