Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Best Exercise for Becoming a More Melodic Player Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

Brent is wrapping up the week on the podcast with a Fast Track Friday episode, reflecting on the fascinating discussions from the week. Topics ranged from bebop scales to the role of music theory in the journey of jazz greats. However, he identifies a potential pitfall: the "patternistic" and linear approach often associated with theory and scales.

In response, Brent introduces a powerful exercise aimed at enhancing your melodic prowess. The focus shifts to allowing your ear and intuition to guide your improvisation, fostering a melodic approach over a theoretical one.

Learn through practical examples as he demonstrates the beauty of creating tension, resolution, and evolving melodies without the shackles of predetermined constructs.
The exercise promotes a more organic, responsive, and melodic style of playing that aligns with the essence of jazz.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
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Did the Jazz Greats Use Music Theory? Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

In this Learn Jazz Standards podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from Tim Sly about whether jazz greats from the early days thought about music theory. He emphasizes how early jazz evolved spontaneously and wasn't necessarily written down.
Discover how jazz evolved without heavy reliance on theory, and why embracing both theory and ear training is crucial for a well-rounded musical journey.
Brent shares insights into the balance between learning by ear and understanding theory, creating a harmonious approach to jazz education.
Learn the role of theory in jazz while emphasizing the importance of improvisation and the rich heritage of this extraordinary musical genre.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

How Much Do I Need to Practice to Get Great At Jazz? Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Brent answers a question from Kevin, an Inner Circle member. This time, the spotlight is on a dilemma many players face: how much should you practice, and when does the time come to ease up?
Brent shares insights into the effectiveness of consistent, strategic, and enjoyable practice, emphasizing quality over quantity. Is it about practicing for hours on end, or can efficient and focused sessions get you where you want to be?
Discover the keys to mastering the art of practicing from the best jazz musicians and how it contributes to their proficiency. Whether you're starting your jazz journey or navigating the path to becoming a pro, this episode promises valuable insights to make your practice time truly count.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

How Do I Analyze Chord Changes And Construct Solos? Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Brent answers a question from Ed from St. Louis on how to construct killer solos when the breaks are short and snappy.
Whether facing a 12-bar blues or navigating complex jazz standards, Brent discusses his principles that hold the key to unlocking improvisational prowess.
Listen as he provides examples and encourages experimentation. Learn about his perspective on the practical application of bebop scales in improvisation.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

How to Use the Bebop Scales In Jazz Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Brent breaks down the application of bebop scales in major, dominant, and minor chords, revealing the magic of chromatic passing tones. He emphasizes viewing the bebop scale as a tool to grasp chromaticism in jazz language rather than as rigid improvisational rules.
Discover the art of improvisation and learn how bebop scales can elevate your jazz playing. Uncover practical insights and gain a fresh perspective on utilizing scales in your musical expression.
The goal is to deepen the understanding of the bebop scale's practical application in jazz playing.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

How to Develop Your Own Sound Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

In this Fast Track Friday episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent discusses strategies for developing one's own sound in jazz improvisation. He emphasizes the importance of taking influence from a wide variety of jazz musicians, exploring other instruments, and diversifying musical influences outside of jazz.
Brent suggests that learning solos from musicians who don't play the same instrument can provide fresh perspectives and ideas. Additionally, he encourages the practice of composition as a means of internalizing and expressing individual musical ideas.
Finally, Brent recommends experimenting with different approaches to the instrument, such as exploring various scales, fingerings, or tunings, to foster creativity and unique sounds.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

How Do I Play More Creative Ideas in My Solos? Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses Gary Cavallar's question on shifting focus from playing notes to creating more organic saxophone solos. Brent explores ways to enhance creativity and improvisation. He suggests analyzing habits and incorporating new tools to break repetitive patterns.
Learning more jazz language, including licks and solos from musicians, is crucial for expanding musical ideas. Brent emphasizes the importance of composition, either composing full solos or individual choruses, to internalize and refine ideas.
Lastly, he advises self-analysis by recording and evaluating one's playing to identify strengths and areas for improvement, thus fostering a more creative and natural approach to improvisation.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

How Jazz Pianists and Guitarists Should Play Together Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses the age-old question of proper etiquette when two chording instruments, such as guitar and piano, play together in a jam session.
He emphasizes the importance of serving the music and avoiding a chaotic clash of chords. Brent suggests various scenarios, such as taking turns comping or having one instrument play a more subtle role. Personal preference may lead to being the primary or secondary comper, but the key is always serving the music and respecting each musician's role.
The key is to prioritize musicality and ensure that everyone contributes to creating a cohesive and enjoyable musical experience.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

How to Get Better At Swing Feel and Jazz Phrasing Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from Roxanna, a classically trained pianist struggling with jazz rhythm and phrasing. Brent explains the essence of the swing feel in jazz, emphasizing the triplet-based rhythm.
He advises starting with simple exercises, such as playing major scales with a swing feel. The discussion extends to jazz phrasing, highlighting the importance of learning by ear from great jazz musicians.
Brent encourages musicians, especially those from classical backgrounds, to internalize jazz phrasing and rhythm through this immersive process, making it an integral part of their practice routine.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

What's the Best Way to Play Chromatic Jazz Lines? Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

In this podcast episode, Brent addresses Jacqueline's question about chromatic passing tones and accents. He emphasizes the importance of understanding swing feel and how it influences accenting in jazz.
Brent introduces two types of chromatic note and provides insights into accenting these notes, highlighting that accents often depend on individual musical intuition and can vary based on the context, the musician's style, and specific nuances in phrasing.
Brent encourages experimentation and learning from other musicians to develop a natural feel for accenting chromatic lines.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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