Here are some more Symmetrical Diminished or Dominant-Diminished patterns taken from a solo by the late saxophonist Michael Brecker. As Brecker is using a lot of minor 6th intervals, probably considering the outside notes of first inversion triad, these fit … Continue reading
This week, in celebration of the birth of creative genius John Coltrane, we focus on Trane’s Interstellar Space. Coltrane recorded this masterpiece in 1967, the year of his death, and Impulse! Records released it in September 1974. Plainly Astounding In a … Continue reading
John Coltrane, the tenor saxophonist, who was considered one of the most gifted modern jazz musicians of this decade, died on this day 50 years ago at Huntington Hospital, Huntington, Long Island. He was 40 years old. Coltrane was born … Continue reading
One of a handful of musicians who can be said to have permanently changed jazz, Charlie Parker was arguably the greatest saxophonist of all time. He could play remarkably fast lines that, if slowed down to half speed, would reveal … Continue reading
Eric Dolphy: June 20, 1928 – June 29, 1964 Eric Dolphy was a true original with his own distinctive styles on alto, flute, and bass clarinet. His music fell into the “avant-garde” category yet he did not discard chordal improvisation … Continue reading
Tenor saxophonist and flutist Charles Lloyd was born March 15, 1938 in Memphis, TN. Lloyd recieved his first saxophone at age 9, and his childhood teachers included pianist Phineas Newborn, Jr. and saxophonist Irvin Reason. was voted Down Beat’s “Jazz Artist of the Year” in … Continue reading
Happy 85th Birthday, Sonny Rollins! Saxophonist and composer Theodore Walter “Sonny” Rollins was born on September 7, 1930 in New York City, New York. As a high schooler, Rollins played in bands with his friends Jackie McLean, Kenny Drew, and Art Taylor, all of whom … Continue reading
John Coltrane, tenor sax Stan Getz, tenor sax Oscar Peterson, piano Jimmy Cobb, drums I didn’t know these four had performed together. On paper, it’s sounds great. In reality, it’s even greater. What about the name “Hackensack?” It’s the name … Continue reading