Welcome to episode 211 of the LJS Podcast where today we have special guest Mike Casey on the show to talk to us about arranging jazz standards so you can make them your own unique expression.

Mike lays down the value with lots of practical tips for improving your jazz improv, gives us insight to his musical growth, and gives us examples of how to arrange jazz standards.

Once you've learned the jazz standard and feel comfortable with it, you may think to yourself, well, I know how to play the melody, I know how to play the changes. I can go to a jam session or even a gig and play it with other musicians. But then, what do I do with it after that? How do I make it my own? How do I give it my own voice and how can I develop that voice through these jazz standards so it sounds like me playing it so that there is something special I'm bringing to the table.

Well on today's episode, I have a special guest saxophonist, Mike Casey, who is going to lay down a lot of really value-packed tips today. Full of stuff on how to become a better jazz improviser and a great musician in general. But he also talks a lot about taking jazz standards, arranging them to be your own, and having your own original voice. You are going to really love this episode. I know you are going to learn tons from it today.

In this episode:
1. How Mike got started playing music
2. How Mike learned every Charlie Parker head
3. A solo that Mike learned and got a lot out of
4. How to arrange jazz standards to make them your own Mike Casey's "Unforgettable" Arrangement https://youtu.be/JFg3jYZcs_w

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast.

If you aren't already, make sure you are subscribed to iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. I look forward to having you join me in the next episode!

Important Links:
Mike's website
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Making Jazz Standards Your Own and Developing Your Musical Voice (feat. Mike Casey)