A Shifty Turnaround by Bill Evans Pt. 2 (LOTW #241)
Back by popular demand, we are taking a closer look at this turnaround used in Bill Evans’ tasteful arrangement of “A Sleepin’ Bee” from Live at the Montreaux Jazz Festival (1968). In this particular passage, Bill comes up with a clever ending cycle using arpeggios over subsitute chord changes. Notice how he harmonizes the melody […]
3 Weird/Modern Chords and How To Improvise And Comp With Them
Playing original compositions can be quite the journey compared to playing regular jazz standards. In this episode I explore 3 weird and very modern chords I had to play and solo over on a recent gig I played. Here’s what they are!
Bud Powell’s “Parisian Thoroughfare” Pt. 2 (LOTW #240)
This tune by Bud Powell went on to become a jazz standard, and is often quoted by bebop jazz musicians. ‘= The melody features a fast-moving triplet line which ascends and descends the F major scale. It will make you feel like you’re wandering the streets of Paris! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/OdSBS7l6bpA CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL […]
2022 Planning and Strategizing for Success (Episode 3 of 3)
We finally wrap up this series by talking about taking action. How do we take action in 2022 to make progress in jazz piano? I’ll talk about what practice exercises to use, how to follow the systems, and so much more.
2022 Planning and Strategizing for Success (Episode 2 of 3)
We go a little further into our planning in this one. We’re looking at the plan for our goals today. What is the plan to accomplish our goals? What are the systems? In today’s podcast episode I’ll show you how to plan to accomplish different jazz piano goals like solo piano, improvisation, and more.
Bud Powell’s “Parisian Thoroughfare” Pt. 1 (LOTW #239)
This tune by Bud Powell went on to become a jazz standard, and is often quoted by bebop jazz musicians. A defining characteristic is this unique intro by Bud, which includes diatonic 7th chords playing up the F major scale. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/itCBESvEla8 CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK If you have questions or suggestions […]
A Shifty Substitution By Bill Evans (LOTW #238)
Bill Evans was a master of using substitute chord changes to achieve advance color and expression in his improvising. Here is a solo break from “A Sleepin’ Bee” during a live recording at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in 1968. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/YuaWcv4e3kI CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK If you have questions or suggestions for […]
Tete Montoliu’s Triplet Lines on “Manha de Carnival” (LOTW #237)
Tete Monotliu is an often undercelebrated jazz pianist from Catalonia, Spain. When notable jazz musicians such as Kenny Dorham, Ben Webster, and Dexter Gordon emigrated to Europe during their careers, Tete recorded with all of them. Here he is playing with KD on “Manha de Carnival,” more commonly known as “Black Orpheus.” https://youtu.be/CQiKDb02-8E CLICK HERE […]
Charlie Parker’s Opening Lick from “White Christmas” (LOTW #236)
Recorded live on Christmas Day at the Royal Roost in 1948, this version of the classic Christmas tune “White Christmas” has Charlie Parker’s trademark written all over it. Rather than the playing the tune in its usual ballad style, they decided to swing it. Boy, does this version swing! Check out his opening lick during […]
Vince Guaraldi’s “Skating” from a Charlie Brown Christmas (LOTW #235)
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a staple of American culture during the holiday season. Inspired by pianists like Bill Evans, Vince Guaraldi composed the soundtrack for this Christmas special and many tunes have become widely celebrated during the holiday season. This one, “Skating,” features a complex passage using parallel thirds in the right hand of […]
