Let's talk about Jazz. 
OK, first, .....

What is Jazz?
I don't know
You don't know?!
Yes, that's right.

Jazz has many definitions.  Each of which can be very different for each person.  Jazz, like many art forms is subjective.  Everyone has their own view of what is and isn't Jazz.  Even more varied is what "Jazz" people like.  I think, that's great.  20 year old Jazz Snob me would have vehemently disagreed with that view.  But, I think I've gained wisdom over the years, and I'm the one writing the blog so I win.

Jazz is music that generally includes and is based around improvisation.  I think everyone would agree with that fact.

What is Improvisation?

Now, that is a question I think we can answer.

Improvisation is developing real-time rhythmic/melodic ideas as a musical reaction.



Are these ideas completely spontaneous things that magically appear to the wizard-like musician?

No.  They come from the musical language (Chords/Scales) and are generally shapes/sounds that the musician has practiced.

But, I always have heard that inspired Jazz musicians play ideas that no one has ever played before, that they create on the spot.

Music is a language.  All languages have structure, grammar, form and vocabulary.  Improvisation and Jazz are no different.

Everyone can learn to improvise!!

We're here to help you learn to improvise.  The DLP Jazz Series will launch in 2012.  We'll teach you the language of music, how to build ideas, chord/scale relationships etc.

The skills you develop through our Jazz Series will help you improvise in any style of music.  All styles of music use the same language (chords/scales).  So, if you can improvise on a Jazz song than you can improvise on a Reggae song.  If you can improvise on a Rock song then you can improvise on a Dubstep track.  It's all just music.

Please, keep checking back as I explain more about Jazz and Improvisation.  I'll also present demos of our Jazz Series as we go on.  Some days we may just discuss some great music to listen to.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

- Mike