Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent dives into the intricacies of crafting an effective set list for jazz gigs. With a keen focus on maintaining energy levels and providing variety, he will walk you through an eight-song set list example, offering valuable insights into song selection and sequencing. From upbeat tunes like "My Shining Hour" to soulful ballads like "Misty," each song choice is carefully explained in terms of its impact on the overall vibe and flow of the performance. Brent's practical tips and strategic approach to constructing setlists provide aspiring jazz musicians with a blueprint for curating engaging and memorable live performances.He demonstrates how thoughtful planning can enhance the audience's experience and keep them engaged throughout the gig. Whether you're a seasoned performer looking to refine your set list or a budding musician seeking guidance on structuring your repertoire, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to elevate your live performances. Tune in now to discover how to create compelling setlists that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this engaging episode, Brent tackles a fascinating question posed by Tiago Leyte about contrafacts and their role in jazz improvisation. Explaining the concept of contrafacts as new melodies crafted over existing chord progressions, Brent shares the benefits of exploring and composing these musical variations. Drawing on examples like rhythm changes and the classic contrafact "Oleo" by Sonny Rollins, he demonstrates how creating original counter-effects can enhance improvisational skills by focusing on crafting expressive melodies rather than relying solely on scales and patterns.He discusses invaluable insights into the process of composing counter-effects, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, singability, and thematic repetition. Through practical advice and demonstration, he encourages musicians to experiment with composing their own melodies over familiar chord changes, fostering a deeper understanding of melody and musical expression in jazz improvisation. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock new creative avenues in your jazz journey by exploring the world of contrafacts. Tune in now for a dose of inspiration and practical tips to elevate your improvisational skills.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent addresses a fundamental question posed by Philip Sorge: What distinguishes a beginner jazz soloist from a master jazz soloist?  Exploring the differences in mindset and approach, Brent touches on how beginners often rely on scales and patterns, while seasoned improvisers prioritize spontaneity and a deep connection between ear and instrument. Highlighting the journey from mechanical execution to expressive improvisation, he offers insights into how active listening and learning by ear can help aspiring jazz musicians develop their own unique voices on their instruments. Through insightful analysis and practical advice, Brent encourages jazz musicians to embrace a holistic approach to jazz improvisation, rooted in creativity, spontaneity, and a deep connection between musical intuition and instrumental proficiency.  Tune in to discover the secrets behind crafting melodies that resonate with the soul of jazz.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this insightful episode, Brent offers valuable insights on crafting the perfect setlist for jazz gigs, drawing from his extensive experience as a seasoned musician. Beginning with the importance of understanding one's role in performance, he discusses tailoring the setlist to suit different venues and atmospheres, whether it be background music for an upscale restaurant or energizing tunes for a lively bar setting. He shares a structured approach and practical advice that contributes to a cohesive and engaging musical experience for both the audience and the performers. From starting with high-energy crowd-pleasers to concluding on a memorable note, Brent's thoughtful recommendations provide practical guidance for musicians seeking to curate engaging and cohesive performances. Don't miss out on Brent's upcoming Fast Track Friday episode, where he'll demonstrate how to apply these concepts with a sample setlist. Subscribe now to the podcast and elevate your jazz gig game to new heights!Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this captivating episode, Brent explores the intricacies of rhythm and syncopation, offering invaluable insights and practical exercises to enhance your musical prowess.Through a listener's inquiry about improving left-hand steadiness while navigating syncopated rhythms in the right hand, Brent expertly breaks down fundamental rhythmic concepts, guiding through various subdivisions and metronome exercises to strengthen their rhythmic foundation. With clear explanations and relatable examples, he demonstrates how to develop dexterity and independence between hands, providing valuable tips applicable to pianists and comping instrumentalists alike. Brent's engaging discourse on rhythm and syncopation is sure to inspire and empower you in your quest for jazz excellence. Tune in to this enlightening episode and take the first step towards unlocking your rhythmic potential!Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent shares a candid and humorous account of his most embarrassing moment playing jazz, offering valuable insights and lessons learned from the experience. Through this relatable anecdote, he underscores the importance of rhythm and time feel in jazz improvisation, emphasizing that impeccable note choices and musical knowledge can be overshadowed by deficiencies in rhythmic proficiency.Drawing from his own journey of improvement, Brent provides practical tips and exercises for enhancing one's sense of rhythm and inner subdivision. He also highlights resources available to Inner Circle members for further development in this crucial aspect of jazz musicianship. With humor and humility, Brent encourages one to embrace their weaknesses and work diligently to strengthen their rhythmic foundation, ultimately fostering growth and confidence in their jazz improvisation endeavors. Tune in to this insightful episode for a dose of inspiration and practical guidance on the road to becoming a better jazz musician!Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this episode, Brent explores the foundational elements of jazz improvisation, answering a compelling question posed by Martin Kendall: Can we establish globally applicable first three steps to jazz improvisation basics? With his trademark enthusiasm and expertise, Brent introduces the concept of the "three pillars of jazz improvisation," offering a comprehensive roadmap to enhance improvisational skills, regardless of whatever instrument one plays. Through engaging examples and insightful commentary, he underscores the significance of jazz repertoire, jazz language, and technique as essential components for aspiring jazz musicians.Beginning with the importance of learning jazz standards as the cornerstone of jazz improvisation, Brent navigates through the realms of jazz language acquisition, emphasizing the value of listening to jazz masters and internalizing their musical vocabulary. He then transitions seamlessly into the realm of technique, both instrument-specific and jazz-specific, highlighting the critical role they play in honing one's improvisational prowess. Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this episode, Brent addresses a common concern among jazz musicians: how to effectively internalize and recall jazz licks and patterns for improvisation. Through engaging dialogue and insightful guidance, Brent unveils a transformative approach to learning and incorporating musical vocabulary into one's playing. Drawing from his own experiences and the questions posed by Alain Londes, Brent challenges conventional wisdom, emphasizing that the goal isn't simply to memorize endless licks but rather to assimilate them into one's musical language authentically.With a step-by-step breakdown, Brent outlines a dynamic process for integrating learned licks into improvisational freedom. From learning by ear and practicing in all 12 keys to re-composing and ultimately improvising, he empowers listeners to cultivate a personal musical voice rooted in genuine expression. Whether you're a seasoned jazz practitioner or a budding enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights to elevate your improvisational skills and unlock the true essence of jazz. Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this episode, Brent discusses about the challenging realm of improvisation over John Coltrane's "Giant Steps." With a captivating blend of humor and expertise, he tackles Jeremy's question head-on, exploring strategies to navigate the complexities of this legendary jazz standard. From unraveling the intricate chord progressions to dissecting Coltrane's improvisational techniques, Brent offers invaluable insights aimed at demystifying the daunting task of soloing over "Giant Steps."Brent emphasizes the importance of understanding harmony, slowing down the tempo, and implementing melodic patterns. Drawing from his own experiences and the wisdom of jazz luminaries like Peter Bernstein, Brent equips aspiring jazz musicians with the tools and confidence to tackle this formidable composition. Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this episode, Brent addresses a question from an Inner Circle member about quartal voicings and their application in chord progressions. Brent breaks down the concept, explaining how they differ from traditional chord voicings by being stacked in fourths rather than thirds. He explores their versatility, emphasizing their common use in modal playing and how they can enhance chord progressions, even in traditional diatonic harmony settings like two-five-one progressions.Throughout the episode, Brent offers practical insights and examples, demonstrating how quartal voicings can add depth and texture to playing while also acknowledging their inherent ambiguity. Drawing on examples from jazz legends like McCoy Tyner, he encourages experimenting with quartal voicings in various musical contexts, adding that understanding the sound we aim to produce is key to using quartal voicings effectively. Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!