Alain, this is gorgeous and yes, very powerful. Music penetrates a place within our soul that words cannot. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

OK guys, I may have been living under a rock, but just saw Samara Joy on 60 Minutes…..checked out her Christmas album and wow! She is wicked good! Very enjoyable album. I’ll be checking out more of her soon! Amazing voice and what she does …..so creative. So artistic, and harmonically interesting. I love it!

Thanks, Mike and Steve…I am NOT familiar with…. Will bring it up today and give it a few spins for sure!

I will also listen to your stuff, Steve. I always enjoy listening to you! Thanks guys!!

Hi Mike! Welcome! You are in a good place and Steve is an awesome teacher, regardless of your skill level. I also took a “break” after college…. Only mine lasted about 40 years. It happens! LOL

After I started playing again, the one thing that has boosted my playing the most, has been playing every single day. The only days I take off are…

Read more

Thanks Steve… yes you have some classics here that are already on my list. I guess being laid up and spending so much time in the hospital, I’m having trouble getting with it this year. Hoping music can push me there. As we know, music can be powerful. Drive safe….. the weather is awful back where you are. Let me know what others you…

Read more

I am having a hard time getting into the spirit of the season. What are you all listening to this time of year? I need some good holiday music with that tasty jazz flair. What are your favorites? Thanks for your help!

Sorry guys, been out of commission a while….but yeah. Wasn’t that great. Wow wow! I love it! Glad you all enjoyed it too!

This showed up in my YT feed tonight. Pure happiness – these guys! And of course, Patrick Bartley doing the impossible on his sax. This is smokin’. Just thought I’d share the positive vibes!

https://youtu.be/VOdVKtuZXVY?si=H9ffjacyjLWoAen-

Then there’s this cat who showed up in my YT feed today. I was listening to a bunch of odd meter stuff, after being inspired by Chris Potter’s “Next Best Western.” ….and lo and behold. This shows up! Loving this!

https://youtu.be/WdRAp65Wic0?si=hC0wZWUSTj1D1YAG

Oooooh haunting is a good word. Love it!

I agree, Steve. Pure joy and vibrant energy! A perfect description!

OK so I revisited this, an oldie (2021) but a goodie. It’s an “Emmet’s Place” recording on YT with Patrick Bartley and Bruce Harris. But man, this tune “SWANGS,” baby. I love the feel. And Patrick just kills the first solo. But they all are incredible. The play and interaction between the players is really something. I soooooooo want to play…

Read more

What a job caring for your elderly parents. I moved back to my home town to care for mine, although both have now passed. It is hard to see the parents who taught you everything ravaged by age and/or disease. But you are so good to care for them. It is not always easy. A noble service, indeed.

I suspect you will be great on the stage blowing…

Read more

Been seeing you at the Live feeds, Alain. Thought I would read a bit about you. I am envious you have a Jazz Band with which to play! There are way too many great jazz musicians in my town to have room for someone who can’t improvise her way out of a paper bag! LOL I am known for my classical playing and that’s what I do get to do. I am…

Read more

Well, after 45 years of not being very good at improv, there is no mistaking that this will take some time. 😂 Of course, to be fair, after my first 10 years, I didn’t play at all for about 35 years or so.

I do track what I practice every day in Andante. I started tracking in a log book a couple years ago. Now I do it digitally. It is helpful to…

Read more

Steve! Yer killin me! 🫤 That sounds like soooooooooo much! But I do appreciate the vision of where I’d like to be someday. Maybe when I retire I will have this kind of time. Heck, I am still struggling with enclosing a chord tone without reading it! (I hope this improves as time marches on. I know it hasn’t been long yet)

So the funny thing…

Read more

Rob, thanks for your reply. I am kind of with you. But appreciate all that Steve said. I think all the different aspects must help. But I am with you, not proficient, not even close. It’s a little overwhelming right now. (let’s just try to master the sax first! LOL)

How important is it to learn jazz technique on the piano? Say, for (obviously) chord construction, yes, but knowing voicing and being able to sound OK to comp or play, etc. So I understand, in Jazz schools, jazz piano is one of the required skills. Is this true? I would appreciate any POV on the importance of learning these skills at some…

Read more

Q: How do you know when a singer is at your door?

A: They can’t find the key and they don’t know when to come in.

Q:What’s the difference between a conductor and God?

A: God doesn’t think he’s a conductor.

Q: What’s the difference between an oboe and a trampoline?

A: You take your shoes off when you jump on a trampoline.

Q: How many trumpet…

Read more

A jazz musician friend of mine was offering encouragement as I vented my frustrations with learning. And I thought what he said was really hopeful. He told me, “It starts as a left brain function. Then you’re at a fake book gig or jam session, no chords to read, or blitzing through a bridge with 1-bar turnarounds, it must reach the right…

Read more

Q-How do you get a guitar player to turn down?

A-Put a chart in front of him.

I love this one, @gld I have had it in my rotation for a while, but recently started playing it more. So glad you posted this! Can hardly go wrong with Chris Potter! Good stuff!!!

Sounds good, thanks, Steve! Just want to make sure I’m playing by the correct set of rules. 😁

I do not know this Chick album. It went straight on my Spotify list! Thanks Steve!

Hey Everyone, I’m new here – just thought I’d try to stimulate some conversation on this holiday weekend. (A holiday in America anyway.)

What is everyone’s current favorite recording?

I am loving Bob Reynold’s newest offering “Hush – Live in Munich” . Here is the YT of the title cut. I am in love with the whole album. I have played it a zillion…

Read more

In the forum for the studio tune, (St. Thomas) do you only want recordings? Or do you also chat and ask questions, etc there related to the tune too? Or do any convos go here on the General Forum? TIA

Thanks for the welcome, Robert. Part of what makes this online thing a positive experience is the interaction. 😊. Looking forward to having this experience as a group with encouragement, support, sharing expertise, and of course, Steve’s incredible knowledge base and tutelage. 🤓

OK Steve… I took the plunge and joined the Studio. I really dug the YT live you just did and I continually can’t get over what a super nice guy you seem to be! And of course, no one would argue you got da chops!

You told me once you are a converted classical player. I am hoping you are able to relate to my plight coming from training in the…

Read more

I am motivated by learning something new. When I “get it,” I want to play it….every which way I can ….to burn it into my brain! This can be difficult because I work full time. Plus there’s homeowner duties and other expectations. However, recently, Steve really solidified something for me and this lead me here. Maybe this guy can teach me a…

Read more

Hello Everyone,

I used to play in college and worked locally quite a bit. My “superpower” was reading. I could swing and played great ensemble, but I could not improvise to save my life. Despite my weakness, I had a great musical life for a few years. Then marriage, career, and life in general, and I set the horn aside for a very long time. I…

Read more