What you will learn:
Topic 1: RHYTHM
- Swing
- Comparing the classical beat & jazz beat (Duke Ellington)
- Subdivision of the jazz beat exercise by Danilo Perez
Topic 2: Playing in a rhythm section
- What’s going on inside the rhythm section? Conversation, call & response, accompanying/supporting/instigating
- What’s the responsibility of the rhythm section: defining / organizing the form of the song
- Be a GREAT listener – develop your ability to listen and play at the same time!
Topic 3:
- Learn to play your instrument
- Listen to the great rhythm sections – Miles Davis Quintets; Wynton Kelly/Paul Chambers/Philly Joe Jones (Jimmy Cobb); John Coltrane Quartet, Cedar Walton-Sam Jones-Billy Higgins; Oscar Peterson Trio; Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers; Bill Evans Trio, Keith Jarrett Trio; Count Basie w/Freddie Green (guitar), Eddie Jones (bass),Percival “Sonny” Payne (drums)
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- Transcribe, play along…as I heard Jimmy Heath & Clark Terry say: First you imitate, then assimilate, finally innovate: PIANISTS
Topic 4: FOR PIANISTS
- Playing good voicings with good rhythm – rhythmic sensibility
- Playing good comping phrases
- Building a wealth of comping vocabulary (ex: Herbie Hancock, Kenny Kirkland)
