Here's a 2 part lesson on rhythm changes. The lesson plan contains the break down.

Here is a two part etude on rhythm changes. The first is a solo with a pdf of the transcription.

Part 2 is a chorus of comping with the transcribed music in a pdf from.

Also are audio files with all the parts and then without the play along parts.

You should memorize both solos and play them in different keys to study them.

The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought.

Isn't that an incredible quote. I found online with no source. That's what music is to me. To me that's what we're all trying to do through improv. That's why I don't like a lot of terms, or steps to getting somewhere in playing music. The fewer steps and the fewer terms will free you from the tyranny of conscious thought!

Do you like that quote?

Here's part 2 of the "rhythm changes 1" etude. Here's a chorus of comping to check out and study. I have right above are all the parts together. You can print out the score to the comping and listen.

Below is the PDF score of the comping and an audio file without the comping.

This is a solo that me and Tony came up with last week. I had to play it in 12 keys. It was fun! Hope you guys try it as well.

I didn't write the chords down. I think is a good exercise to try to figure them out by ear using the lines.

Have fun!! :)

I was listening to my iTunes this morning and this track came up in the shuffle. I figured I would share it. I recorded this with the University of Texas at Arlington Jazz Orchestra in 2006. I am playing the vibes and all the percussion (overdubbed).

p.s. I quote CP's Anthropology on this too (LOL!)

So I spent 16 hours today, switching my basement (ahem, video studio) around. I know have a bigger space as my house is on an angle street, so one side of the house is wider than the other.

Should be totally cool for the vibe hang. Much more room.

Now I lay me down to sleep!!!! It's late.

That video is not vibes, and just for fun, but I thought this guy had a very special "four mallet technique"...

And I was just wondering if any of you would like to try this on vibes?

After all, no more handles, no more hand pains, wounds, callus or any trouble!

Huh? ;o)

After you get past the suit, you'll realize what a monster Artie is. He's a lounge player in vegas and I think he plays his butt off!

I've seen this before and Joe just saw it over at youtube and emailed me and said "YOU HAVE TO POST THIS".

Wait till the cadenza.

Here's a rhythm changes solo I played.

The best way to learn all this is to transcribe the legends, Dextor, Clifford, Parker, Sonny etc.

I thought putting out some solos might be a good way to break into all that. You should consider even transcribing some of this to get practice.

Above is the whole solo. Below is the solo in mp3 format, without the vibes and an audio file with 3 choruses of drums and bass. Also a pdf of the solo and then a complete midi file of what I did.