Ahmad Jamal’s Opening Sequence From “Woody ‘N’ You” (LOTW #222)
Here is a classic opening line from “Woody ‘N’ You” off Ahmad Jamal’s classic album Live at the Pershing (1958). Ahmad’s trio stylings have made this album one of the classic jazz trio recordings of all time, evident in his melodic prowess and joyful swing feeling. The trio really shines on this particular track, enjoy! […]
Gerald Clayton’s Mysterious Lines (LOTW #221)
Gerald Clayton has become one of the leading voices in modern jazz piano in our era. He often keeps his audience guessing, and this lick is no exception. Check out this modal line over “All of You” from his breakout record Two Shade (2009).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7ST2IdkjZ0 CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK If you have questions […]
Bud Powell’s “Get Happy” Lick (LOTW #220)
Bud Powell inspired many pianists of future generations with his innovations of the bebop style. His long, virtuosic runs set a new standard for modern jazz piano playing in the 1950’s. In this excerpt from “Get Happy,” we hear Bud execute an unusual lick which lays well in the hands. You may hear similar patterns […]
Oscar’s Classic Opening on “Girl From Ipanema” (LOTW #219)
When it comes to jazz piano, one of the most classic records is surely Oscar Peterson’s “We Get Requests” (1964). The trio plays their own iconic renditions of well-known tunes including this one, “Girl From Ipanema.” Check out Oscar’s hip opening line here. https://youtu.be/TymOWrl-od8 CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LICK BOOK If you have questions […]
Wynton Kelly Plays the Blues on “Bags Meets Wes” (LOTW #218)
Wynton Kelly is known as one of the great sidemen in jazz. He began his tenure in Miles Davis’ first great quintet, and continued on to play with everyone who was anyone! This includes Wes Montgomery and Milt Jackson, some jazz greats who often played with Wynton. Check out this blues they play on a […]
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!” […]
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 […]
