Friday, February 19, 2010

Imitating Fats Navarro

Imitating the Jazz Master Fats Navarro playing Lady Bird. Slowed down to 70% or so, I play and sing along to the great solo.
This is not something you'd want to do for a performance, but this is an excellent exercise. Probably the best way to learn how to swing.
When people say that in order to learn jazz, one needs to listen, this is how I understand it.



Also check out 7notemode's tutorial on how to swing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqAZgKR2HQc

Monday, February 8, 2010

Just Friends

This has to be one of the most amazing arrangements of Just Friends ever played. Bird is blowing incredibly melodic lines at blazing speed. It's hardly believable someone can reach this level of musicality.

So for fun, I played over the head of Just Friends, at 50% of original speed. Then I added the same piece, with Bird alone this time (I wish), at original speed.

Just Friends

Listen to Charlie Parker.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Bits of New York

I took a short break while moving since most of my stuff was packed away.

Here's Bits of New York:


And a quick recording:
Bits of New York