116: 4 Half Dim Modes
Here’s a simple melody that outlines the 4 distinct half diminished modes or scales. The PDF contains both scale and the melody (which uses the half diminished 7th chord and the 9 and 13 as embellishment). The modes are: The
115: Mel Min Modes
Although I believe there is a limit to value of practicing and understanding chord scale theory, the melodic minor scale is so prevalent in jazz improvisation and composition, I think that it’s important and relevant for the developing improviser to
CD – Reunion with Andy Ehling
Alto saxophonist Andy Ehling and I have released our second album, “Reunion”. We recorded ten original compositions in Kansas City over two days. Nate Espy and Nick Crane at Rooftop Media engineered the session. The band includes Andy Ehling on
Interview with Neon Jazz
Last February I was interviewed by Joe Dimino at Neon Jazz. Joe’s blog is an amazing wealth of interviews and inspiration where you can spend hours learning insights from many great living jazz artists. Here’s my interview with Joe: To
114: Groupings of 5/8 Over 4/4
In this video I’m working on playing All The Things in 4/4 on piano. Half notes in the bass and 3rds and 7ths grouped in 5/8. This piano exercise helps me to play 5/8 against 4 while playing my saxophone.
113: Triads in Scales
Here is a short routine I came up with that covers all diatonic triads in all inversions through of the main scale types.The scales are Major, Harmonic minor, Melodic minor and Harmonic Major (Major with a b6 or b13). The
112: Dom Pent
In this video I’m working on a simple melody derived from a Dominant Pentatonic scale (1,2,3,5,b7,1). I play the melody over concert C7 chord and ascend by half steps through the keys. I play the melody slowly over concert C7
111: 2nd Inv Triad
Working on triads is something I do frequently as I find it good for my ears, my mind, my technique and my basic understanding of one of the fundamental structures found in both melody and harmony. Strong melodies and voicings
New Book: Mastering Major Triads
I finished a new book recently which is a very in depth study of the major triad. The major triad, built off the naturally occurring overtone series, is one of the most common melodic and harmonic structures found in nearly
110b: Repetition
Here I work on the same material from Daily Practice 10 but only in one key (concert A major 7 #5). Using space, focusing on posture, balance and breath will allow you to cultivate many good habits while repeating a
110: Posture, Balance, Breath.
In this video I am practicing a Major 7 #5 chord while focusing on my posture, my balance and my breath. I’ll be descending by half step from concert Bb Major 7 #5. While doing this I’m focusing on balance
109: Relax, Wait, Listen.
In this video I’m working on developing or practicing what I consider to be good performance habits. These are the 3 habits I’m focusing on: relaxing, using space and listening. Staying relaxed helps you stay aware and helps you communicate
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