Trying to find ways to play tunes solo. By that I mean concepts and ways to simply play tunes on the vibes and improvise your accompaniment.
'We had a great vibe coffee hang with Gary! '
We talked about a lot interested things. Had some great questions!!!
I played really simple. It should be fairly easy to transcribe.
🚨 Play a Great Blues in 3 Months – Week 7
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been working with phrases drawn from Milt Jackson’s vocabulary, building full choruses from short melodic ideas.
This week, we continue that approach—but with a specific focus:
👉 Using augmented triads over dominant chords
You’ll notice that certain moments in the chorus highlight the sound of the augmented triad (1–3–#5), giving the lines a bit more tension and forward motion.
Check out the attached PDF!
This will take a little explaining.
First we had a zoom meeting with microphone designer Ron Oswanski. He used to work for Amt microphones and is now out on his own and has made a beautiful vibe microphone so I had him come and talk about it.
That's the easy part to explain the hard part is what happens next. If you don't know what Google Notebook LM is you need to check it out it's mind blowing.
Here's an etude on the tune I Could Write A Book. Chord melody and solo.
I wrote in the chords for the first time through the tune. You write the rest in and look at the alterations of the chords!
Check out the audio to see what it's supposed to sound like. I'd love to see you post your version!
The vibe sample is from the company Orange Tree. And if you know who Ed Smith is, it's his vibes and mallets. Sound great!
🚨 Play a Great Blues in 3 Months – Week 5
So far in this series, we’ve focused on building a strong comping foundation:
• Guide tones in the left hand
• Smooth voicing movement
• Consistent time and rhythm
This week, we shift the focus toward line development.
👉 Using 3rds and 7ths, we begin outlining the blues with single-note lines, helping you connect harmony in a clear and musical way.
