PlayJazz

In response to: "The Power of Positivity" 1 day old
by Minim ^Pro

I agree Chris - when you're playing with people you see as being better than you, it's easy to play defensively. That's why I think my new mantra helps - it's all about focusing on doing what you can do rather than trying not to suck!

However, playing with better players is also one of the best ways I know to improve as it can more…

In response to: "The Power of Positivity" 1 day old
by Chris [Visitor]

One thing where I realize the truth in these words is the circumstances under which you play. If you consider the skills of the group/band you play with at the same level or even lower than your own skills, the solos seem to stream out easily (you are confident). If you play with a band which is far better than what you can do, it's harder to get a more…

In response to: "Beware Of The Web!" 4 days old
by Minim ^Pro

Hi Tim. Thanks very much for the kind words about the blog - I'm really glad you enjoy it.

Yes I do teach jazz piano. Funny you should ask about videos actually as I'm in the process of trying to get something sorted at the moment but am actually a bit rubbish with technology. However, I can't really bang on about people not walking more…

In response to: "Power Tips - Record Yourself" 4 days old
by Minim ^Pro

Interesting comment Rafa, thanks.

Good point. As you improve as a player, your ability to evaluate your playing will doubtless improve because you'll be more aware of the details that need work and you will be familiar with the sounds you're trying to make, even if you aren't quite there yet.

Also, you'll h more…

In response to: "Beware Of The Web!" 4 days old
by Tim [Visitor]

Hi Barry, I really enjoy reading your posts - they always make a lot of sense to me. I was wondering - do you teach jazz piano ? and are there any videos of your playing anywhere on the web ? more…

In response to: "Power Tips - Record Yourself" 5 days old
by Rafel [Visitor]

Definitely, I need to record more, and I need to practice more... When I listen to own recordings, I feel 'the rush' (the rush to improve that you explained some posts ago).

Don't you think the better musician you are, the better you can evaluate yourself? Probably, most uneducated audiences can't tell the difference between an average more…

In response to: "Quick Tips - Jazz Blues" 17 days old
by Minim ^Pro

You're welcome Tim - glad you found the post useful... more…

In response to: "Quick Tips - Jazz Blues" 17 days old
by Tim [Visitor]

Thabks very much for this tip - it taght me something new about reharmonizing tunes - can't wait to try it all out when I get to a keyboard. more…

In response to: "Quick Tips - Jazz Blues" 18 days old
by Minim ^Pro

Yes, the Parker changes are usually played at quick tempos. One of the main goals should be to be able to play ideas that travel through the key changes rather than having to stop the idea when there's a change - easier said than done I know!

Playing in this kind of style, I often find a 'chord-tone with chromatic passing notes' appro more…

In response to: "Quick Tips - Jazz Blues" 18 days old
by Rafel [Visitor]

I've been playing for a while through Parker changes, and found them challenging! Those changes are complex, so they sound best to me when played at a fast tempo.
Usually I like putting effort in rhythm and melody rather than reharmonising a lot. Perhaps this will change over time...

PS: you tagged the post as "reharmonsation".< more…

In response to: "Getting Better Faster (Part Two) - Power Tips" 21 days old
by Minim ^Pro

Thanks Rafael, I hope you find the tips useful.

Btw, I published the first tip straight after this post but some of my email subscribers don't seem to have been notified.

If this applies to you, please be aware there is a new post with the first tip now available so log onto the main blog page (http://playjazzblog.co.uk) more…

In response to: "Getting Better Faster (Part Two) - Power Tips" 22 days old
by Rafel [Visitor]

It's nice to see the new section coming out! Surely, jazz musicians are in a hurry --it's the most difficult kind of music, and it isn't easy to wait and work through all those years. Of course, fast and noticeable improvements help us to get the strength of will we need... I'll be looking forward to learning new tips! more…

In response to: "The Power of Perception" 32 days old
by Minim ^Pro

Very true Rafa - It is funny how things seem much fresher if you haven't been able to play for a day or two.

I'm wondering if that's because the time away from your instrument stops you obsessing over the little details and allows you to be more aware of the 'big picture' of your playing... more…

In response to: "The Power of Perception" 32 days old
by Rafel [Visitor]

That totally applies to me, I manage to be "in the zone" every once in a while. It happens to me often when I've been a whole day or more without playing at all. Then, when I come back to the ivories, I miss it so much that every musical idea I have looks great to me. It's like when one drinks fresh water after being very thirsty. Music is a vital more…

In response to: "Find Your Voice" 34 days old
by Minim ^Pro

Django is definitely an inspiration and proof that if the music is in you, it will come out - regardless of supposed limitations.

Thinking about your last point, could we then say that technique is defined by personal taste? In other words, your technique will only develop to the level of your musical preferences?

I hadn' more…

In response to: "On not finding a teacher (Part 1)" 34 days old
by Minim ^Pro

Thanks for commenting Kurt. That's a good point, I'm a pianist myself so wouldn't necessarily think about that.

I try not to make my posts piano specific, but sometimes I will inevitably talk about voicings and pianistic things without even realising it! Nevertheless, I do hope my articles are mostly useful to players of any instru more…

In response to: "On not finding a teacher (Part 1)" 34 days old
by Kurt Kaufman [Visitor]

Thank you for your insightful review of useful jazz tuition books. I looked at both of the Levine volumes, and felt that an additional advantage of the Theory Book is in its simplification of typical passages by various influential pianists. For those of us with a less-than-stellar piano technique (or sight-reading ability, for that matter), thes more…

In response to: "Find Your Voice" 35 days old
by Rafel [Visitor]

True, there's no point on imitation and assimilation without innovation. Innovation and creativity aren't only the fun part of jazz, but the only part with which we can do a real contribution to this music (as you said, we already have MP3!). That's why I don't like classical music.

This subject reminds me of Django Reinhardt, who play more…

In response to: "A Call To Arms" 39 days old
by Minim ^Pro

Hi Rafael

Thanks very much for your comment. I don't know whether the situation here is different from in the US but I would imagine there's plenty of fine players not getting the satisfaction that they should be from their music on both sides of the Atlantic.

I've been as guilty as anyone of this but I'm determined to ma more…

In response to: "A Call To Arms" 39 days old
by Rafel [Visitor]

I totally agree. I wonder why there aren't more reflections like this one. It's about the very nature of the music we love, something we all should think about. If only everybody listened to this call to arms...

Here in Europe jazz might enjoy a better condition than in the USA, at least in some aspects. Not sure, I'm still young and g more…

In response to: "How to Practice" 381 days old
by Znethru ^Pro

"NOBODY practices like this every day" - my pupils certainly don't, anyway! more…