Oscar Peterson Solo Break Lick (LOTW #162)
Here is a quintessential blues solo break from Oscar Peterson on the standard tune “I’ve Never Been In Love Before.” He ornaments his blues lines with triplets and doubled notes. Take a page out of his book with this solo break and you’ll be playing the blues in no time! https://youtu.be/RGNMIDwzamI CLICK HERE TO GET […]
Bud Powell’s Whirlwind Signature Lick (LOTW #161)
Here is one of Bud Powell’s trade secrets for burning over fast tempos. This lick follows a pattern of major thirds going down in whole steps. The chromatic notes in between make it sound like a whirlwind all the way down! https://youtu.be/YiPCXIbQC6o CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you have questions […]
Bill Evans is a Master of Motivic Development (LOTW #160)
During his iconic recording “Sunday at the Village Vanguard,” Bill Evans develops some amazing motives over the tune “Solar.” He begins with a trademark triadic lick, then continues the idea of ascending chord motion. Follow this one until the very end! https://youtu.be/SLppKfFFR24 CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you have questions […]
A Slippery Solo Break by Keith Jarrett (LOTW #159)
Here is a solo break Keith takes on the blues tune “Butch and Butch.” His line winds masterfully through a set of chord changes moving chromatically between sets of notes. The rest of this solo is certainly worth checking out, see what happens next! https://youtu.be/pr2HgzWIDwg CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If […]
Jacob Collier’s Insane Melodica Solo on “Georgia on My Mind” Pt. 2 (LOTW #158)
You asked for it, and here it is! The second part of Jacob Collier’s famed solo on his arrangement of “Georgia on My Mind.” Watch out for the twists and turns he takes through the reharmonized chord changes, leading up to a sweet set of licks into the end of the phrase. https://youtu.be/jKqOSo3Kktg CLICK HERE […]
Jacob Collier’s Insane Melodica Solo on “Georgia on My Mind” Pt. 1 (LOTW #157)
Ever heard of Jacob Collier? This British phenom has become known for his a capella video arrangements of famous pop songs. He has also been known to take some virtuosic melodica solos, here is his solo over “Georgia on my Mind!” If you like this solo, comment below and we’ll include more in next week’s […]
Oscar Peterson Begins “A Foggy Day” with this Stylish Solo Break (LOTW #156)
Oscar Peterson is one of the kings of jazz piano. Here is his stylish solo break on the tune “A Foggy Day” from his album Exclusively for my Friends. https://youtu.be/PWA00sT7Q2w CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of The Week you would like us […]
Nat King Cole’s Scorching Turnaround on Sweet Georgia Brown (LOTW #155)
Your average music consumer likely knows of Nat King Cole as a swooning singer from the golden era of jazz, but man could that guy play! Before his time in the limelight, Nat was known as an influential pianist with virtuosic abilities. Here is a cut from “Sweet Georgia Brown” as played by Nat and […]
The Nat King Cole Piano Slide Lick (LOTW #154)
Nat King Cole was one of the greatest artists of our time. As a pianist and vocalist, he inspired a generation of musicians in the 1940’s and 50’s, bridging the gap between the swing and bebop eras. This week’s lick showcases a fun trick he would often use, involving a glissando up multiple octaves of […]
Aaron Parks’ Twisting Lines on “Old Milestones” (LOTW #153)
This cut from Aaron Parks’ trio comes from a recording he made in Japan where he decided to turn on his Iphone to record the set. What ensued was a complete album of eclectic trio playing full of twists and turns! The trio plays the jazz standard “Old Milestones,” and after a chorus of drums, […]
