A Triplet Solo Break by Bill Evans on “Very Early” (LOTW #255)
“Very Early” is one of Bill Evans’ most harmonically adventurous compositions. The original recording features a relaxed waltz tempo, however this live version from Montreux in 1970 is played at a brisker pace. Bill kicks off the solo with a triplet solo break in the key of C major. Check it out! https://youtu.be/YG5NwNZJA00 CLICK HERE […]
A Handy Pattern by Herbie Hancock from “Toys” (LOTW #254)
Herbie Hancock often has some handy devices which he uses to easily get around the keyboard. Here is one from “Toys” off his album “Speak Like a Child.” Enjoy! https://youtu.be/OvwPYwq8aqQ 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 […]
Red Garland Shows Us How He Plays the Blues (LOTW #253)
Red Garland is known for his bebop language, but here is a prime example of how he can lay down some blues playing! Check out this opening line from “Prelude Blues” off the album Live at the Prelude Vol. 1. https://youtu.be/W12TLbCjOzA CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or […]
Another Blazing Solo Break by Bud Powell on “Just One of Those Things” (LOTW #252)
This LOTW comes to you from Bud’s seminal album, “The Genius of Bud Powell” (1956). This is a classic jazz standard, and incorporates both major and minor vocabulary. See if you can keep up with Bud on this one! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/KmsjNHlGlGo CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or […]
A “Dreamy” Solo by Oscar Peterson (LOTW #251)
Following last week’s LOTW, here is a taste of Oscar’s solo on “You Stepped out of a Dream” from the album Tristeza (1993). This whole solo is killing, certainly worth checking out! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/5q6ROHw7vhA CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of The Week […]
A Hard-Hitting Block Chord Intro by Oscar Peterson (LOTW #250)
Oscar Peterson’s trio was known not only for their fantastic swing feel and burning tempos, but also for their knockout arrangements! Here is an intro Oscar plays on “You Stepped Out of a Dream” from the album Tristeza (1993) which features 4 and 5-note block chords. For a tutorial on these type of chords, check […]
List of Over 50 Jazz Blues Tunes to Know
When learning jazz music, it is important to remember that “the blues” is not just simply a scale… “The blues” is a style, a feeling, a whole genre unto itself. The best way to learn about the blues (without your wife leaving you, your dog running away, or losing your trusty pickup truck) is […]
Thelonious Monk’s intro to “Brilliant Corners” (LOTW #249)
Here is an intro to one of Monk’s signature tunes “Brilliant Corners.” It features some dissonant intervals over a series of dominant chords, which stay true to form for Monk’s unique pianistic style. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/404W2hP5XaM CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of The […]
A Minor Solo from Kenny Barron on “Beautiful Love” (LOTW #248)
Minor language is essential for every jazz pianist’s complete toolkit. Listen how jazz master Kenny Barron plays over the minor chord changes here in the first few bars of “Beautiful Love.” Enjoy! https://youtu.be/7MPEFFUCUO4 CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of The Week you […]
A Signature Lick by Mulgrew Miller on “Up Jumped Spring” (LOTW #247)
Spring is on it’s way! Let’s celebrate with a signature lick by Mulgrew from a recording with vibraphonist Steve Nelson on the jazz standard tune “Up Jumped Spring” on his album Sound Effect (2007). Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk_BLuSeXUY CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of […]
