Master Stride Piano

Image via Wikipedia

"The swinging, stride sound of early jazz pianists like Fats Waller and James P.Johnson is undergoing newfound popularity. Suddenly, everyone wants to play and hear this bouncy style again. So here are some exercises to help you get in the stride groove. Remember, when playing stride you should not be thinking about lightning-fast tricks or an amazing left hand, but rather a steady left hand and an all-around relaxed feeling." By Judy Carmichael

 

Exercise #1

(play 2 x's) Bb/Bb D, F then G/G Bb D F,   C/ G Bb C Eb,   F/ F A C Eb 

Exercise #2 

D/D F# A C,  E/D F# A C,  F/D F# A C,  F#/D F# A C,  G/D F G B,  A/D F G B,  A#/D F G B,  B/D F G B,  C/C E G Bb,  D/C E G Bb,  D#/C E G Bb,  E/C E G Bb F F/ l.h. octaves F, Eb, D,C/ l.h. single notes 

Exercise #3 

C/G A C E,  C#/G Bb C# E,  D/ G B D F,  G/G B D# F (repeat) C/ C E,  Bb/Bb C E, A/A C F,  Ab/Gb Ab C Eb,  G/G C E,  G/G B E C, B, A, G/ l.h octave single notes (repeat) Puttin' On the Ritz - Solo Stride Piano

 

 

Chris Dawson plays this great rendition from the title song of the 1930 film. Clear crisp lines! Everything between the melody bookends is improvised. None of this was arranged beforehand. Chris is a consummate improviser. 

 * Related Topic: http://ladydpiano.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html Powered by Disqus

Happy Playing!

~ LadyD

Review: Micah Barnes l New York Stories

If you're looking for some good sounds and want to invest in your music library, I would like to introduce you to Micah Barnes (Canadian jazz-singer-songwriter) and his newly released album, New York Stories. I think everyone has a story of their own, and Micah shares his love affair with New York through some sensational song writing. I LOVE this album!

I can't stop playing these jazz tunes and if you like jazz then you're sure to become a fan! Micah's band can be heard on the following tracks and you can purchase some or all mp3s by clicking on the links.

The first single "New York Story" shot to the top of the Jazz charts in both Canada and the USA and resulted in Micah being the Toronto Indie Awards best Jazz Act of 2014. If you listen closely, you'll hear many of the songs  incorporating rhythms of the Cotton Club, the Brill Building, The Apollo Theatre and classic Broadway.


New York Story
After the Romance (The Rent)
Starting Tomorrow
Harlem Moon
I'm Going Back to My Used to Be
La Rouge Ou Le Noir (The Roulette Wheel)
Don't Take My Baby (New York, New York)
Some Other Man
I Came Back
I've Been Awake Too Long

My Review

Sensational sounds and a timeless quality, Micah Barnes captivates a romantic listening experience with his soothing, peaceful voice and effortless piano playing. His magnificent band showcases a sophisticated party ambience. He's put together many exciting original songs that you'll indeed find irresistible. This mega talented artist, along with his successful jazz trio, will greatly inspire your appreciation for classic Jazz, Broadway and Pop. You're sure to become a fan. I love the album and highly recommend for your enjoyment and easy listening pleasure.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend to friends and musicians.


CD Purchase:
New York Stories

For more information visit his  website, www.micahbarnes.com

Best wishes and much continued success to Micah Barnes!







"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Heart and Soul (Jazz Style)

photo credit: Prawny

In 1938 Frank Loesser and Hoagy Carmichael wrote Heart and Soul. Many of my students have learned this song from me or from one of their own family members. I am sure you can easily play the song. For Valentine's Day I wanted to put a different spin on it. I've learned many tips from Robert Pace. I thought I would share a different approach with you for this song. (Jazz style)

 Try the left hand chords a few times until they are easy to find, then play these variations on the famous "Heart and Soul" tune.

I 7 = CGB
VI 7 = AEG
II 7 = DAC
V7 = GDF

I'll post single note riffs for each measure in the right hand. Let's give it a try!

Heart and Soul Chord Chart

L.H. / R.H.

CGB/ C, C               AEG/ C
DAC/ C, B, A          GDF/ B, C, D
CGB/ E, E               AEG/ E
DAC/ E, D, C          GDF/ D, E, F
CGB/ E, F, F#         AEG/ G, E
DAC/ A, Eb            GDF/ D, C, A

C, F, C, F#, G/ C, F, C, F#, G (Both hands play the exact same notes)
D#, E, D#, E, D/ D#, E, D#, E, D (Both hands play exact same note)

CGB/ Eb, E             AEG/ C, A
DAC/ C, A, Bb       GDF/B, Ab, G
CGB/ C, Eb, E        AEG/ C, A
DAC/ C, A, Bb       GDF/ B, Ab, G
CGB/ C, D, Eb        AEG/ E, C
DFA/ D, E, F, G      GAF/Ab, G

C, F, C, F#, G/ C, F, C, F#, G (Both hands play the exact same notes)
Eb, E, C, C/ Eb, E, C (Both hands play exact same note)

Have fun improvising and Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

You may be interested in Jazz Intensive Training Center
       

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

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• Unlocking the Power of the Triplet (Part One) (ladydpiano.blogspot.com)
• Most Popular Posts on LadyDpiano (ladydpiano.blogspot.com)
• How To Play A Love Song: Chuck Girard (ladydpiano.blogspot.com)

7 Improvisation Experiences for Young Children

I was looking through one of my old issues of Jazzed magazine and came across a short article for piano teachers and those wanting to help children play the piano better. Specifically, it's on the subject of improvising. I thought I'd share it with you and maybe you'll find some treasures in it, hopefully.

7 Improvisation Experiences for Young Children 

      by Dr. Daria S. Hanley

One of the new components of JEN is our focus on jazz for K-8 musicians. Our intent is to offer sessions at each conference designed to show how to engage young children with jazz music. We have already started putting K-8 educational materials and information on the Jen website. My expertise as a music teacher and music education professor leads me to offer the following activities to try with young children that teach them the fundamentals of improvisation.

1. Replace the Phrase

 

Ask children to create scat syllables to replace a phrase in a familiar song. Example: Have them sing Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho in a swing style and ask individual children to replace the "and the walls came tumbling down" phrase with scat. Ask children to sing Joshua on neutral syllables such as "doo" "bah" and "doot" instead of using lyrics and invite them to add their scat phrases.

2. Call-and-Response Conversations

 

Ask children to create cell phones using cardboard, Styrofoam, tin cans, or other arts and crafts materials. Have them form partners and "talk" to each other using scat syllables. Ask the child who is responding to listen to the sounds his.her partner is making and incorporate some of the same sounds (or similar) sounds in the response. Repeat asking children to converse over a blues progression.

3. Diamond Follow the Leader

 

Ask children to create 4-beat rhythm patterns with body percussion, instruments, found sounds, movement, etc. for others to imitate along with a track such as Rockit (Herbie Hancock) or My Baby Just Cares for Me (Nina Simone). Have them form groups of 4 and ask them to stand in a "diamond" formation. Identify the first leader and have him/her create patterns until you call "switch" where everyone turns to the right and a new leader begins.

4. Make a Chain

 

Provide a 4-beat rhythm pattern as the prompts for this improvisation. Distribute a variety of rhythm instruments and ask children to form a circle. Invite them to perform this 4-beat rhythm pattern on their instrument. Establish a steady pulse on a hand drum. Ask individual children (one at a time around the circle) to create their own 4-beat pattern to add to the chain starting from the top each time so all patterns repeat in preparation for the next/new one.

5. Improvisation Needs Vocabulary

 

List music vocabulary words (dynamics, tempi, rhythm instrument names, etc.) on small cards and place in an empty saxophone case (or fishbowl). Ask children to draw a card each week to add to their class vocabulary. Have them write the words and definition in a journal or on a worksheet. Design an activity for children to improvise incorporating their new word and/or it's meaning each week.

6. Riff off Children's Books, Poems, and Chants

 

Identify children's books, poems, and/or chants that feature jazz sounds, jazz artists, etc. Ask children to use their voices to explore different ways to read and/or sing the text. Have them create their own phrase or use words in the text to accompany the book (Example: Read A Tisket, A Tasket (2003, Ella Fitzgerald, Ora Eitan, illustrator) and guide children to speak "tisket a-tisket, a-tisket, a-tisket" while you perform a swing pattern with brushes on a hi-hat. Read Before John Was a Jazz Giant (2008, Carole Boston Weatherford, Sean Qualls, illustrator) and ask children to speak the repeated text improvising with their voices by exploring vocal ranges, tone colors, and dynamics. Have them improvise bongo accompaniments as you read (or sing) This Jazz Man (2006, Karen Ehrhardt, R.G. Roth, illustrator) Ask children to read Jazz Baby (2006, Carole Boston Weatherford, Laura Freeman, illustrator) and then write their own verses using music vocabulary.

7. Pentatonic Expressions

 

Remove bars from Orff instruments (xylophones) or use step bells to isolate only the notes in a pentatonic scale. Ask children to engage in call-and-response, fill-in-the-blank, or free improvisation within a specified pulse using this scale. Guide children to write a class pentatonic composition with "holes" to provide space for improvisation. Invite individual children to take solos in the "holes."

If you like Jazz, here are some resources you may want to add to your music library:

jazz101 jazz201 JITC (Jazz Intensive Training Center)

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Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!


"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• Kindergarten Music: Bingo-March Song
• Ten Tips For Piano Players
• The Story of the Jazz Piano Style
• What Is Jazz?
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How Jazz Can Improve Your Health

Source: TopMastersinHealthcare.com



I just wanted to give a shout out to Elly Brown for contacting LadyDpiano regarding their new infographic. I found it to be right on and very informative. It's true that music, especially Jazz,  does effect the brain. I am passionate about this genre of music and if you missed some former posts, you can catch some here and at Piano Diana

Articles About Jazz

Passing Tones: Lee Evans

Queen of Jazz: Etta James

The Language of Jazz

Books About Jazz

Beginning Jazz Keyboard

Best Jazz Standards Ever

Jazz Songs with Chords

Chicago: Color My World

Diana Krall: Fly Me To The Moon

Diana Krall: Just The Way You Are

Thanks for stopping by. Oh, you may be interested in Jazz Intensive Training Center

*affiliate links in posts*

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin'
Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!




"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• Diana Krall: How Deep Is The Ocean
• Peel Me A Grape
• The Frim Fram Sauce (Piano Chords)
• A Brief History of Jazz
• Top Ten Jazz Piano Books

Free Improv Book Plus Children's Jazz

Recently, I came across a book review that caught my eye and LOVED it! Naturally, I just had to reblog about it. Yes, I am on http://pinterest.com/ladydpiano/ and you can see the board that I post about music books for children there. This particular post is about John Coltrane's Giant Steps. You can see the entire review at turtleandrobot.wordpress.com

Are you familiar with the song Giant Steps? The raindrops provide the tempo, the box is the foundation and the snowflake is the harmony. Oh, and the kitten is the melody. It's a picture book for ages 4 and up. The reviews are 4/5 stars.

John Coltrane's Giant Steps

If you are serious about wanting to learn this song and mastering it,
here is a link, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coltrane_changes


* Friday Freebie Improv Book *

You don't want to miss this!

Richard Grayson provides a link for his free improvisation handbook.
Offered at http://musicmattersblog.com/2013/01/23/free-improvisation-handbook-by-richard-grayson/

Basically, you'll learn Pentatonic scales and how to improvise using just 4 chords.  

Free Music Coloring Pages

http://www.coloring.ws/music1.htm 

coloringplanet.com

Free printable coloring pages 

So, I will say this a million times over... I highly recommend and endorse Mr. Willie Myette for Jazz instructions. You can find him at http://www.jazzpianolessons.com/ No, I am not an affiliate partner and yes, I used to be one of his students and am familiar with his lessons and products. I watch his videos on YouTube when I have the time (after all, I am a grandma of 5) and I think he is the best Jazz teacher online. So, if you like Jazz, please take the time and watch his style.

 This hardcover book is about Florence Mills artistic life in New York. The book received 4/5 stars.

Harlem's Little Blackbird So,  Jermaine Griggs over at Hear and Play has made available a music resource for the vocal artists called Vocals. I believe it's a 10 Disc system of learning.

John Coltrane - Giant Steps

Oh, another book about music that I reviewed... just in case you missed the blog post,
Book Review: Blueprint By Kirk Franklin Oh, how I love this guy. Do you have a favorite gospel song of his?

Blessings,






"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Norah Jones: Nearness of You

Norah Jones performing on Good Morning America on June 11th, 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Awhile back I posted a video and a blog post on a Norah Jones song, Nearness of You. Some have asked for more specific notes to the chords, so I thought I would fill in what I know. You can get some of her songs in itunes.

Above Ground
Be My Somebody
 



Cmaj7 Cmaj9 Gm7 C9 Fmaj7 Fdim

Its not the pale moon that excites me That thrills and delights me,

Cmaj9 = CE/GBE

Gm7 = FBb/D

C9 = CGE/GBbDE

 Fmaj7 = FC/AC

 Fdim7 = FD/AbB

Em7 A7(b9) Dm7 G13(b9) Em7 A7(b9) Dm7 F/G G13(b9)
oh no Its just the nearness of you

Em7 = ED/GB

A7b9 = A/GBbC#

Dm7 = DA/FC

G7b9 = GF/AbD

Em7 =  GBDG

A7b9 = A/BbC#

Dm7 = DA/AC

G7 = GDF/B

G13b9 = GFD/AbB

Cmaj7 Cmaj9 Gm7 C9 Fmaj7 Fdim
It isnt your sweet conversation That brings this sensation,

C6 = C/ EGC

Gm7 = G/BbDA

 C9 = C/BbDE

Fmaj9 = F/CEG

Fdim7 = FF/AbB

Em7 A7(b9) Dm7 G13(b9) B/C C C
oh no Its just the nearness of you

Em7 = EB/GBD

A7b9 = AG/ABbC#

B/C = CG/DD#F#B

C6 = CG/EGAC

Fm G+7(#9) Cmaj9 C9

When you're in my arms and I feel you so close to me

Fm6/G = G/FAbCD

G7#5(#9) = GG/BEbFBb

 Cmaj9 = CGE/BE

C9 = CGC/BbD

Fmaj7 Em7 A7(b9) Dm7 C/E F F#dim F/G G13(b9)
All my wildest dreams come true

Fmaj7 = FC/C

Em7 = BEGB/DG

A7b9 = AG/BbC#EA

Dm7 = DD/FCEb

C/E = EE/GC

G9sus = GF/AC

G13b9 =  G/FAbBE

Cmaj7 Dm7 D#m7 Em7 Gm7 C9

I need no soft lights to enchant me

Cmaj7 = C/BEA

Dm7 = D/FC
 

Ebdim7 = Eb/F#C

C/E = E/GC

Gm7 =  GDBb/DFC

C7 = CG/BbDE

Fmaj7 Fdim Em7 A7 Dm7

If you'll only grant me the right

Fmaj7 = FC/ACG

Fdim7 = FF/AbBD

 Em7 = EB/BDG

A7 = AG/C#EA

Dm7 = D/CFA

G7 Em7 A7(b9)
To hold you ever so tight

G7 = GDF/BD

Em7 = EBG/B

A7b9 = AEG/ABbC#E

Dm7 C/E F F#dim F/G G13(b9) B/C C B/C C

And to feel in the night the nearness of you

Dm7 = DAF/CA

C/E = EE/GG

F = FF/AC

F#dim = F#/A

G9sus = GF/FAC

G13b9 = GG/FAbBE

B/C = CG/CD#F#B

C6 = EGAC/EGC

B/C = CG/CDA#F#B

C6/9 = EGAC/DEGC

B/C = CG/CD#F#B

C6/9 = EGAC/DEGC

 You may be interested in learning about Tritones

Blessings,






"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Friday Freebie: Take Five

Dave Brubeck, featured on TIME magazine cover, "The Man on Cloud No. 7". November 8, 1954 Music: The Man on Cloud No. 7 (cover story) TIME, November 8, 1954. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Awhile back I posted the chords to Take Five Dave Brubeck.

The exciting sound of 5/4 meter has become a more common part of jazz ever since pianist and composer Dave Brubeck and alto sax player and composer Paul Desmond created Desmond's standard "Take Five".  Most players think of 5/4 as a group of three beats, followed by a group of two (1 2 3 1 2; 1 2 3 1 2 etc.) Listen to Brubeck's great recording of "Time Out" to expand your understanding of how to play jazz with five beats in the measure. Meanwhile, practice this piece slowly and, if you need to, hands separately until you get the feeling of this rhythm.

L.H. / R.H.

DA/ADF#

DBb/BbEbG

DA/ADF#

DA/G#BE, then play (B,Bb,A single l.h. notes)

(Repeat the above)

DA/ Ab, A, D, A, F, D (r.h. are all single notes)

DBb/BbEbG

DA/ Ab, A, D, A, F, D

DB/G#BE

DA/FAD

DA/G#BE

DA/ACF

D/BbEbG
Bb/BbEbG

A/DGA
A/DGA (octave higher)

DA/DFA

DBb/G, A, G, F, E

DA/DFA

DBb/G,A,G,F,E,C,Bb

A/D, E, F, G, A, B, C#, D
G/C,D,C,Bb,A,F,G

A/DGA

A/ADE

DA/ADF#

DBb/BbEbG

DA/ADF#

DBb/GCE

DA/ADF#, to DFA in r.h.

DBb/BbEbG, to EGBb

DAb/EbAbC

DA/ADF#

DA/Ab, A, D, A, F#, D
DA/Ab, A, D, A, F#, D
DA/Ab, A, D, A, F#, A

D/GAD, to F# in r.h.

The distinct sound you hear in the l.h., D-A-D-A-D-A is played with an eighth note, quarter note, eighth, quarter, quarter, quarter in many of the measures.

The Dave Brubeck Quartet played a big role in popularizing jazz music in the 1950s. With Brubeck's catchy melodies, and adventurous use of odd time signatures, the scope of jazz music's appeal was forever widened.

Cast Your Fate to the Wind
Take Five







"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King