Sonny Rollins – CRAIG BUHLER JAZZ: Recent Episodes
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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 →
Some saxophone & clarinet students have difficulty with jazz articulation, because they have not learned to tongue properly. They begin each note with a constriction in the throat, which sounds as if the student were humming into the mouthpiece. The beginning of the note is fuzzy and indistinct.Proper articulation of accented notes should begin with the tongue … Continue reading Jazz Articulation, Accents, and Proper Tonguing →
Even many accomplished musicians never learn the fine art of playing by ear. A strong ear is a “must” for those of us musicians with visual disabilities. I owe my ear to a uniquely inspired teacher. The story begins in 1963. In this early photo of “The Downbeats,” with our matching red blazers, I’m the towhead on … Continue reading HOW I LEARNED TO PLAY BY EAR →
What a great way to ring in 2015! We watched “Labor Day” on Netflix, and then I revisited Sonny Rollins’ 1998 CD “Global Warming.” Sonny has a wonderful ability to compose simple melodies that swing. And, of course, the unique way he develops motivic material during his solos is legendary. Solos brimming over with life … Continue reading Happy New Year, Sonny Rollins! →
Sonny Rollins is renowned for his unique approach to thematic development, which is somewhat similar to the way Beethoven worked in a piece such as his famous Fifth Symphony. His solo on his original tune “Blues for Philly Joe” (named for drummer Philly Joe Jones) is a perfect example of this type of development. Parts … Continue reading Sonny Rollins’ Solo on “Blues for Philly Joe” →