Jazz Piano School Ep 44: How To Accompany A Singer
This is a topic within jazz piano education that I get asked about A LOT! For good reason too. Fortunately, most of the work I get actually come with playing with singers. I’ve excelled at this through out my career from playing in a church for a long time. In church, I’ve had to accompany singers in all sorts of styles, genres and situations. Let me tell you, the path is not easy. I’m confident these basics will get you started on the right path. Enjoy!
Nancy Wilson and Tips for Playing with Singers
By Joanna Sabater Since Nancy Wilson recently celebrated her 78th birthday, we’re going to learn about her life and impact on jazz. We’ll also talk about some tips for playing with singers. After winning a talent contest in High School, Wilson got her start headlining a local show in Columbus, Ohio called Skyline Melodies. After graduating […]
Jazz Piano School Ep 36 : What Are Extensions?
Most people gravitate towards jazz because of the rich colors and sounds that come from the music. We all want to be able to play those amazing sounding chords on the piano. How do we do it though? I’ll tell you right now. Extensions. Extensions are the colors that allow you to spice up your playing and start to paint the music however you’d like. Extensions are the beginning of the road to freedom in music. Just as a painter paints with his colors, a jazz musician paints with extensions. Let’s get into it!
Jazz Piano School Ep 35: Walk Bass Lines Part 1
Learning how to walk bass lines is a skill all jazz pianists want to accomplish. And who wouldn’t? We have a nice bass register on the piano but we never learn how to do anything with it. Anytime we see an bass player walking all over a tune like he owns we just stare in awe. In this episode I’m going to get you started on the right path to walking bass lines that will impress a bass player! Let’s do it!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 25 : How To Get Singers To Hire You Back Everytime!
I don’t know about you, but I still get nervous when I play with new singers! Am I playing okay for them? Do they like it? Do they hate it? You never really know. Over the years I’ve played A LOT for vocalists and I’ve picked up some very helpful tips that will ensure they hire you back for gigs everytime. Follow these tips and I’m positive they will love you’re playing!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 21: Special Guest, Eric Reed
This interview with Eric Reed was such a great pleasure. To be able to talk to one of the leading jazz pianists in the world and history was surreal for me. I had studied with him at the New School University and Eric was kind of enough to come on the show for an interview. He makes such intelligent points about the music and is able to articulate his thoughts with great clarity. Do not miss this episode and listen all the way through. Some of the best info is at the end! Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 9: Voiceleading Triad Inversions
Voiceleading triad inversions will skyrocket your playing in seconds. Once you learn how to implement this technique into your playing you will be able to play any pop / rock / triad type of chart, yes any. Work hard at this method because as I always say, these beginning steps will be a gateway into more complicated jazz voicings to come. And they are coming very soon!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 8: Triad Inversions
In this episode I talk about what an inversion is. Inversions are great for making all of your voicings and tunes sound better. They help the chord changes flow better and make your playing sound smooth! Practice your inversions and you’ll immediately sound better!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 7: Major & Minor Triads
Why are major and minor triads useful? They are the stepping stones to all complicated and beautiful jazz voicings. If you know your major and minor triads well you will be able to progress to more advanced voicings with ease. Listen to this podcast to learn how to find your major and minor triads and how they relate to pop tunes.
Jazz Piano School, Ep 6: Jazz Insight With Dr. Samuel Griffith
My good friend and also Dr. Samuel Griffith shares his insight about jazz. He has traveled and played in many different cities with many different artists. When it comes to jazz pedagogy and playing he is the man to talk to. I was learning so much even as I was interviewing him. I strongly suggest you get a pen and paper to take notes because this interview is filled with nuggets you can use in your playing! Enjoy!
