Author Archives: Adam

Lotus Flower Video

Posted on Feb. 18, 2011 by Adam

The official video for Radiohead’s “Lotus Flower”.

Posted in Music | 1 Comment

An Early Treat

Posted on Feb. 18, 2011 by Adam

I woke up this morning to find a post on AtEase about Radiohead posting the new record early. It turns out Radiohead is as impatient as I am. They’ve already released the new record, a full day early. Go get … Continue reading →

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The King of Limbs

Posted on Feb. 16, 2011 by Adam

Radiohead’s new record has been announced (on Valentine’s Day of all things). You can pre-order it at TheKingofLimbs.com. Pre-orders get to download it on Saturday. Ever since Mario Rossetti introduced me to them, they’ve been an obsessive favorite of mine. … Continue reading →

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Playing Tunes In All 12 Keys? Really?

Posted on Feb. 10, 2011 by Adam

Note: This article was inspired by Neal over at SaxStation who published this post about 12-key practice. I’m sure we’ve all heard the legends about Bird practicing all tunes in every key at any tempo. And regardless whether this is … Continue reading →

Posted in Practicing | 10 Comments

Clifford Brown plays “Joy Spring”

Posted on Feb. 6, 2011 by Adam

There was a point, while I was at New England, where I became aware that I was playing the same clichés that all sax players play, all the time. This became really obvious as tempos increased. Think about the last … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Transcription | 7 Comments

Michael Brecker plays “Midnight Voyage”

Posted on Jan. 15, 2011 by Adam

Michael Brecker and I have a long, rich history…not the person himself (God rest his soul) unfortunately, but his recordings for sure. Michael’s records brought me into Jazz, and I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 6 Comments

Mumbles

Posted on Jan. 5, 2011 by Adam

Ever seen Clark Terry do “Mumbles”? I have the old recording of him with the Oscar Peterson Trio, but live he always takes it a lot further. Here he is with Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Roy Haynes, Russell Malone, Ron … Continue reading →

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Joshua Redman’s take on “Turnaround”

Posted on Dec. 31, 2010 by Adam

About a week ago, I posted a transcription of Ornette Coleman playing a blues of his called “Turnaround” from 1959’s Tomorrow is the Question. For the sake of comparison, I picked a solo of Joshua Redman playing the tune in … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 4 Comments

Retro-pop with Fitz and the Tantrums

Posted on Dec. 27, 2010 by Adam

Like the current trend of Motown & Stax inspired bands? Groups like Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Amy Winehouse and Raphael Saadiq peak your interest? Well, here’s another. Fitz and the Tantrums is worth a listen…especially the track “Money … Continue reading →

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A little Ornette Coleman to get things started

Posted on Dec. 27, 2010 by Adam

Transcription, in my view, is the best thing an improvisor can do to improve their abilities as a player. In doing so, you study phrasing, time and groove, tunes, licks and cliches…pretty much every component of the Jazz vernacular (or whatever … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 3 Comments