Here's part 3 of lessons where the focus is the process of learning a tune. I'm using Coltrane's "countdown" as the example.
Hi all – sometimes it's intimidating to post – because there are so many GREAT musicians/vibist on this site – but I see it as motivating. Please know: I am practicing an audio software for a class that I teach and thought it would be a good idea to record my efforts on the piece by Tony Miceli titled "watermarks" only up the improv section! anyway there's obviously accuracy issues and this week I'll slow it down get into the woodshed and workout phrasing issues – but let me know what you think anyway. (Especially Tony) thanks for commenting if you have time
In this clip I'm improvising with Pentatonics over "On Green Dolphin Street".
In addition to Pentatonics, there are some Upper Structure Triads (USTs) and Four Note Groupings (FNGs) in there. USTs and FNGS are two of the chapters in "The Complete Guide To Improvisation - Volume Two" that was just released.
The improvised solo in this clip was later transcribed by German vibist Volker Heuken.
To view and download Volker's transcription and the chart that lists the Pentatonics being used in this clip, click on the link below.
I decided that I would try posting some very very short etudes.
It's the conquering of material and ideas and technical things that make us play better and better. It's certainly not a half assed attempt at something that makes us better. I think half ass attempts at things help us be better half assed players. Great attempts at things no matter how big or how small make us great(er) players.
So this should be our goal right? To master something. I tell my students, if you come in with only 4 bars completed, they have to be played really really well!
Ok this is the B section to Green Dolphin Street. Can you hear it? If not play the tune on the vibes get it into your head then try again.
Fill in the chords. Study the harmony and the solo. can you see the flat 9s? all the altered notes?
Play in C and Eb (and other keys).
Record the chords and then play the line on top of the recording.
Do this in all keys. Can you see how this could really help you? Recording the chords and then playing the solo in every key! Yikes!
Put the chords in. Analyze the notes against the chords. Memorize it. Play it in at least C and Eb. try to do more keys! Work up the speed.
This way you're practicing a lot of things in the few bars that are here!
(Metronome on 2 and 4)
Here's the bridge of Green Dolphin Street. It's a shortude because I want you to master it. Play it in C and at least Eb.
Write in the changes.
Look at the notes and see where they are in the chord. i.e. #9 b5 etc.
I think this really sounds like the bridge. Can you hear that? So master just this and do something with it!