Free Jazz Education and Music
Here’s a blues etude that uses some different 4 note cells (tetrads) and various scales. By writing an etude you can learn to hear melody that specifically reflects an underlying concept and later improvise using the concept alone. The original
I always enjoy writing contra-facts over chord progressions I like to improvise on. This is an easy one that is based on the Gigi Gryce’s song Minority. Gigi writes great tunes; always melodic and fun to blow on harmonically. I
The CD is pressed – here are all the tracks on one post. You can also listen to the whole album for free or buy it on Bandcamp here. Matt Otto: tenor sax.Andy Ehling: alto sax.Leonard Thompson: piano.Brad Williams: drums.Ben
This piece is based on a re-harmonization of the chord progression to Dave Brubeck’s song, “In Your Own Sweet Way”. I added an interlude of descending Sus Chords as an alternative solo section as well as simplifying the chord changes
I composed this song in three for the recording date. The composition is two distinct melodic phrases set withing a simple harmonic progression. The solo sections are distinct and only reflect a simplified version of the harmony heard during the
I wrote this piece specifically for this recording project. The dedication here is to the Enso Ring which is often seen in Japanese Zen. Ideally the Enso ring is painted by a Zen master while maintaining an empty state of
Using only the 1,3,#11,7 Tetrad (or 4 note set) I’ve been using this 1, 3, #11, 7 Tetrad (4 note set) for years in both composition (voicings for big band or small group part writing) and as a group of
Azul is the 4th track from the album “Ring”. The piece is a simple blues waltz. The introduction and outro features three short melodic phrases written in rhythmic/melodic counterpoint. The chord progression is a slight variation of a standard blues.
Using “triad pairs” has become a popular method to help generate melodic material. I first heard Oliver Nelson use triad pairs in his 1961 solo from Blues in the Abstract Truth. John Coltrane also used the concept extensively. Since that
Mind’s Ear pg.1 Mind’s Ear pg.2 This is a piece dedicated Bruce Adolphe’s book, “The Mind’s Ear”. This book is an excellent guide to improving your ability to “audiate” or hear music in your mind. This piece is loosely based
This second track from the album “Ring” is dedicated to Rosa Luxemburg (1871 – 1919). Here are a few quotes from her speeches and writings that I found inspiring. “Only to the rude ear of one who is quite indifferent
Alto saxophonist Andy Ehling and I finished recording our 3rd album and are releasing the tracks one at a time over social media. We are joined by the same ensemble from the Reunion album; Leonard Thompson on piano, Brad Williams
