A Sneaky Modulation by Bill Evans (LOTW #265)
Bill Evans often combined multiple keys in his arrangements of jazz standards. In his version of “Make Someone Happy,” he plays 1 chorus out front in A major in a slower, rubato style. At the end of the chorus, he brings in the band with this clever phrase in tempo. Check it out! https://youtu.be/dlONnwQEcQk CLICK […]
Count Basie’s Iconic Intro to “Corner Pocket” (LOTW #264)
Count Basie was a master jazz composer and arranger. He was known for his iconic intros, often in the high sparkly register of the piano. Here is a famous intro by the Count to his tune, “Corner Pocket.” https://youtu.be/IXLD9-zPZtY CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or suggestions for […]
A Perfectly Executed 2-5-1 Lick by Cedar Walton (LOTW #263)
Cedar Walton got his start playing with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. He went on to compose many tunes which became jazz standards, including “Martha’s Prize” which is where this week’s lick comes from. On his 2011 album, “The Bouncer,” he showcases some original tunes and expert lines! https://youtu.be/n4uLV-xJBN8 CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL […]
A Speedy Triplet Line by Erroll Garner on “Indiana” (LOTW #262)
Erroll Garner was a jack of all trades when it came to jazz piano. He could swing, play stride piano, and could pull out lines which would knock the socks off of jazz players to this day. Here is his opening line from “Indiana.” CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you […]
Bill Evans Signature Parallel Minor Thirds Lick (LOTW #261)
Bill Evans was a master of using music theory in his jazz piano stylings. This lick uses parallel minor third intervals to create a melody over a 2-5-1 progression. Even without the theoretical jargon, it still sounds great! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/h7aXhckgpaI CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or suggestions […]
A Blazing Intro by Bud Powell on “Sweet Georgia Brown” (LOTW #260)
Bud Powell was known for his ability to play tunes in a blazing bebop jazz style. “Sweet Georgia Brown” was often used as a vehicle to show how fast the best musicians could play. Check out Bud’s blazing intro to this tune from his record Jazz Giant (1954). Enjoy! https://youtu.be/faSjyWbJBQM CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL […]
Another Bluesy Solo Break by Oscar Peterson (LOTW #259)
One of the best examples of blues playing by Oscar Peterson and his trio is their recording “Night Train” (1963). Here is a solo break from “Moten Swing,” an old swing tune which the group repurposes to swing the blues! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/GgHyU7zu1jc CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions […]
Thelonious Monk’s Intro on “It Don’t Mean a Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing” (LOTW #258)
Thelonious Monk Plays Duke Ellington is on of Monk’s classic albums. He provides his own take on Duke’s music and demonstrates his unique jazz piano style. Check out his intro on Ellington’s famous tune “It Don’t Mean a Thing.” Enjoy! https://youtu.be/9boC3WobH2o CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or […]
Oscar Peterson’s Arrangement of Tangerine from the Album “Affinity” (LOTW #257)
Oscar Peterson was known for his virtuosic arrangements written for the trio. Check out this bluesy line from his arrangement of “Tangerine” from the Album “Affinity.” Enjoy! https://youtu.be/8NLuCVFALcY CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of The Week you would like us to do, […]
A John Lewis Lick from “Afternoon in Paris” (LOTW #256)
“Afternoon in Paris” is a tune wirtten by John Lewis, one of the most underrated jazz pianists. He was a longtime member of the “Modern Jazz Quintet.” He composed many standard tunes, including “Old Milestones” and this one “Afternoon in Paris.” Here is an original version in 1949. Enjoy! CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK […]
