Chick Corea’s Famous “Spain” Melody Line (LOTW #192)
When audiences across the world hear the melody line from “Spain,” they universally know it to be penned by the great Chick Corea! Written for his popular fusion group from the 1970’s “Return to Forever,” this line is a feat of two-handed virtuosity! https://youtu.be/scV-4iFLAmQ CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you […]
Red Garland’s Famous Intro to “A Foggy Day” (LOTW #190)
The intro to Red Garland’s version of the Gershwin standard “A Foggy Day” has become known as one of the great jazz intros, and is instantly recognizable. He employs his trademark voicings over a pedal point, creating a bell-like tone on the piano which sets up the tune beautifully. This one is worth adding to […]
Joey D’s Face-Melting Minor B3 Lick (LOTW #188)
The great organist Joey DeFrancesco has always been known to throw down, but this lick will absolutely MELT YOUR FACE. On his album “Wonderful! Wonderful!” in 2012 with drummer Jimmy Cobb and guitarist Larry Coryell, he makes it look easy! Try out this lick from his track “Five Spot After Dark.” https://youtu.be/ruIBZJZuKN0 CLICK HERE TO […]
Oscar Peterson Burns Down the House on “Woody ‘N’ You” Pt. 2 (LOTW #187)
At the famous London House Sessions of 1961′ Live in Chicago, O.P. and his trio took no prisoners. This raucous version of Woody ‘N’ You features chorus after chorus of burning soloing followed by three iconic shout choruses. This lick is a continuation of an excerpt from the first chorus of solo. Follow along as […]
Blazing Minor Lick from Keith Jarrett’s “Köln Concert” (LOTW #185)
In 1975, Keith Jarrett made history with “The Köln Concert” when he performed a completely freely improvised solo piano concert. The extended riffs, progressions, and melodies which he created at this concert have lived on, cementing his place among jazz piano greats and influencing a generations of pianists to follow. This minor lick appears in […]
Benny Green Lays it Down on “These are Soulful Days” (LOTW #184)
Benny Green shows his Hard-Bop jazz chops on this Lee Morgan tune, “These are Soulful Days” from his album of the same name. He lays down a double time line and grooves over a minor cadence, putting a period at the end of a masterful sentence of improvisation CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF […]
Oscar Peterson Starts Things off Right with “Just You, Just Me” (LOTW #183)
Besides being the king of burning down the blues, Oscar Peterson was also a master of playing intros! Setting up the tune can be on of a pianist’s most important responsibilities. Listen how Oscar starts things off right on “Just You, Just Me” from his classic album with Lester Young. https://youtu.be/RNLghVAt8sU CLICK HERE TO GET […]
Kenny Kirkland Lets Loose on this Modal Lick! (LOTW #182)
Kenny Kirkland is one of those stars who burnt brightly, but quickly. During the short time we had him on this Earth, he left us with some amazing piano playing! Listen as he lets loose on “Mr. J.C.,” a track dedicated to John Coltrane off his self-titled album from 1991. Kenny could sure burn!!! https://youtu.be/CKj2oZ7KdQc […]
Stevie Wonder’s Famous Line from “Sir Duke” Pt. 2 (LOTW #180)
“Sir Duke” is a tune off of Stevie Wonders iconic album, “Songs in the Key of Life” (1976). He wrote it in homage to one of his great jazz influences, Duke Ellington. This week’s LOTW features the second half of the line in its completion. Check it out! https://youtu.be/PmYX04TN6uE CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION […]
Herbie’s Minor Third Lick from “Dolphin Dance” (LOTW #178)
Herbie Hancock is known as one of the great innovators of jazz piano. In honor of his 80th birthday last week, we’ve got a lick this week from his iconic record “Maiden Voyage” (1965). He introduces his solo with this ascending minor third idea on what would become a jazz standard tune of his, “Dolphin […]
