Jazz is not a style, it’s a process. It’s one minute’s music in one minute’s time. — Bill Evans This is one of the most important things I’ve seen, read, or heard, on the creative process in general and jazz improvisation in particular. Part 1: Master fundamentals A few things to note: [Bill Evans believes it’s necessary […]
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Compare Branford Marsalis and Sting Performing Roxanne…22 Years Apart
I often point to this as my blueprint for what saxophone in a pop setting can be: For my money it gets no better. But thanks to YouTube, we have the opportunity to compare and contrast that performance with one from 22 years earlier: Lots to glean from this. (Hint: maturity; nuance.)
75 Years after Coleman Hawkins Records Body & Soul, What’s so Great about It?
75 years ago this month, Coleman Hawkins recorded what would become one of the most legendary jazz recordings. I didn’t always like this recording. When I first heard it, as a jazz newbie, all I noticed was the crappy recording quality, the hiss, crackle and pops. How “old” it sounded, etc. Now? I could listen […]
How My Practice Journal from 20 Years Ago Led to Performing with Joshua Redman
Ultimate Thanks to Bob Reynolds for lending me his horn last minute – on his Birthday no less! Saved my ass. Great musician. True friend. — Joshua Redman (@Joshua_Redman) September 30, 2014 Last week I spent my birthday performing with Joshua Redman. He even played an entire gig on my saxophone. It was incredible. Post […]
John Coltrane Played Poetry…Literally
My jaw dropped when I discovered this. James Carey describes his video creation: A few years ago, knowing I absolutely adored the John Coltrane album, “A Love Supreme” my wife gave me this incredible book by Ashley Kahn : “A Love Surpreme/The Story of John Coltrane’s Signature Album.” Reading the book, I discovered something remarkable: […]
You’ve got to hear this Ben Webster phrase
I was too excited about this to type it out…so I made a little video. Here’s the track (but make sure to get the album; half the fun is the liner notes and outtakes): http://youtu.be/x0_GJSpV_u4 Ben’s buttery phrase closes out his chorus ~3:30. Enjoy!