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Jazz Language: Phrasing
Definition, types, and examples of phrasing in the jazz language. Updated 2025 Phrasing, in this post, is the placement of the melodic lines in different parts of the bar. An effective way of organizing the phrasing is playing from weak bars to strong bars or from weak part of the bar to strong part of the bar, imitating the dominant-tonic cadence or tension-release. Jazz Language: Phrasing Phrasing: Forward Motion Phrasing: from weak bar to strong bar Willis “Gator” Jackson. “Blue Gator” (1959). Phrasing from weak bar to strong bar. Min 0:00-4:00 and min 7:28-end. https://youtu.be/_57RwSeGZ54 Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis. Read more…
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Jazz Improvisation: 100 resources to build a personal solo
Elements of jazz improvisation included in the Jazz Improvisation Workbook Updated 2023 Approaches to jazz improvisation Some approaches the improviser can use while soloing: Melodic approach: scales, chords, melodic patterns, embellishments, quotes, clichés, silence. Harmonic approach: textures, different types of chords, chromaticism. Rhythmic approach: syncopated rhythmic patterns, rhythmic displacement, odd meters. Expressive approach: dynamics, articulations, ghost notes, effects, interpretation in relation to the beat, swing. Voice, Tone and Mood Voice is a unique trait of the improviser. Voice is a combination of an artist´s characteristics, it´s not a planned elaboration. Tone is the musician´s attitude expressed with the interpretation. Read more…
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Introduction to Jazz Rhythm and Articulation
A guide to playing with swing Updated 2025 Swing is the perfect balance between tension and release Basic Syncopated Rhythmic Patterns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00Q4mqhGtgo copyright©danielfedele2025 Share this:TwitterFacebookPinterestPrintEmail Read more…
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Jazz Standards with Unusual Time Signatures
Odd, complex, irregular time signatures. Combined unusual time signatures. Jazz standards composed in 4/4 and played with an unusual time signature. Polyrhythms, cross-rhythms. Updated 2025 4/4 is the most used time signature in jazz because it´s not as closed as 2/4 and 3/4 and allows more rhythmic variations inside the bar. 4/4 is related to dancing. Unusual time signatures are difficult to dance. 3/4 Toots Thielemans. The Whistler and his Guitar (1964). “Bluesette”. 3/4 https://youtu.be/Oi4G6UmYK9U Max Roach. Jazz In 3/4 Time (1956). 3/4 https://youtu.be/6H280V8IHy8 Charles Mingus. Mingus Ah Um (1959). “Better Git It In Your Soul”. 3/4 Bill Evans. Read more…
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Jazz Language: Play-A-Longs
Updated 2025 Jazz Play-A-Longs or backing tracks is a system created by saxophonist Jamey Aebersold in the seventies. They allow the student to play over a recording made by a rhythm section of well-known jazz musicians. The most used series are those of Jamey Aebersold and Hal Leonard. 1 Jamey Aebersold Jamey Aebersold´s Jazz Play-A-Long series are recorded by jazz musicians but they don´t play the melody of the jazz standard, just the harmony and rhythm. The piano or the bass can be silenced with the sound balance. The series can be found at: www.jazzbooks.com Jamey Aebersold. Introduction. Read more…