Jazz Improvisation – Just a Conversation Between Friends
Improvisation is at the heart of jazz. Too many people consider it a mysterious art that they can’t appreciate.
In reality, this art form is simply spontaneous conversation between friends. A listener no more has to understand the intricacies behind it, than they have to understand the details of brush strokes to appreciate a painting.
Just listen to what the music is saying. It’s saying something different to each person. Unlike songs with lyrics, instrumental jazz allows the listener to form unique images, feelings and stories. Listen and enjoy!
Read MoreJazz Guitar Solos
Today’s blog will be very brief but important.
Jazz guitarists are, like many other guitar players, obsessed with speed. Although speed is a good measurement of how much you’ve practiced, it’s not a good measurement of how musical you are.
Today’s advice is simple. Remember that whole notes , half notes, dotted half notes and quarter notes are not only permitted in guitar solos but are actually desirable.
Rhythmic variety is an important tool in making a guitar solo interesting.
To organize the topic of rhythm, visit www.modularphoneticrhythm.com or check out my site at
Read MoreJazz and Promotion
This is a copy of an E mail that I sent to Ben Ratliff, jazz critic for The New York Times It’s in response to a question concerning the market for jazz.
Ben,
I am a veteran jazz guitarist, born in Chicago but based in suburban Philadelphia.
I appreciate how you handle sensitive topics related to the Art of Jazz.
Being in this business for a long time as a musician, educator, author and lecturer, I have a somewhat different take on the subject of jazz musicians and audiences. Though it’s easy to blame the media and they deserve some of the blame, I think the biggest problem lies squarely on the shoulders of jazz musicians and the jazz community.
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