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 […]
How to Bring Out the Melody (Ep: 206)
In the classical piano world, it’s all about how you play the notes. Players like Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett applied classical voicing techniques to jazz piano to create beautiful sounding melodies. You can do the same with these exercises!
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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 […]
How to Play the Piano like an Orchestra
Do you ever feel tired of using the same techniques in your piano playing over and over? This week’s podcast lesson can help you shake things up by thinking of the piano as an orchestra. Great players such as Jelly Roll Morton, Earl Hines, and Roland Hanna all had this technique in common: they played the piano like an arranger would write for an orchestra! Check out these techniques, and you might find some to incorporate into your own playing.
Piano Blues Riffs: Practice Tips and Exercises
You can’t get very far without actually practicing. That’s why in this podcast episode, we take a “Practice Workout” directly from inside our members area and give it to you on practicing blues riffs! It’s a great one and I know you’ll love it!
How to Play Bossa Nova Piano Accompaniment (Ep: 203)
When playing a bossa nova, what is the best way to accompany a solo instrument in a latin jazz style? Look no further, this video will give you a clear step-by-step tutorial on how to do it right! Follow along as we explore the music of A. C. Jobim in this week’s podcast.
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 […]
Improvising Polyphonic Lines (Ep: 202)
We pianists often imitate the voice or horn when improvising, but in this lesson we explore the capabilities unique to the piano. Playing lines with 1, 2, and all the way up to 6 notes at a time! Once you start exploring this area of improvisation, a whole new world of concepts will open up to you.
Bebop Secrets: How to Use Approach Notes (Ep: 201)
Are you wondering how to capture the real sound of Bebop in your jazz playing? Tune into this week’s podcast as we reveal how to use approach notes to sound like the best bebop pianists. This simple exercise will add a new dimension to your improvising!
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 […]
