Oscar Peterson’s Iconic Solo on “Sometimes I’m Happy” (LOTW #207)
Few jazz piano trio albums are as beloved as The Trio, live in Chicago in 1961. Oscar’s signature trio with Ed Thigpen on drums and Ray Brown on bass is unrivaled in terms of their ability to swing. This track is no exception, and Oscar holds nothing back during his solo. Enjoy this excerpt from […]
A Scorching Bebop Intro by Bud Powell (LOTW #206)
Bud Powell is the father of Bebop Jazz piano playing. Check out this absolutely blazing intro to “Get Happy” from the album Jazz Giant (1950). This intro will knock your socks off!! https://youtu.be/juRHCsKzXKE CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of The Week you […]
Armando’s Rhumba by Chick Corea Pt. 2 (LOTW #205)
Armando Anthony Corea, also known as “Chick,” wrote many amazing compositions. This self-titled rhumba features a two-handed melody and becomes a highlight of his iconic 1976 album, “My Spanish Heart.” Here is the conclusion from Part 1! https://youtu.be/XgI8xnV7xyA CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you have questions or suggestions for a […]
Brad Mehldau’s Epic Solo on “Anthropology” (LOTW #203)
Brad Mehldau is known for his signature style made famous during his Art of the Trio albums. Before that time, however, he was swinging his a** off with the Rossy bros! On this recording “When I fall in Love” (1993) with Jorge and Mario Rossy, Brad absolutely goes to town on this rhythm changes tune. […]
Monk’s Mellifluous Melody on “Straight, No Chaser” (LOTW #202)
Happy 103rd Birthday, Monk! To celebrate Thelonious Monk this October, here is a lick from his quintessential 12 bar blues, “Straight, No Chaser.” The opening chorus of his solo features a rhythmic melodic idea which he transforms through the chorus with style. Thanks for the music, Monk! https://youtu.be/Oh-C_jWaHcI CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF […]
A Marvelous Melody by Michel Petrucianni (LOTW #198)
Michel Petrucianni is an unsung hero of jazz piano. He achieved a degree of fame in the mid 1980’s after coming to the U.S. from Paris, France, at which time he started performing with jazz greats such as Charles Lloyd and Joe Lovano. He later went on to record and tour with his own trio. […]
A Colorful Solo Break by Hampton Hawes on “Just One of Those Things” (LOTW #197)
For this week’s lick of the week, we’re taking things over to the West coast! Players such as Hampton Hawes, Gerry Mulligan, Shelly Manne, and Bob Brookmeyer were known for their “Cool Jazz” sound. That did not mean, however, that they couldn’t burn when it came down to it! Check out this great solo break […]
Jaki Byard’s Major Attitude on “Lullabye of Birdland” (LOTW #196)
Jaki Byard is known for his longtime tenure in Charles Mingus’s band. His spontaneous nature and animated solos brought an X-factor to that group, but also shines through on his own solo records. On his record “Hi-Fly,” (1962) check out the attitude he throws in over the classic standard “Lullabye of Birland.” CLICK HERE TO […]
Listen to Elmo Hope’s Jazz Piano (LOTW #195)
Elmo Hope is one of the most slept on jazz pianists in his generation. He did not achieve as much fame as some of his colleagues, but nevertheless he played on many great recordings including this session with famous trumpeter Clifford Brown. Check out this lick, you’ll want to hear more of Elmo’s playing! https://youtu.be/qL4aWm0wRQU […]
A Classic 2-5-1 Lick from Horace Silver (LOTW #194)
Horace was not only a great composer, but could also play a mean jazz piano! Check out this classic lick from Hank Mobley’s recording of “Funk in Deep Freeze.” This one is worth taking through all 12 keys. CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you have questions or suggestions for a […]
