Clarinet – CRAIG BUHLER JAZZ: Recent Episodes
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CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO Jazz gigs seldom turn out exactly as we expect them to. Since jazz is, by definition, an improvised art, this should come as no surprise. It’s a maze which often thrills, sometimes shatters, and continually amazes us. Let’s say, for example, that you arrive at the gig late, stressed, un-showered, … Continue reading I feel so much more like I do now than I did when I first got here.* →
How has the quarantine impacted your chops? This no-gigs lock down has been absolutely disastrous for many working musicians financially. But our chops don’t have to take the same hit our wallets are taking, if we’ll explore innovative approaches to practicing. My practice strategy is similar to what Sonny Rollins described when asked how he … Continue reading How Sonny Rollins Practices →
Click the link below to read the script of this video. I’ll talk today about the half diminished chord (also known as the “minor 7, flat 5”): How it’s constructed, how it’s named, and how its provocatively beautiful sound is used to create profound emotion. OK, so what notes are in this chord? Well, If … Continue reading Half-Diminished? Minor 7, Flat 5? Aaargh !! →
Let’s face it, we all want monster chops. There are some great books out there to help develop technique. I work constantly on mastering lix in all 12 keys, but I never play those lix on the gig. That’s not their purpose. The reason for practicing lix is to enhance your facility on the horn … Continue reading Pres says, “Sing me a song!” →
Many, many thanks to everyone who volunteered for The Chord Committee. Numerous excellent solutions have been proposed. In order to avoid discord, I have combined all of your suggestions into one beautiful, majestic chord. In hopes you will find the solution acceptable, the chart and recording are presented here for your approval. (Click on … Continue reading The Chord Committee →
Andy and i were playing this lick the other day. Andy asked with which chord this lick could be used. I had no answer. Do you?
Ever wished you could improvise? Well, here is the right place to start learning how to do just that!
Brazilian bossa nova’s introduction to the U.S. thanks to composers Luiz Bonfá (Samba de Orfeu and Manhã de Carnaval), Antônio Carlos Jobim (Desafinado, Girl from Ipanema, Corcovado, etc.), and instrumentalists João Gilberto and Stan Getz literally transformed the jazz landscape overnight. For the past 50 years, casual straight-ahead jazz gigs have invariably featured at least … Continue reading Bonfa, Jobim, and Bossa Nova →
You’ll ace this one, if you’ve played through “New Ears Resolution.” If not, it may be tricky. Below is a recording of the pattern in all 12 keys. Submit a “comment” at the bottom of this post, if you need a chart to play along with the recording. Note that this phrase traverses the first … Continue reading TEST YOUR EAR! →