Ears...more than odd looking skin flaps on the side of your head.

So I was thinking, which is beyond what a computer can do BTW, but I was thinking... these ears of yours need growth, and I don't mean in a Dr. Spockish way.  I mean it would be nice to do more with those things up there than hang glasses, accessorize them and pump in the latest singles.  

I am loving THIS SITE right now.  Here's the game plan for your ears...step 1 - go set up your instrument, step 2 - go to the LINK, step 3 - click on melodies and choose 3 notes (or 5 notes if your feeling frisky), step 4 - hit play and then robotically play those notes back to the computer.  It's at least as entertaining as Simon, isn't it?   Do that until it's old, and then move on to the rhythm section tab...Select all progressions and jazz lick mode under call and response with short phrases to start.  In no time you'll be calling your girlfriend "man."

The only video of Clifford Brown

The great trumpeter Clifford Brown a.k.a. "Brownie" was 25 when this clip was made.  Listen to his clear articulation and dazzling lines.  He was a young master who's life was tragically cut short in a car crash in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Fred Wesley!

James Brown's right hand man Fred Wesley keeps it funky on this clip.  Notice how he plays call and response with himself.  He shoots out a little rhythmic phrase, then answers it.  Back and forth, back and forth.  Then look what it does to people, like that lady at :53 seconds in... 

Don't choke the reed!

Reeds aren't always cooperative, but maybe if you choke them less, they'll work with you.  This is sax guru Jerry Bergonzi telling you how to create a perfect embouchure.  If you are like me, you will find that Italian subtitles spice up the dish.

Lambdoma?!

Is a Lambdoma a tasty Turkish treat? Not quite. I may have stumped myself on this one. THIS SITE by Drew Lesso is for the math major in you.  It is complete with music clips to illustrate whatever it is that I'm looking at.

Thank you sir, may I have another?

So you enjoyed last week's post did you, you little bald friend of mine? Well HERE is another site to help you use your ears for more than holding up your glasses or looking suave.

Train your ears

Do one's ears need training? Yes. They do. Practice THIS, young bald monkey.

My left foot

I know there are a lot of drumming clips on this blog of mine. Further, I know that you are not all drummers. Yet there is something to be said for playing rhythmically above all else on whatever it is that you play. It's a primal thing. Somewhere in our DNA we are forced to connect with a good groove.

This clip is all about the CLAVE. A clave, according to Wikipedia, is a rhythmic pattern used as a tool for temporal organization in Afro-Cuban music, such as salsa. It's the Latin version of the groove. There are many many different claves, most of which represent specific types of dance. Rhumba, Salsa, Bossa-Nova and Mambo are a few well known claves. Now that I'm done explaining, dig Horatio Hernandez's left foot as you listen to him solo, that's where the clave is at. BTW, claves are often played on actual claves, but not always.

Give me a reason...

Need a reason for playing? How about this...SUPERHUMAN HEARING! Click on that to check out the latest study.

Back in action!

I don't know why, but I, your blog, feel a certain pressure to post something a little extra special after this long break. I've missed you, and I know you've missed me too. So let's enjoy this moment together. Aaah. That's it. Hug it out. We're reunited, and it feels so good. Now let's cherish the love we have of jazz.

O.K., now that you are in the mood, let's talk about your sound. Think of your sound as your voice. Have you ever lost your voice? It's a really important part of communication, isn't it? Now think about how you can change the sound of your voice. What is your best voice? What do you do differently with your mouth and breathing to create your "best voice"? Could you play with that "best voice" on your instrument? I think you'll like this extra special clip from the Smithsonian I've cooked up for you...