In trying to find Johnny's Blues on line to listen to, I stumbled on Jonny Hodges-the Complete Verve Small Sessions. Now, one of my all time favorite records is Big Joe Turner's "Boss of the Blues". It has such a great late night, after hours feel. I can imagine them turning up at Atlantic studios, moving the furniture around and getting down to the blues.
Are there any records you can recommend that have a similar sound and feel?
As far as the Joe Turner record, there's nothing quite like it that I'm aware of. As for the Johnny Hodges small band sessions, that is some of my favorite music ever. Tunes like Wham, a Pound of Blues and more are incredible.
Love the Jazz/Blues lately. Speaking of Ellington, perhaps sometime in the future you could tackle "Just a Settin' and a Rockin"? I love the solo version Kenny Burrell does-seem like it's right in your wheelhouse.
To be specific: I watch the whole video, then I go back and watch again, stopping at whatever sounds interesting. Sometimes it not the example Duke is highlighting. Sometimes it's a lick or phrase in between that catches my ear. I'll try to zero in, and figure it out.
It takes time. Sometimes I've worked days on a measure of music until it feels good to me. Like it's something that I can summon up at any time. It takes a long time to get to that point.
Simply, the learning is more active, less passive. In other words, instead of learning a solo note for note, you're given "road signs"; building blocks for creating your OWN solos. Because that's what it's all about, no? Duke, correct me if I'm wrong, but when you were young, I'm sure you sat in front of a record player, radio, or tape recorder learning solos of your favorite musicians. But what you play now is not note for note of what you learned then. You've internalized it, put it through your mojo filter.
It's fantastic to learn the moves of a master. But, then you have to take the next step of making that come out in your playing as something unique. Something that's yours. And that's not something that you can easily teach. You need to spend time alone, making those moves yours.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm a big believer in learning something EXACTLY like it's played. It's almost like an actor creating a role. You really learn alot getting inside another player's head, and thinking like they thought. But, after that, you need to make it yours.
Not all the work is like that. Some things stand on their own, like Blues After Hours. When I play gigs, some stuff is note for note, but some stuff is just going for it.
Thanks so much for that lesson. I think this approach to soloing is more useful than the "note for note". There is alot there to dig in and chew on. Love it.
Wow! Mystery solved. I've been listening to that for about 25 years. I think the simplicity and economy of your arrangement is a huge lesson. Thank you so much, Duke.
I first heard you do this way back in '78, I think. I figured the head out in the first position; although I figured you weren't doing that. It'll be interesting to see exactly how you did it after all these years...
Very nice playing, Charlie!
Here's my take on Johnny's Blues. Most licks borrowed from the Duke!
Related question, Duke:
In trying to find Johnny's Blues on line to listen to, I stumbled on Jonny Hodges-the Complete Verve Small Sessions. Now, one of my all time favorite records is Big Joe Turner's "Boss of the Blues". It has such a great late night, after hours feel. I can imagine them turning up at Atlantic studios, moving the furniture around and getting down to the blues.
Are there any records you can recommend that have a similar sound and feel?
Thanks,
Slim
As far as the Joe Turner record, there's nothing quite like it that I'm aware of. As for the Johnny Hodges small band sessions, that is some of my favorite music ever. Tunes like Wham, a Pound of Blues and more are incredible.
Duke,
Love the Jazz/Blues lately. Speaking of Ellington, perhaps sometime in the future you could tackle "Just a Settin' and a Rockin"? I love the solo version Kenny Burrell does-seem like it's right in your wheelhouse.
Slim
Thanks, Gentlemen. It means alot. Tried to get video going, but the audio would skip. Hopefully next time....
Slim
Whoa, great stuff, Slim! Very cool!
Thanks Duke!
Slim
Hey Slim, Great job! Good playing AND singing! and i heard many of the freddie licks in there. keep up the good work..... Duke
Duke-any Bill Jennings recommendations? I don't think the Jennings/Mcduff record pictured with Glide On is in print...
Thanks,
Slim
Slim, there are CDs out there of Bill with McDuff. probably cutouts though. I bet you can find them online, try Amszon. duke
Duke,
What is the status of the jazz trio record? Is there a release date, etc? Can you give us any details-tunes covered, gear used, anything?
Slim
Mike,
To be specific: I watch the whole video, then I go back and watch again, stopping at whatever sounds interesting. Sometimes it not the example Duke is highlighting. Sometimes it's a lick or phrase in between that catches my ear. I'll try to zero in, and figure it out.
It takes time. Sometimes I've worked days on a measure of music until it feels good to me. Like it's something that I can summon up at any time. It takes a long time to get to that point.
Slim
Mike,
Simply, the learning is more active, less passive. In other words, instead of learning a solo note for note, you're given "road signs"; building blocks for creating your OWN solos. Because that's what it's all about, no? Duke, correct me if I'm wrong, but when you were young, I'm sure you sat in front of a record player, radio, or tape recorder learning solos of your favorite musicians. But what you play now is not note for note of what you learned then. You've internalized it, put it through your mojo filter.
It's fantastic to learn the moves of a master. But, then you have to take the next step of making that come out in your playing as something unique. Something that's yours. And that's not something that you can easily teach. You need to spend time alone, making those moves yours.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm a big believer in learning something EXACTLY like it's played. It's almost like an actor creating a role. You really learn alot getting inside another player's head, and thinking like they thought. But, after that, you need to make it yours.
Not all the work is like that. Some things stand on their own, like Blues After Hours. When I play gigs, some stuff is note for note, but some stuff is just going for it.
Slim
Duke,
Thanks so much for that lesson. I think this approach to soloing is more useful than the "note for note". There is alot there to dig in and chew on. Love it.
Slim
Wow! Mystery solved. I've been listening to that for about 25 years. I think the simplicity and economy of your arrangement is a huge lesson. Thank you so much, Duke.
Slim
Duke,
What is the Gretsch you're playing in this lesson? I have a 6120, and it doesn't have the sharp cutaway, or thick binding...
Slim
Duke,
I first heard you do this way back in '78, I think. I figured the head out in the first position; although I figured you weren't doing that. It'll be interesting to see exactly how you did it after all these years...
Slim