jazz

Jazz Piano Lesson from George Whitty on Pentatonics

Tue, 04/05/2016 - 10:44am

Written by ArtistWorks

Imagine yourself at a party where you don't know anyone. After making small talk with a few people, you notice that in the corner sits an old dusty piano that no one is playing. It keeps calling to you from across the room... maybe it's lonely? Although it's been awhile, you fancy yourself a piano player so eventually you work up the nerve to go over and introduce yourself. "Hello, I don't think we've met."

The piano stays silent, yet so seductive that before you know what's happening, you're sitting down and ready to tickle the proverbial ivories. But there's already music going in the background, so now what do you play?

John Patitucci Bass Solo: "Giant Steps"

Tue, 03/22/2016 - 11:42am

Written by ArtistWorks

Topics: bass, jazz, john patitucci

John Patitucci plays a blistering "Giant Steps" bass solo here with Bill Stewart on drums accompanying him. This classic jazz composition was originally recorded in 1959 by John Coltrane for his album Giant Steps. A similar version of this appears on John Patitucci's 1998 album Now which also features Bill Stewart on drums, Michael Brecker and Chris Potter on tenor saxophone, and John Scofield on guitar. "Giant Steps" is known for being one of the most difficult tunes to improvise over in the Jazz Canon because of its harmonic structure, so seeing John play it so effortlessly here makes it that more impressive.

For tips and insights on how to play this great jazz tune, do a search for "Giant Steps" in Video Exchange Library - or just submit your own version to John here at ArtistWorks and he will be happy to help.