Learn From The Classical Side Of Bill Evans
If you want to sound like Bill Evans, you have treat the “classical” end of the spectrum with equal respect and time as the jazz process. When you do this, You can learn to play from the same basic framework as Bill yet sound completely individual.
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 […]
3 Solo Piano Steps Everyone Needs To Learn
The last live stream I did went so well that I had to turn it into a podcast. These 3 solo piano steps are an absolute must practice in order to play solo piano well. I also talk about the critical 2 categories you should group tunes into in order to confidently know how to approach all tunes. Enjoy!
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 […]
3 Functional Jazz Piano Skills Every Musician Should Know
When it comes to jazz piano, there is a myriad of techniques, voicings, and approaches which one can study. This doesn’t mean that not everyone can play jazz piano! In this podcast, we’ve boiled it down to 3 functional techniques which you can use to play jazz piano. Follow along to find out what they are!
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 […]
Bud Powell Bebop Transcription Analysis: Part 2
Bud Powell was one of the kings of bebop at the piano. In this podcast you’ll learn 3 easy take aways for improvisation that Bud uses that you can implement TODAY to drastically elevate the sound of your improv. This will conclude my LONG series on bebop and bebop approaches. If you haven’t checked out the previous episodes I highly recommend you go back to listen to the series in it’s entirety. Enjoy!
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 […]
How to Find Your Own Voice With Daily Improv Warmup
What does it mean when people talk about “finding your own voice,” and how are you supposed to do it? Here is one idea for you which Sterling will teach in this week’s podcast. In this lesson, he’ll show you how to add a daily warmup to your practice routine to explore your own creativity through “drone improvisation.” By playing whatever comes to mind over a single note drone, you can explore infinite possibilities and develop your own sound!
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 […]
