Masterclass
In this masterclass, vocalist Marianne Solivan is talking Jazz vocal phrasing and how to create a practice technique to build your own personal style.
Through the examples of Ella Fitzgerald, Dianne Reeves and Sarah Vaughan, Marianne will teach you:
- what to listen for
- the most commonly used phrasing perimeters
- How to practice these perimeters
Introduction
So What is the first track of the album Kind Of Blue and probably the most famous example of modal jazz. Here are a few key elements that will be developed in the course: • Form: classic AABA, 32 bars. • Modal Structure: “So What” is structured around a modal framework, specifically the Dorian mode. […]
Freddie Freeloader
Good to see you ! Table of Contents Introduction “Freddie Freeloader” is a composition by Miles Davis and is the second track on his 1959 album Kind of Blue. The piece takes the form of a twelve-bar blues in Bb, but the chord over the final two bars of each chorus is an bVII7, the backdoor dominant to go […]
All Blues
Good to see you ! Table of Contents Introduction to “All Blues” from Kind of Blue “All Blues” is one of the iconic tracks from Miles Davis’ legendary Kind of Blue album, recorded in 1959. While it is fundamentally a blues composition, it diverges from traditional blues forms, especially in its harmonic structure and rhythmic feel. This […]
Miles Davis: The Path to Kind of Blue
Join the discussion filled with music examples and revealing insights, presented by Ashley Kahn, author of Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece. It traces Miles’ earliest years, explaining the “why”s and the “how”s of the creative path that led him to record his masterpiece of modal jazz.
So What
Good to see you ! Table of Contents Introduction So What is the first track of the album Kind Of Blue and probably the most famous example of modal jazz. a must-know for those who want to learn jazz standards. Here are a few key elements that will be developed in the course: • Form […]
Fly Me To The Moon
Good to see you ! Table of Contents Introduction “Fly Me to the Moon” has seen 2 major transformations since it was composed in 1954 by Bart Howard. Originally titled “In Other Words” and written as 3/4 ballad, you can hear it in the first recording by Kaye Ballard in 1954, Quincy Jones arranged it […]
Pentatonic shape from Ravel
Pentatonic scales, cherished in jazz by artists like John Coltrane, trace their roots to ancient China and Greece. In this lesson we use a motif from a piece by French composer Maurice Ravel to practice in different transposing cycles.
The Enduring Legacy of Johnny Hodges and his Timeless Elegance
Who is Johnny Hodges? Welcome, fellow saxophonists and jazz enthusiasts, to another exciting article of our jazz education program! Today, in celebration of the birth of Johnny Hodges on July 25, 1907, we embark on a journey to explore the mesmerizing world of The Rabbit, a true icon whose music and influence have left an […]
The Anatomy of a Saxophone Mouthpiece: A Comprehensive Guide
The saxophone is a beautiful and versatile instrument that produces a wide range of sounds. However, the true magic of the saxophone lies in its mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is the heart of the saxophone, and it is responsible for producing the sound that we all know and love. But have you ever wondered what goes […]
JVL Masterclasses
Progressing in jazz goes far beyond collecting theory or watching disconnected lessons. To truly master jazz, you need to embody it, daily and on stage, with creativity, fluency, and expression. That’s exactly the goal of every jazz masterclass offered by Jazz Video Lessons. Since 2013, our online platform, created by saxophonist Alex Terrier, has become […]
Sam Dillon
Sam Dillon Ambassador Here is your opportunity to study with Sam Dillon who is a saxophonist, woodwind player, composer and teacher based in New York. He has two fantastic masterclasses for advanced players that will help you elevate your playing. In 2013 S. Dillon was selected as a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone […]
JVL Masters
Who are the Jazz Masters? They are the artists whose performance shaped generations. The mentors whose teachings continue to inspire today’s students, musicians, and educators. Studying their journey, musical language, and artistic vision deepens your practice, sharpens your listening, and broadens your appreciation of jazz music. The Jazz Master: more than a virtuoso In the […]
10 tips to master jazz improvisation
Improvisation is a crucial aspect of jazz music, and it can be intimidating for beginners to dive into. However, with consistent practice and a focus on the fundamentals, anyone can learn to improvise in this iconic American art form.
In this article, we will go over 10 tips that can help you master jazz improvisation and take your playing to the next level.
Tea For Two
Table of Contents Introduction Welcome to our lesson on the jazz standard “Tea for Two” which was written in 1924 by Vincent Youmans. It was introduced in May 1924 by Phyllis Cleveland and John Barker during the Chicago pre-Broadway run of the musical No, No, Nanette. In this class we listen and compare versions by Lester Young, Nicholas Payton, […]