So as it would turn out from putting Dynama up (yes i'm working on it), that there are a number of people on this forum who are interested in jazz, so i thought it would be fun to start a discussion thread.
I'll kick this off by asking for advice on something. As i've mentioned on the guitar thread, I've been trying to learn how to play the clarinet. I have a teacher waiting, and i can already taste my clarinet. So what I want to ask is, what are some good resources between 10 to 30 dollars that would be good for learning how to play jazz on the clarinet?
Unless you've blown reeds before it's going to take you a while to develop your embouchure; just focus on your chops and (extended jazz) scales and theory. You'll need to gain some facility at transposing on the fly if you haven't already done so since you're picking up a concert Bb instrument. The works of Masaya Yamaguchi are considered excellent and available on Amazon.
I can't really offer any advice on the clarinet. Sorry.
However, I can say that I do really enjoy jazz, which I picked up from my mom, who picked it up from my grandfather. Among my favorites are guys like Coltrane and Davis, and some big band/swing stuff like Sinatra.
I also like Louie Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie... But I'm biased with them. Remember how I said my grandfather loved jazz? He knew these guys. As in, had them in his house. He used to run some sort of jazz club down in Mass, before my mom was born, and met many legends through it. I don't know if it was a "club" as in a nightclub, or as in a gathering group, but still.
Quote from: Snargash MoonclawUnless you've blown reeds before it's going to take you a while to develop your embouchure; just focus on your chops and (extended jazz) scales and theory. You'll need to gain some facility at transposing on the fly if you haven't already done so since you're picking up a concert Bb instrument. The works of Masaya Yamaguchi are considered excellent and available on Amazon.
Thanks for the advise.
@SDragon
Dude, your grandfather sounds awesome!
Glad to - I'll post a couple of titles re: jass theory, improv and scales after I get home (don't happen to have them at work this today - I often do. . .) I've found a couple at the local bookstore that are good and reasonably priced.
One other thing - if you don't have one, get a recent release ('97 or later; remastered to correct speed to accurate pitch) of Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" and (seriously, deeply) listen to it at least once a day for a couple of months (or more): 2 years = The Duane Allman Method (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kind_of_blue)
Quote from: Newb ClarinetistDude, your grandfather sounds awesome!
He was awesome enough that I feel compelled to brag about him whenever I get the chance. I imagine hearing it gets old after awhile, but there was just so much about him that I think is cool.
Books I recommend - all meaty, clear and well-priced:
Creative Keyboard Present Jazz Piano Scales and Modes, Stefanuk, Misha V. ($14.95) - don't let the title fool you - there's nothing piano specific about it. Comprehensive set of scales in all 12 keys, and then scales by chord in all keys. Simple, handy and straightforward reference.
I particularly likeThe Chord Wheel, The Ultimate Tool for All Musicians, Fleser, Jim ($14.95) - and extremely useful extrapolation and extension of the circle of fifths showing all 7 chord relationships in all keys at a glance.
Jazzology, The Encyclopedia of Jazz Theory for All Musicians, Rawlins, Robert and Bahha, Nor Eddine ($18.95) and
The Path to Jazz Improvisation, De Cosmo, Emile and Laura ($14.99)
All published by Hal Leonard except the scale book from Mel Bay. Hope this is helpful.