How Do I Not Think When I Improvise?

In this episode, Brent explores the intricate art of jazz phrasing, responding to a query from Suze, an Inner Circle member seeking guidance on refining her improvisational skills. Brent elucidates the essence of jazz phrasing, emphasizing its rhythmic nuances and expressive elements that transcend mere note choices. By dissecting the rhythmic patterns and melodic contours of jazz standards, Brent empowers aspiring jazz musicians to internalize the language of jazz and develop their unique improvisational voice, fostering a deeper connection with the music and enhancing their artistic expression.Furthermore, he underscores the importance of diversity in learning sources, urging listeners to explore a wide range of jazz musicians across different instruments to glean insights into varied phrasing approaches.  Join Brent for a transformative journey into the heart of jazz phrasing, where knowledge meets action, and practice yields profound musical growth.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this episode, Brent addresses an essential aspect of jazz improvisation raised by listener Keith Cramlinger: creating space in solos for a more melodic and musical expression. He shares practical insights and strategies to overcome common challenges faced by jazz players, whether it's developing longer musical phrases or avoiding overwhelming density in improvisations. Brent highlights the importance of mindfulness, imitation, and rhythmic variation in crafting engaging and dynamic solos. By incorporating some techniques, he empowers listeners to cultivate a sense of spaciousness in their playing, fostering a deeper connection with the music and enhancing their improvisational prowess. This episode offers valuable guidance and actionable strategies to elevate your improvisational artistry. Tune in to the Learn Jazz Standards podcast and embark on a transformative journey toward creating more expressive, melodic, and compelling jazz solos.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this captivating episode, Brent explores the practical applications of Lydian and Lydian dominant scales in jazz improvisation, addressing a listener's query about using these scales effectively in soloing. Brent's clear explanations and musical examples demystify the Lydian scale's composition and its relationship to the major scale, making complex musical concepts accessible to listeners of all levels. Brent's emphasis on experimentation and creativity underscores the essence of jazz music. By sharing practical tips and actionable insights, he emphasizes integrating the Lydian scale into the improvisational practice, fostering a deeper understanding of modal harmony and enhancing musical expression.This episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration to elevate your playing and enrich your jazz journey. Tune in to the Learn Jazz Standards podcast and embark on a musical adventure filled with discovery, creativity, and endless possibilities.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this Fast Track Friday episode,  Brent introduces the concept of the "tune of greatness," a powerful strategy for mastering jazz tunes while deepening musical understanding. Drawing from the teachings of jazz mentor Justin Nielsen, Brent elucidates how practitioners can select a tune they love and use it as a canvas for musical exploration and growth. Brent offers practical advice for identifying an ideal "tune of greatness," emphasizing the importance of selecting a song that resonates deeply and shares harmonic commonalities with other jazz standards. Through insightful examples and criteria, he empowers listeners to embark on a journey of musical discovery, leveraging their chosen tune as a vehicle for continuous improvement and creative expression.  Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

Join Brent today as he tackles a common query from Craig about infusing pentatonic and blues scales with a jazzy flair. He begins by dissecting the essence of jazziness, exploring techniques to elevate these foundational scales into sophisticated improvisational tools. Brent's insightful approach transcends mere scale manipulation, exploring the realm of musicality and language development within jazz improvisation. He encourages moving beyond rote scale patterns to embrace musical lines and licks that embody the jazz tradition authentically. Through practical demonstrations and theoretical insights, Brent provides a roadmap for aspiring jazz musicians to cultivate a nuanced understanding of improvisational language. Brent's podcast offers invaluable guidance to elevate your jazz playing to the next level. Tune in to embark on a transformative journey of musical discovery and mastery.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In the latest episode, Brent addresses a pivotal query posed by Kevin Mummy: how to strike a balance between imitation and innovation in jazz practice. Brent underscores the importance of emulating jazz luminaries as a means of mastering the musical vernacular, advocating for techniques like solo transcription to absorb the language's nuances fully.By exploring improvisation and composition, he contends that practitioners can unlock avenues for personal expression, paving the way for originality within the tradition. Brent provides a roadmap for aspiring jazz musicians to cultivate their unique identity while honoring the rich heritage of the genre. With engaging anecdotes and actionable tips, his discussion resonates with jazz enthusiasts at all skill levels, from beginners seeking to build a solid foundation to seasoned players aiming to refine their artistic identity.  Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this episode,  Brent offers a comprehensive guide to essential jazz standards, answering a listener's question about the top 25 tunes every musician should know. With his extensive knowledge and infectious passion for jazz, Brent curates a diverse list that spans various styles and forms, from classic swing tunes to modal compositions and bossa nova classics. By breaking down each selection and highlighting its unique characteristics, Brent provides invaluable insights for aspiring jazz musicians, offering a roadmap for building a strong repertoire and thriving in jam-session scenarios.From iconic melodies like "Autumn Leaves" and "Take the A -Train" to lesser-known gems such as "Alone Together" and "St. Thomas," this episode serves as a treasure trove of musical inspiration and guidance. Brent's expert recommendations provide a solid foundation for embarking on a rewarding musical journey. Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this episode, Brent discusses the intricate world of jazz theory, tackling listener questions and demystifying the elusive Phrygian mode. With his signature enthusiasm and clarity, he guides listeners through the nuances of scale theory, shedding light on the practical applications of Phrygian in jazz improvisation. Brent's insightful explanations provide invaluable insights for jazz musicians at all levels, offering a roadmap for navigating complex harmonic landscapes with confidence and creativity. He makes abstract concepts accessible, empowering listeners to deepen their understanding of jazz theory and expand their improvisational toolkit. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to fuel your musical journey. Tune in to discover the transformative power of Phrygian and embark on a thrilling exploration of jazz theory with Brent as your guide.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

Join Brent on Fast Track Friday as he reflects on the week's themes and offers strategic advice for cultivating a mindset conducive to musical flow.  In this enlightening episode, Brent explores the intricacies of achieving a state of effortless improvisation, drawing parallels between musical performance and everyday experiences. Through insightful anecdotes and practical tips, Brent explores the importance of relinquishing ego and embracing vulnerability to unlock the full potential of musical expression.  This episode offers valuable insights into transcending self-doubt and tapping into the limitless creativity of the human mind.From letting go of the fear of failure to embracing the spontaneity of improvisation, Brent shares actionable strategies for fostering a deeper connection with music. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your musical journey and discover the transformative power of the flow state. Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

Addressing a query from Patrick LeBlanc, this episode offers insightful tips from Brent on infusing quarter-note-based basslines with the infectious groove of swing. From emphasizing subdivisions to tastefully incorporating triplets, Brent provides practical strategies for enhancing the rhythmic vitality of basslines, catering to musicians of all levels seeking to elevate their jazz improvisation skills.Through engaging anecdotes and expert analysis, this episode illuminates the art of jazz bass playing, offering a blend of technical expertise and artistic sensibility. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or an aspiring jazz musician, Brent's guidance on achieving rhythmic fluidity and musical maturity promises to enrich your understanding of jazz improvisation. Subscribe now to the Learn Jazz Standards podcast and embark on a journey of musical discovery, where every episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for mastering the language of jazz.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.