4 Lesson course
MODULE 31
5 Lesson course
MODULE 30
5 Lesson course
MODULE 29
5 Lesson course
MODULE 28
5 Lesson course
MODULE 27
5 Lesson course
MODULE 26
6 Lesson course
MODULE 25
5 Lesson course
MODULE 24
8 Lesson course
MODULE 23
MODULE 32
4 Lesson course
MODULE 31
5 Lesson course
MODULE 30
5 Lesson course
MODULE 29
5 Lesson course
MODULE 28
5 Lesson course
MODULE 27
5 Lesson course
MODULE 26
Module 32
Perhaps you’re familiar with the term “Bebop Scale.” The most common form of the scale is to play a descending Mixolydian scale with the addition of a major seventh. This extra note causes a shift in the placement of the notes in the scale, shifting the primary chord tones on the downbeats.
In part 2 of this lesson the Bebop Scale highway, I demonstrate how to combine different exits for the descending or “Southbound” form of the scale. I also introduce four different exits for the ascending or “Northbound” version of the scale. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate and advanced level.
In part three of this lesson, I demonstrate several different ways to practice the scale and the variations as I play along with Aebersold Volume 16 at a slow practice tempo and also at a fast, professional level tempo. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate and advanced level.
Recorded in 1967, this masterpiece by Antonio Carlos Jobim is one of my favorite albums, in no small part because of the incredibly beautiful arranging and orchestrations of the great Claus Ogerman. Jobim, himself is on piano and guitar, and Ron Carter is playing bass.
Module 31
In this video lesson, I demonstrate the concept of melodic embellishment, using my composition “Ogden Avenue” from “Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone, Volume 1.”
This is part one of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones.
This is part two of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones. I use the fun analogy of cake, frosting, and sprinkles to show you how to apply lower and upper neighboring tones on major and minor chords.
This is part three of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones. I use the fun analogy of cake, frosting, and sprinkles to show you how to apply lower and upper neighboring tones on major and minor chords.
One of my all-time favorite Count Basie albums, E=MC2. Neal Hefti arrangements. The band is just smokin’ on this one. I love the close miking, as well. Feels like we’re in the same room with the band. The Basie band conveys such power, but it’s never forced. Beautiful buoyancy to the feel. Great solos. A great addition to any serious jazz collection.
Module 30
In this video lesson, I demonstrate the concept of melodic embellishment, using my composition “Milwaukee Avenue” from “Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone, Volume 1.”
In this video lesson, I show you what I call the “Dexter Bb Shake.” I named it for Dexter Gordon because I first noticed the way that he used the effect.
In this video, I demonstrate an intense style of articulation that I learned from listening to one of my favorite players, the great Sonny Rollins. Sonny has an incredible amount of energy and power in his playing, and he’s developed an incredibly percussive style of articulation which introduces short notes in the middle of fast-moving eighth-note lines.
In this video, I discuss one of my favorite Sonny Rollins albums, “Sonny Rollins Plus 4.” This is on the Prestige record label, recorded in 1956.
Module 29
In this video lesson, I share some essential voice-leading strategies which will transform your chord arpeggios, making them sound smooth and professional.
In this video lesson, I share some essential voice-leading strategies which will transform your chord arpeggios, making them sound smooth and professional.
Hip Lick #49 is based on Cmi7. It’s a two-measure lick that outlines the primary notes of the chord (7-5-3-1) while also including some popular bebop elements, such as the opening triplet rhythm on the first beat.
Many students come to me with the same issue…they want to have a smooth sound when playing eighth-note lines, but no matter how slowly they practice, they still have a “choppy” sound. This is a tricky problem to correct because it has several causes.
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Marcos Valle’s “Samba ’68.” It’s deceptive because it sounds so light and fluffy and simple. Actually, it’s incredibly deep, sophisticated writing with some of the catchiest melodies I’ve ever heard.
Module 28
In this video lesson, I share some of my techniques for getting the sounds in your head to come out on your horn.
In this video lesson, we’ll explore one of my favorite harmonic settings a minor second interval, acting as the 3rd / 9th / 3rd of a minor seventh chord. This has a very Getzian kind of sound…smooth and melodic. Includes page 22 from “Intervals in Action,” plus detailed PDF practice guide for C, Bb and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
In this video lesson, I explore what I call the “Phil Woods” turnaround lick. It uses two voice-leading notes to create a beautifully balanced, melodic line of eighth-notes.
Part of the bebop tradition involves the usage of both upper extensions and implied harmony. The mixing of the minor triad with a diminished seventh chord adds a strong harmonic boost to any minor passage.
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Charlie Parker’s masterpiece album, “Charlie Parker with Strings.” The album features popular standards from the Great American Songbook, arranged for the strings-plus-rhythm section. Parker at his most eloquent. One of my all-time favorites.
Module 27
In this video lesson, you’ll observe me working with my Skype student Ritchie Graham (in Scotland). Over the years, many students have struggled with this double-time passage that I composed for my etude “Ravenswood Avenue.”
LESSON 2: Confirmation Changes / Hyde Park Blvd w/Aebersold
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to nail the changes on Confirmation through good voice-leading, demonstrated in my contrafact for Confirmation, titled “Hyde Park Boulevard.”
In this video, I read the first chapter of my book, “The Lobster Theory.” This chapter is called “Lifting Weights,” and it’s about the importance of practicing each day.
In this video lesson, I’ll show you a very cool Sonny Stitt triplet pattern that works great over a ii mi7 / V7 progression.
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, guitarist Wes Montgomery’s 1966 Verve album, “Tequila.”
Module 26
In this four-part lesson, I’ll show you my process for transcribing solos. This lesson is really dense and packed with tips and techniques for transcribing. For the demonstration of how to transcribe, I’ve selected the first chorus of a Sonny Stitt blues called “Down With It.”
In the old days, none of this technology existed, and I would transcribe from a cassette player, and then directly from a CD player (which still actually works pretty well). The main thing to remember is to be very patient while transcribing and to have lots of patience with yourself and with the process.
In this video lesson, I’ll show you a very cool and useful pattern based on a triplet rhythm, using the chromatic scale. This pattern works incredibly well to nail the changes of a minor ii / V / i chord progression.
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, the Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane album on the Prestige label. The album features lots of catchy bebop-oriented tunes plus one ballad with Coltrane duet with Kenny Burrell on guitar. Great album!
Module 25
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #8 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1.
In this video lesson, I demonstrate how I like to use the 4th of the scale or chord to create tension and then resolve the note to the 3rd or 5th. Many aspiring players have been told that the 4th is an “avoid note.” This is very bad advice because all players need to know how to deal with this note when it comes up. You can’t just ignore it or avoid it.
Many group members have written to me, asking for a video lesson teaching them how to get a big, powerful sound on their palm keys. In this video, I share my unique approach to getting a full, big tone on the palm keys.
If you’ve ever had trouble getting a nice sound on your palm keys, this video will be transformative. Includes PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
In this video lesson, I share what I call the “Coltrane Triplets.” This is a way of practicing your chord arpeggios with triplets.
CLICK HERE to download PDF lesson materials
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Dave Brubeck’s monumental 1959 recording, “Time Out,” featuring the great Paul Desmond on alto.
Module 24
In this video lesson, we work with Hip Lick #11. This is an extremely useful lick. It’s just six notes, and it fits a Dmi7 chord, a G7 chord, or both chords, with the first four notes of the lick over the Dmi7 and the final two notes over the G7 chord.
In this video lesson, I take you through the seven note tape measure® scales in all four directions, played in the cycle. There are some very interesting note groupings on this one, with some shifting accents as you change keys.
In this video lesson, we’ll explore 34 different harmonizations of a perfect 5th interval.
I have played all of the chords on the piano, placing the interval in the upper voice of the right hand. Focus on the way that the sound of the interval changes with each new chord. Important: In order to use the PDF play-along and read it without having to transpose, be sure to select and play the video that corresponds to the key of your instrument (C, Bb or Eb). Intermediate & Advanced level. Includes PDF of Intervals in Action page 69, which corresponds to the video.
In this video, I play the chord arpeggios, followed by the perfect fifth interval of C to G on the tenor. A transcription of this performance is included as a PDF with this lesson.
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Bb Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Eb Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Concert C Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite Sonny Stitt albums, Personal Appearance, recorded in 1957.
Module 23
This video lesson starts with a demonstration of the lick played in several keys, followed by a step-by-step approach showing you how to create the lick.
In this video lesson, I explore the traditional way the modes are taught and then demonstrate my system of playing all of the modes “sandwiched” between a low and high C.
In this video lesson, I share an approach to working with the metronome in which the metronome is an active, rhythmic part of the solo. I have the metronome clicking on 2 & 4, and I make up a solo based on the chords of “Take the A Train.”
In this video lesson, I show you my technique for hearing the metronome on beats two and four.
In this video lesson, I discuss one of my favorite Dexter Gordon albums.
Module 22
In this video, I share what I consider to be the six essential elements needed to sound like a professional player. I demonstrate the elements through an original blues tune, titled “The Six of Diamonds.”
In this video lesson, I share my approach to breathing. If you’ve ever felt short of breath while playing or felt that your tone was a bit thin, this lesson is a must. In addition to the technique of breathing, I also discuss jaw position on the mouthpiece while breathing, as well as my thoughts on long tones. ALL LEVELS. Includes PDF text notes with bullet-point lesson summary.
In this video, I share my approach for getting more impact from short notes. There is a big distinction in the way that a pro player approaches short notes in the middle of a phrase.
The issue is whether the short note is slurred into or tongued as it is played. I demonstrate the two approaches and provide examples to help train your ear to clearly hear the difference between a “low impact” and “high impact” short note. If you want pro-like short notes in your lines, this lesson is essential, and a total game-changer. ALL LEVELS. Includes PDF lesson notes.
In this video, I share my system for learning and practicing diatonic triads. These triadic chord structures often get overlooked, but they’re essential for all players.
In this video lesson, I share some of my thoughts about the innovative way in which Stan Getz introduced the new Bossa Nova style to the world. Also includes a short demo of Getz playing diatonic triads.
Module 21
In this video lesson, I share my unique system for learning the cycle by combining two whole-tone scales. While I’ve shared this concept of using these scales in a previous video, I’ve had many requests to demonstrate my “shuffled cards” analogy on camera.
Speedbag with Major 2nds
In this video lesson, I work with page 23 from my book, “Intervals in Action,” to show you how I use the “speedbag” technique with Major 2nd intervals to increase and improve the speed, accuracy and control of my technique on the saxophone. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes a PDF of the page from the book that was used in the video.
In this video lesson, I demonstrate many different practice strategies for working with Section 1 of the book “Intervals in Action.” Topics covered include: Creating new rhythms, playing the intervals in a 5/4 time, playing in retrograde (backwards), playing in tritone pairs, and more! Includes a PDF of the full page used in the video lesson. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED.
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #5 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1.
In this video lesson, I discuss some of my favorite elements of these two amazing player’s styles.