Solo Jazz Pianist - member

[Dan Pincus]

Hi,

I am new here and I just wanted to post a link to my website. I built the site and included a Jukebox. Right now there is just one song in the Jukebox because I am learning how to use some recording equipment. I have a way to go before really getting a good quality recording of our piano.

The tune I recorded is "You Must Believe In Spring" by Michel Legrand. It is a bit laid back and not so "in your face" type of recording. I'm also working on "Darn That Dream" which is more up tempo and would like to post that in a few days...(it's a bit more in your face

The link is: www.DansPianoJazz.com If you go there I hope you will go to the "Say hi...." page and tell me a bit about yourself and where you are from. I am from Hampshire, Illinois, USA

I don't know if many musicians post their work here but perhaps we can start a trend if ok with the Administrator and Moderators. I think musicians like myself really appreciate an area where they can post their music. It gives us a way of working toward a goal. I would like to post "Darn That Dream" right now but I know it is not ready. However, everynight after work I go home and work on it and it gets a bit better everyday.

Would it be ok to talk technical and explain how we are working on things? For example, right now on "Darn That Dream" I am practicing diligently with the metronome clicking on 2 & 4 and that always helps.

Basically via this post I am scouting the area to see what people like. Nothing worse than extroverting yourself into an setting where people don't want to hear it...

Thanks,
Dan Pincus

 

[OLDUDE]

Welcome aboard Dan,
I dont play myself, although many of the Forum do, but I sure love to listen

Cheers John

 

[teddy]

Dan.

Lots of members post their work here. It is always good to hear them play

teddy

 

[Mat]

Hey Dan,

There are plenty of people here posting their music (myself included), be that works by the greatest or members' own compositions. Most of them, though, post on the classical (pipe organ) forum. Not many, if any at all, post their jazz works here. But you can be the one to start a trend, as you put it.

...
Would it be ok to talk technical and explain how we are working on things? For example, right now on "Darn That Dream" I am practicing diligently with the metronome clicking on 2 & 4 and that always helps.
...

Definitely. We could start a general thread, where we could exchange tips & tricks, our ways to learn different pieces, what excercises we use, which scales sound good over which chords and so on.

Now, I'm wondering why no one here hadn't thought of that before...

We value each member who's willing to help us expand our jazz forum, so you're welcome to bring more life and energy into it.


Cheers

 

[Dan Pincus]

Jazz Piano Thread - academic discussion area

Thanks, Oldude, teddy, Mat..

Mat,

Definitely. We could start a general thread, where we could exchange tips & tricks, our ways to learn different pieces, what exercises we use, which scales sound good over which chords and so on.
.
.
We value each member who's willing to help us expand our jazz forum, so you're welcome to bring more life and energy into it.

I would absolutely love to help out on that. It would really be great to have a thread where Jazz pianists could post some of their solo piano work. Over the months of surfing for forums on the Web I have become acquainted with many.

Hopefully people could be encouraged to divulge the thinking that went into what they played. I realize that many players play completely by instinct which is great. There are also players who play tunes according to a well thought out or researched plan. There are many musicians who have spent their lives academically learning the art of improvisation as it applies to Jazz, and I believe a community devoted to a scholarly discussion would highly benefit and attract members.

For example: lately I've been listening to "You're Gonna Hear From Me" (by Andre Previn) as played by Bill Evans, Philly Joe Jones and Eddie Gomez. I am really mesmerized by what Bill is doing on this tune, his harmonies, chord choice, linear ideas, etc. So, I am transcribing the rubato solo beginning that he plays, and then the first chorus where the band enters. When Bill plays the rubato intro, he starts in the key of C but when the band enters for the first chorus everyone is now in F. Somewhere during the rubato intro, Bill very subtly goes into F. It is hardly even noticeable! I believe I know where he does this but am so enthralled by the beauty of this transition that I am transcribing the entire intro and first chorus. Now, when you listen to the tune there is a part in the writing where it sounds like Andre Previn makes a key change but after that the tune is back in the key where it started. The mystery is how Bill modulates the entire tune from C to F. Pretty cool….

In addition I am also transcribing this tune because of the swing feel that the band creates. It’s just one of the most attractive types of Jazz feels that draws people to want to listen to Jazz. (Here is a site that offers 25 free plays of tunes and then you have to purchase for more but you can listen to this tune in its entirety, 25 times if you like http://new.music.yahoo.com/bill-evans/tracks/youre-gonna-hear-from-me--7464480

Another example: in addition to transcribing “You're Gonna Hear From Me" I am trying to finally sort out years of stumbling blocks when I try to play a more up tempo “Darn That Dream”. I really want to get this tune down. One of the biggest aids in deciphering where the “potholes” are is to use a metronome and practice the tune at different tempos. When you use a metronome to practice Jazz you can set the metronome so that it accents the beats on 2 & 4. These are the inherent strong beats in Jazz. If you practice within this type of restraint you will become more aware of where the unsure parts are. Then it’s just a matter of practicing and refining those parts.

Just some ideas….

Thanks,
Dan Pincus

 

[stu]

Hi Dan,
I enjoyed your recording of the Michel Legrand number, 'You Must Believe In Spring'.

I am not a musician (failed pianist) but like John (Oldude), I love to listen.

 

[Dan Pincus]

Thanks stu,

I appreciate you listening and also the compliment.

Dan