Jazz Phrase of the Week 7 – Sonny Stitt
In this week’s jazz phrase we take a look at a Sonny Stitt phrase that fits over the last 4 measures of the “A” section of a “Rhythm Change.” it’s also a useful phrase over any ii-V-I chord progression.
User didn't entered bio description.
All posts by: Dr. W. E. Smith
Jazz Phrase of the Week 6 – Dexter Gordon
In this week’s jazz phrase we take a look at a Dexter Gordon phrase that fits over a minor I chord.
Jazz Phrase of the Week 5 – John Coltrane
In this week’s jazz phrase we take a look at a John Coltrane phrase that fits over a I chord.
Jazz Phrase of the Week 4 – Charlie Parker
In this week’s jazz phrase we take a look at a Charlie Parker phrase that fits over a 2-measure ii-V-I chord change.
Jazz Theory and Improvisation Book
It’s HERE! The book is finally available You can get a physical copy through Create Space and an eCopy on this website Click Here for the eCopy Jazz as a Language: Jazz Theory & Improvisation Inside this book you will...
NEW VIDEO POSTED (Chick Corea Phrase) – JPOW2
There’s a new video posted on my channel showing you how to use a Chick Corea chromatic phrase. Check it out and subscribe to my channel while you’re there. You will find a lot of good resources to help you...
New Video Posted (Louis Armstrong Phrase)- JPOW1
There’s a new video posted on my channel showing you how to use a Louis Armstrong phrase over a tonic I chord. Check it out and subscribe to my channel while you’re there. You will find a lot of good...
Four Steps to Help You Memorize Chord Changes
Step 1 – Four Measure Phrase Segmentation Break the song down to four measure segments and take one segment to memorize each practice session. Just like when we eat a meal we don’t shove it all in our mouth, we...
David Baker – Composer and Educator Extraordinaire
For years I have been using Dr. David Baker’s books in my composition and jazz courses to help explain key concepts. Dr. Baker had a way of explaining ideas that was simple and direct as opposed to many of the...
The Sax That Ate the Band – Illinois Jacquet and His Big Sound
When I was growing up I would hear my dad would practice his tenor saxophone once in a while and the first thing he would play was Illinois Jacquet’s solo from “Flying Home.” It’s a real melodic solo that requires...