Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Welcome to another episode where Brent answers your jazz and music questions five days a week. Today, we have an intriguing question from Ken Bryan from York, Pennsylvania, about resources and advice for a jazz guitarist aiming to perform solo at venues like bars, restaurants, and parties. Brent discusses this topic, sharing his personal experience and offering valuable tips for anyone looking to enhance their solo performance skills.
Brent emphasizes the importance of finding a solo guitar style that resonates with you. He recalls his college days and the profound influence of Peter Bernstein’s solo guitar performances at Smalls in New York. He suggests building a repertoire of songs with basic solo arrangements and practicing improvisation, focusing on telling an interesting musical story through single-note lines before integrating chords.
Additionally, Brent encourages solo performers to embrace their unique approach, even if it means using technology like loop pedals to enhance their sound. He also highlights the resources available in the Inner Circle membership, such as the jazz guitar and piano accelerator courses, which offer valuable tools for mastering solo performance. With consistent practice, learning jazz standards, and perhaps booking a performance to set a tangible goal, anyone can improve their solo playing skills.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this episode, Brent answers an insightful question from Robert Banagay about balancing technical proficiency with learning jazz standards. Robert, a musician returning to his instrument after a long hiatus, wonders if he can improve his technique while simultaneously diving into jazz tunes. Brent introduces the concept of the three pillars of jazz improvisation explaining how they interconnect and can be practiced together to enhance one's jazz playing.
Brent emphasizes that working on technique, whether it's instrument-specific or jazz-specific, doesn't have to be done in isolation. He uses the analogy of a pizza to illustrate how repertoire forms the crust, supporting everything else. This integrated approach allows musicians to practice technical skills and jazz language in a musical context, making the learning process more cohesive and effective.
Ultimately, Brent encourages listeners to jump into learning songs while addressing technical gaps as they arise. He shares wisdom from his own experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their jazz skills and strike a balance between technical exercises and musical application. Tune in to gain valuable insights and take your jazz playing to the next level.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Join Brent in this insightful podcast episode as he discusses the essential characteristics of a great jazz band and its members. Responding to a question from Arjun in the Netherlands, Brent explores the importance of musicians supporting each other, focusing on collective music-making rather than individual performance. He cites how unselfishness and a cooperative spirit are vital for creating outstanding jazz music.
Brent also emphasizes the significance of responsibility and preparedness in a band setting. From showing up on time to being well-prepared with all parts of a song, these traits are crucial for a successful group dynamic.
Listening skills are highlighted as a key component, enabling musicians to respond to each other's cues and adapt to different performance environments. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will help you form and contribute to a stellar jazz band.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Welcome to episode 179 of the LJS Podcast where today I go over 7 different options for playing an intro on a jazz standard.
While you can just count off a tune and start playing the head on beat one, it can be nice to set up a song with an intro. I walk you through some options and give you a call to action at the end.
Important Links:
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
View Show Notes

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the common pitfalls musicians face when preparing for and performing at jazz gigs. Drawing from his extensive experience, he offers invaluable advice to ensure you’re fully prepared and professional, such as the importance of being over-prepared, arriving early, and ensuring you have all your necessary gear. These foundational tips are crucial for setting yourself up for success and avoiding stressful, last-minute scrambles.
Whether it's controlling your volume to suit the venue or avoiding selfish playing that overshadows your bandmates, Brent suggests that understanding your role in the performance is key. He shares anecdotes to illustrate these points, highlighting the significance of making the gig enjoyable not just for yourself but for your audience and fellow performers as well.
Finally, Brent touches on maintaining professionalism during gigs, such as managing alcohol consumption and adhering to appropriate break lengths. He stresses the impact of your demeanor on the audience and the importance of maintaining a positive and professional attitude, even when mistakes happen. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights that can help any jazz musician elevate their gig experience, making it a must-listen for those looking to improve their live performance skills.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!