September 24, 2010
All of the diatonic modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian) have distinguishing characteristics. Some have one especially distinctive tone. In order to best capture the unique sound of a particular mode in a musical composition, the mode’s fundamental tone (first note of the mode) and characteristically distinctive scale step should be emphasized. For […]
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July 9, 2010
Learning jazz repertoire takes time, and it can be very helpful to have a way to organize what you’ve learned so you can better remember it. This is a method of documenting critical song information for reference in the practice room, or as an aid in rehearsals and performances. There are five components to document. […]
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March 24, 2010
In the last issue of JAZZed, I discussed techniques of melodic development in jazz improvisation for the benefit of the aspiring jazz musician. These included repetition and sequence, plus repetition and sequence in altered forms such as rhythmic diminution, intervallic diminution, rhythmic augmentation, intervallic augmentation, fragmentation, complete melodic alteration, rhythmic shift, retrograde, melodic inversion, retrograde […]
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