Tuesday, December 4, 2018

What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 548 #594)

Speaking of Jazz.

We've had an increase in jazz tunes in B1 recently and Joe had some words of caution. It's critical to know the melody. Above all else, be sure you know the melody. Did we mention that you need to know the melody stone-cold? Yeah, do that.

Then work at singing and playing it correctly. Know that if you aspire to be a jazz player, you have to command all 12 chromatic pitches, whether you're playing on a diatonic, a chromatic or a valved harp.

And as for playing jazz in B1, if the band can handle the charts, that's ok by Joe...but know that his ability to steer you and help you is very limited. Remember there are a lot of jazzy blues tunes - it might be wise to start there.

Class Notes

  • Hold the date - Joe's next Harlem Harp Party is December 18. 
- Grant Kessler, B1 Blues Crew