Bill Evans Solo Break on “One for Helen” (LOTW #217)
On this opening solo break by Bill Evans from the famous recording “Live at Town Hall” (1966) he shows us some of his best. He expertly outlines the minor chord changes of this tune while using a variety of eighth note and sixteenth note rhythms. This lick contains some of Bill Evans’ best playing in […]
Gene Harris Sets The Stage With This Bluesy Solo Break (LOTW #216)
Gene Harris is one of the kings of jazz and blues. In this infamous blues solo from a live version of “Blues for Basie,” he takes it to the next level. This whole solo is not worth missing, and you can find it in the members area of JPS in our specialty course, “How to […]
Red Garland Tears It Up on “Oleo” (LOTW #215)
In the mid 1950’s, Miles Davis had a quintet which later became known as the “First Great Quintet.” In the rhythm section, Red Garland was always ready to tear it up. This track from the album “Relaxin’ with the Miles Davis Quintet” is no exception. Listen as he tears these rhythm changes apart on “Oleo!” […]
How to Play “Fly Me to the Moon” in 5 Different Piano Styles
Download: MP3 Audio50 MB Share on facebook Facebook Share on google Google+ Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn How many times have you played the same standard and gotten tired of playing it the same way? In this live lesson, Sterling Cozza will show you how to approach the same tune with a […]
A Young Herbie Hancock Destroys “Autumn Leaves” (LOTW #214)
Herbie Hancock is one of the visionaries of jazz piano. He had recently joined Miles Davis new group, known as the Second Great Quintet. At the ripe young age of 24, he was playing things that had never been heard before on the piano. Check out this famous recording of “Autumn Leaves” from the live […]
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 […]
Vijay Iyer’s Solo on “Work” (LOTW #212)
Vijay Iyer begins his solo on “Work” with an offbeat line made up of a variety of melodic intervals. He thinks outside the box on his album “Break Stuff” (2015), accompanied by bassist Stephen Crump and prodigious drummer Marcus Gilmore. Check out some of his other original compositions and arrangements on this album! https://youtu.be/mqXQVnbfplM CLICK […]
Upper Structure Triads: How To Play Them And Use Them
Download: MP3 Audio56 MB Share on facebook Facebook Share on google Google+ Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Sometimes we wish for things and get them and then never realize the mess that comes with it. For example, buying a house: it’s a gift because we have this amazing space and more room […]
How To Practice Jazz Piano Efficiently
Practicing jazz can feel nebulous. What do we play? What do we do? There are so many different things to practice. What exercises do we use? I’ll be first one to say this, I wasted a full decade practicing jazz the WRONG way.
In this episode I’ll teach you my 5 step system that will give you a practice plan to ensure you’re ACTUALLY making progress everytime you sit down to practice.
Enjoy!
Vince Guaraldi “Skating” (LOTW #211)
What better way to ring in the Holidays than with Vince Guaraldi’s “Skating!” This piece always reminds us of the holiday season. The melody flows in parallel thirds, and is followed by colorful chords ascending in minor thirds. Pull out this piece at any Christmas party, and you will surely impress! https://youtu.be/3R7Z2ldZzsg CLICK HERE FOR […]
