Category: c) Musicianship
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What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?
How do jazz musicians learn, hear and think of tunes? They do it the way we all understand, read and speak. In chunks and in links between chunks, not word by word. Even when you put a new chart in front of them for the first time, they don’t read a chord at a time,…
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Anita Wardell and Vocalese
We had the pleasure of singer Anita Wardell performing with our house trio last week. I’ve always had bags of time for this lady and it was a really enjoyable gig – thanks Neets, it was a blast. Any time you’re free, our arms are open wide. There’s a jazz vocal practice that Anita is…
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!!!The Secret of Jazz!!!
The world of jazz education has been blown wide open and rendered irrelevant by this revolutionary new invention. Forget the courses, the books, the practising, paying dues. Introducing… Improxatin™ ContrixoLydalot-251! Here’s the science bit… Formulated in a secret Swiss laboratory by our world-class team of neurochemists, necrogeneticists given unique access to the DNA of deceased…
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Being Green
Congratulations to the Irish rugby team and Brian O’Driscoll for a passionate bone cruncher in Paris. As an England fan with some Irish roots I can have it both ways on the tournament result… Here’s one little thought for you. There was a famous Irish popular musician back in the day here in the UK called…
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The Daftest Job I’ve Ever Done
Well, what’s yours? Mine was hand doubling. And no, not that kind of film, behave yourself. A piano hand double. Although the other kind would probably pay better… A gig as a “stunt pianist” is quite interesting, really. Some actors put a lot of work into pretending they can play, most don’t and just focus…
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Branford Shoots From the Hip
Someone recently flagged me this 2012 Jazz Times interview with Branford Marsalis. I’ve always loved Steepee’s stuff, and certainly no pianist can afford to ignore the contributions of the late Kenny K and the current Joey C. Didn’t come as that much of a surprise, but it was certainly a pleasure to see that he takes no prisoners when…
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Sorry Mate, I’m Going to Have to Let You Go…
At some point we all have to sack a friend and nobody enjoys it. I’ve seen this situation a lot. I’m afraid those that don’t have the guts to do it tend to wind up with bands that don’t progress. If you’re having trouble working up the courage, just remember that if you don’t bite the…
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Laying Out
It’s that time of year. Time for some reflection and writing, catching up on the bills, taking the cat for her shots, putting that doorknob back on… God, might even get round to some practice. Got a bit of a shock last night when someone called Cherokee (my chops are a bit soggier than I…
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‘Tis the Season to be Appropriate
Early, I know (gets earlier every year), but here’s a plea to musicians. If you’re going to take bookings in December, please have some seasonal repertoire ready. Even just a few numbers. Doesn’t have to turn into a full-blown carol service with bells and smells, you can still have fun and do your thing. While…
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Zen and the Art of Depping
One day, eager young tritone-hopper, when you leave this jazz temple, the day will come when you won’t be able to do a gig and have to put in a replacement. There will be a “you-less” hole at the Pillock & Bucket residency, while you’re earning a fortune playing the diddles in Act III of…
Jason Lyon Music 