8 Ways Bebop Revolutionized Jazz Forever
In many ways, Bebop can seem like a footnote in the timeline of jazz history. After all, it lasted only a mere five years or so in the late 40’s, half a century removed from its historic roots in New Orleans. And it would be less than a decade before Miles Davis released his landmark record […]
Jazz Piano School Ep. 120 – 7 Way To Practice Bebop To See Quick Improvement
I’ve never known any jazz piano giant to not have the ability to play through changes in a bebop style. At the heart of all improvisation lies bop. If you think you’re going to skip this step and achieve improv freedom…well, unfortunately you’re lying to yourself. Needless to say this is a must! So here are 7 great tips to help you practice and excel quickly with proven and systematic steps. Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 119 – How Theory & Structure Lead To Freedom
I heard an amazing saying the military uses as a motto that goes like this…”Fast is slow and slow is fast.” If I had to sum up jazz piano in a similar way I would say, “Theory & Structure is Freedom, and Freedom Is Theory & Structure.” In this episode I show you why it’s so important to learn theory concepts in a sequential manner and how it will translate into true freedom of self expression in your playing. Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 118 – How To Play Any Style And Groove Over Any Tune
People will ask me, “Brenden, how do you play funk…how do you play latin?” Well when you learn the necessary foundational tools with Theory Sequences…you can play any style, any groove you want! At anytime! That is why our tagline is “Learning Freedom”. In this episode I take a simple standard and play about a ten different grooves and styles through out the tune. Switching between each and every one as I explain. Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 61 – The Oscar Peterson Style
I think we can all agree that Oscar Peterson is a beast. He was my main inspiration growing up so I’ve learned and studies his style…a lot! In this podcast I go over 11 specific characteristics in his playing that make him sound the way he does. This one is a doozy! Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 60 – Rootless Voicing Expansion
Rootless voicing are a great building block to start learning true jazz sounds but how do we expand upon them? In this episode I show you how to take rootless voicing further by altering the natural extensions they contain.
Jazz Piano School Ep. 59 – My Favorite Blues Reharm Progressions
I absolutely love playing the blues and I’m sure a lot of you do as well. There are certain progressions and movements I’ve picked up that I absolutely love and almost always use while playing the blues. These reharm progressions are guaranteed to to spice up your blues and open your creative box for improvement.
Jazz Piano School Ep. 56 – The Basics Of Stride Piano
Stride is an extremely fun style of jazz piano to play! Simple to explain, but technically difficult. Learn how to tackle this fun and impressive beast with these podcast tips! Have fun!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 53 – How to Harmonize Melodies Part 2
We open the flood gates to harmonization with this podcast as I show you that one note can fit and be used in any type of chord you wish in a tune. There are a substantial amount of options so take your time and realize that this is more or less like composing. Find changes that please you the most! This is about self expression. If you like it, then use it!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 52 – How to Harmonize Melodies
Harmonizing melodies can be very tricky. What chords do we pick for each melody note and when do we place them. In this harmonization beginner’s podcast, I go over how to use diatonic chords as well as some substitutes to spice up a simple melody like twinkle twinkle. Enjoy!
