[Dixielandjazz] Re: How to get started improvising.

[David Palmquist]

I have to admit I tpp was disappointed with an Aebersold play along 
book.  I expected more than just the rhythm section, and I found it less 
than satisfying.

I'd suggest you get a book of someone's transcribed solos, get the 
recording, preferably on CD, and play along with the recording, using good 
earphones.  Once you're comfortable doing that, throw the book aside, and 
noodle along with the recording.  So what if you play while the soloist 
does ? - you'll be working with the recording, not against it.

David in Delta



At 22:17 16-12-02, Russ Guarino wrote:
>Please forgive me, but.....
>
>I hate to be a spoil sport, but I have not found the Aebersold "play 
>along" material to be particularly helpful.  The recordings are "thin" and 
>difficult to hear clearly.  The piano work is "choppy" and does not 
>outline the chords clearly.  Also, Aebersold's technical outlines are
>complex & incredibly difficult to master.  In my opinion, best to start 
>with simple ideas and tunes with limited chord movement.  Blues are 
>best.  Many of them have only three chords in the whole tune and you can 
>hear them clearly.  At first, avoid tunes that change keys in the
>middle.
>
>I would recommend playing along with quality, and slow at first, Dixieland 
>material with simple chords.  Like Bill Bailey, Sunday, Codfish ball, 
>etc.  Find the key of the tune on your horn and then begin to find the 
>"sweet notes" that go along with the tune.  Build from there.  Of
>course, you must know your scales and how chords are built. Your "right 
>brain" will borrow this information from your "left brain".
>
>A "legit" player can read the notes, fast and accurately.  This is a left 
>brain function. Much like reading a book.   Improv is a right brain 
>function and it takes a while to train this side of the hemisphere. It is 
>like making up a bedtime story for your granddaughter rather than
>reading a story. The two functions are entirely different.  Guys like Bix 
>or Armstrong must have learned from the "get go" to use the right 
>hemisphere as well as the left.  But players like me and Bruce have to 
>re-learn how to play to do improv.
>
>I can "Scat", vocally, good improv solos easily. So I know the talent is 
>there.  It is getting it into the horn that is the challenge.
>
>Russ Guarino
>
>Stephen Barbone wrote:
>
> > >
> > > Bruce Zeiger <BDZeiger@aol.com> asked (polite snip)
> > >
> > > I'm excited about learning more. Now - where is the best place to 
> start? I am a "legit" trumpet player who has dabbled in jazz in the past, 
> but primarily as a lead or section player in a big band. I've never 
> really had call to learn to improvise as every band I played in had a
> > > good improviser in the section.
> > > There is no Dixieland style band here in Huntsville Alabama where I 
> live and work, so, other than starting a band with other guys who know as 
> much or less than me, how do I develop this style?
> >
> > Bruce:
> > I suggest checking out what Jamey Aebersold has to offer. He makes play 
> along records so that you as the trumpet, can play with an accomplished 
> rhythm section that swings their butt off.
> >
> > Wide offering of 106 play along sets with written chord backup 
> etc.including:
> >
> > Vol 1.  How to Play Jazz and Improvise
> > Vol 24 Major & Minor
> > Vol 21 Getting It Together
> >
> > All kinds of other sets with standards, be-bop, latin jazz and some 
> OKOM like:
> >
> > Vol 79  Avalon + 10 more
> > Vol 80  Indiana + 11 more
> >
> > A wealth of information on how to improvise, jazz licks, patterns, 
> chord change workouts, etc. Check Aebersold out at: http:www.jazzbooks.com
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Steve Barbone
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Dixielandjazz mailing list
> > Dixielandjazz@ml.islandnet.com
> > http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Dixielandjazz mailing list
>Dixielandjazz@ml.islandnet.com
>http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz