A Speedy Triplet Line by Erroll Garner on “Indiana” (LOTW #262)

Erroll Garner was a jack of all trades when it came to jazz piano. He could swing, play stride piano, and could pull out lines which would knock the socks off of jazz players to this day. Here is his opening line from “Indiana.” CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you […]

Bill Evans Signature Parallel Minor Thirds Lick (LOTW #261)

Bill Evans was a master of using music theory in his jazz piano stylings. This lick uses parallel minor third intervals to create a melody over a 2-5-1 progression. Even without the theoretical jargon, it still sounds great! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/h7aXhckgpaI CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions or suggestions […]

A Blazing Intro by Bud Powell on “Sweet Georgia Brown” (LOTW #260)

Bud Powell was known for his ability to play tunes in a blazing bebop jazz style. “Sweet Georgia Brown” was often used as a vehicle to show how fast the best musicians could play. Check out Bud’s blazing intro to this tune from his record Jazz Giant (1954). Enjoy! https://youtu.be/faSjyWbJBQM CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL […]

Another Bluesy Solo Break by Oscar Peterson (LOTW #259)

One of the best examples of blues playing by Oscar Peterson and his trio is their recording “Night Train” (1963). Here is a solo break from “Moten Swing,” an old swing tune which the group repurposes to swing the blues! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/GgHyU7zu1jc CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK (UPDATED MONTHLY) If you have questions […]

Oscar Peterson’s Arrangement of Tangerine from the Album “Affinity” (LOTW #257)

Oscar Peterson was known for his virtuosic arrangements written for the trio. Check out this bluesy line from his arrangement of “Tangerine” from the Album “Affinity.” Enjoy! https://youtu.be/8NLuCVFALcY 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 to do, […]

A John Lewis Lick from “Afternoon in Paris” (LOTW #256)

“Afternoon in Paris” is a tune wirtten by John Lewis, one of the most underrated jazz pianists. He was a longtime member of the “Modern Jazz Quintet.” He composed many standard tunes, including “Old Milestones” and this one “Afternoon in Paris.” Here is an original version in 1949. Enjoy! CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK […]

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 […]

Jazz Piano School