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 […]
Horace Silver’s Suave Bass-Line Groove from “Señor Blues” (LOTW #193)
Horace Silver is one of jazz’s most beloved composers. As a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, he is responsible for creating many jazz standards that are still played to this day. When you hear this bass line groove from “Señor Blues,” you know it had to have come from him! https://youtu.be/nFK0TOVZqps CLICK HERE TO […]
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 […]
Thelonious Monk’s Signature Whole-Tone Ending (LOTW #191)
Thelonious Monk is a true American original. Listen how he ends his tune “Evidence” from his solo piano recording from 1954. https://youtu.be/RQQkwn8tv9E CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you have questions or suggestions for a Lick Of The Week you would like us to do, please leave them in the comments […]
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 […]
A Classic Hard-Bop Lick by Bobby Timmons (LOTW #189)
Who is one of the first pianists that comes to mind when you think of Hard-Bop jazz? Why, Bobby Timmons, of course! He’s got vocabulary for days… Check out this classic opening lick from “Groovin’ High” off his album Easy Does It (1961). https://youtu.be/vFk67BI9V0Y CLICK HERE TO GET A TRANSCRIPTION OF THE LICK If you […]
