LESSON 1: Hip Lick #2 – Video Lesson

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.

This lesson also includes strategies for using the lick for ear training, high-speed technical practice, as well as lots of cool variations on the lick. Includes detailed PDF lesson practice notes in C, Bb and Eb. Intermediate Level.

LESSON 2: 7 Modes of Major – The Mode Sandwich
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.

The low and high C’s act as the top and bottom pieces of bread, with the seven different flavors of modes between the two C’s. Also includes a fun device to memorize the order of the mode names. A fun video of essentials for all players. Beginning & Intermediate level, with PDF practice notes.

LESSON 3: Interactive Metronome Practice
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.”

The solo is full of playful rhythmic twists and turns which interact with the clicks of the metronome. Includes a PDF transcription of the solo for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate & Advanced Level.

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LESSON 1: Hip Lick #11 – Video lesson
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.

This lesson is packed with lots of useful suggestions for creating variations on the lick. It also includes a practice strategy using my “speed bag” technique. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes for C, Bb and Eb instruments. Intermediate level.

LESSON 2: 7 Note Tape Measure® Scales
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.

Includes PDF lesson notes. Intermediate and Advanced Level.

LESSON 3: Intervals in Action – Perfect 5ths Introduction Video
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.

LESSON 4: Perfect 5ths – Greg Fishman Tenor Sax Demo
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.

It is interesting to note that when I recorded this video, I was listening to the sound of the piano and then figuring out the chords in real-time as they were played. For me, this is great ear-training! In post video production, I have placed a graphic with the chord symbols on the screen, so that you can watch me play the notes and also seeing the chord symbols

LESSON 5: Bb Edition – Perfect 5ths Piano Accompaniment
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.

If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument. BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.

INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.”

LESSON 6: Eb Edition – Perfect 5ths Piano Accompaniment
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.

If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument.

BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.

INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.

LESSON 7: C Edition – Perfect 5ths – Piano Accompaniment
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.

If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument.

BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.

INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.”

LESSON 3: Listening Recommendation: Sonny Stitt – Personal Appearance
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite Sonny Stitt albums, Personal Appearance, recorded in 1957.

LESSON 1: Voice Leading 101 – Part 1 of 2
In this two-part video lesson, I take you through the essentials of voice leading, introducing you to the concept from the keyboard, making it very easy for your ear to follow along.

I cover four essential voice-leading moves over a ii / V / I. Incorporating these moves into your playing will make your playing sound smooth and connected. Every pro player uses these moves. I use a special vocal sound patch on the keyboard, which really makes it easy to hear the voice leading lines in the demonstration.

I break the lesson down to that even non-pianists will be able to get the essence of the concept and put it on their horns. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate Level.

LESSON 2: Voice Leading 101 – Part 2 of 2
This video lesson continues where part 1 left off, showing you how to take the individual voice leading lines and combine them to form melodies.

I include strategies to create two-part, three-part and four-part melodies based on the voice leading lines. PDF practice materials include very detailed notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate & Advanced Level.

LESSON 3: Chicago Ave (Satin Doll) – Melodic Embellishment
In this video lesson, I demonstrate the concept of melodic embellishment, using my composition “Chicago Avenue” from “Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone, Volume 1.” This is a medium tempo swing piece based on chords similar to “Satin Doll.” In the lesson, I’ll show you how I embellish the original melody of Chicago Avenue by connecting new notes to the original melody.

I demonstrate approaches using arpeggios, fills and melodic variations as I take you through the piece. This is an essential skill for all improvisers. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 4: Listening Recommendation: The Hi Lo’s: And All That Jazz
Recorded in 1958, this masterpiece by the Hi-Lo’s is one of my favorite vocal jazz albums. The Hi-Lo’s, comprised of four male vocalists: Clark Burroughs, Gene Puerling, Bob Strasen and Bob Morse.

They were one of the first (and best IMHO) jazz vocal groups to incorporate modern jazz harmony, complete with chord clusters including b9/#9, #11, etc. They had impeccable timing and intonation. This album teams them up with one of my favorite arrangers, the great Mary Paich, with an all-star cast of jazz players including: Jack Sheldon, Mel Lewis, Herb Geller and Bud Shank. Listening to their beautiful harmonizations is a lesson in voice leading and great for ear training. Also, they just have so much fun when they sing, it’s always a pleasant listening experience. Some of their stuff can range from ultra sophisticated to a bit tongue-in-cheek corny, but with a sort of wink….they’re just having fun with all of it. You’ll hear that on the tune “Lady in Red.” This is a long time favorite album for me. I hope that you enjoy it.

LESSON 1: Bebop Scale Highway – Part 1 of 3
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.

LESSON 2: Bebop Scale Highway – Part 2 of 3
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.

LESSON 3: Bebop Scale Highway – Part 3 of 3
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.

LESSON 4: Listening Recommendation: Antonio Carlos Jobim – Wave
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.

The album features two of Jobim’s biggest hits — Wave and Triste, two staples in the Brazilian/Jazz repertoire.

LESSON 1: Four Directions – Thinking Locally and Globally

I often mention practicing in four directions for gaining mastery over your scales, chords and intervals. In this video lesson, I explore and explain the four directions. I describe the difference between thinking “locally” and “globally” when playing a sequential pattern.

This is a major concept that will help you improve your ear and your ability to memorize songs and musical vocabulary. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Finding the hidden Diminished and Augmented Chords in the Chromatic Scale

In this video lesson, I show you how to use the chromatic scale to diminished chords and augmented chords. Although I demonstrate these same chords in different video lessons (playing all of them on piano), this is an alternative approach, designed to help players that find it a real challenge learning the traditional way.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes.

LESSON 3: Exploring Hip Lick #37

In this video lesson, I work with lick #37 from the book “Hip Licks for Saxophone Volume 1.” This is a two-measure C7 lick that uses part of the bebop scale, contrary motion, sequence and a diatonic enclosure.

The lesson explores the lick from many different angles, taking the first half of the lick as a stand-alone lick. I also demonstrate how to create lots of rhythmic variations on the lick, as well as how to transpose the lick not only to twelve keys but how to make the first half of the lick in one key, while transposing only the second part of the lick. Whether you’re just starting out, and intermediate player, or a seasoned pro, there’s something in this lesson for all levels.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 4: The “Dooden” Tongue

In this video lesson, I share my technique for this popular special effect tonguing used by Getz, Bird, Pres and many of the top players from the Swing/Bop era. This one is intentionally an “all-ear” lesson, so there are no practice notes on this one.

Be sure and play along with me where indicated in the portion of the lesson where we’ll trade back and forth with the rhythm on the concert G while using the dooden tonguing effect. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Clifford Brown • Max Roach

This amazing 1958 album has so many classics…Daahoud, Joy Spring, Jordu, Parisian Thoroughfare…all on the same album. The beauty and symmetry of Clifford’s playing throughout this album is breathtaking.

Also, check out the interaction between Max Roach and Clifford. Harold Land also is in great form on this album. One of my favorites.