Josh Walsh @ Jazz-Library

This weeks workshop: Soloing strategies over Summertime. See blue section below for details and RSVP. Reader, Jazz legend Chuck Mangione passed this week at 84. Growing up, my dad listened to Children of Sanchez on an endless loop. That was much better than his Peter, Paul & Mary collection. But I digress. Dad always played the extended Overture recording. The radio edit cuts out Don Potter's ripping guitar solo and Mangione's flugelhorn improv. So today, I thought it was a fitting time to...

Reader, Have you ever hit a plateau while practicing? No matter how much you focus or how many hours you log, your progress stalls. That usually means there are subtle cracks in your foundation. These flaws stop you cold when you try to build on top of them. When I noticed this in my own playing, I started tracking every practice session on an index card. Over time, that simple feedback loop evolved into my RPM Practice Method. I explain exactly how it works in my latest YouTube video:...

Reader, Last Friday we started working on Summertime, Gershwin's lullaby from Porgy and Bess. We started off by memorizing the changes, holding out 3-note Rootless voicings and adding the melody on top. It's a nice start, but it doesn't swing. So this Friday, we're fixing that by adding comping rhythms in our left hand and some rhythmic changes to the melody. Workshop this Friday at 1:00 Come join us for week 2 of the Summertime series. Don't worry if you missed week 1, we'll help get you...

Reader, We're starting a new series this week learning to play the great Gershwin tune, Summertime. After all, it's been a real heat wave here lately. Summertime Workshops July 11 - Learn the changes, basic voicings and melody July 18 - Add style, swing and melodic syncopation July 25 - Soloing strategies to practice RSVP For the Series Our workshops are free to join live on Zoom each week. I encourage you to join with your instrument and play along. Our next one is this Friday, July 11, at...

Reader, The 4th of July is peak American bombast. BBQs are flamin’, flags are flyin', and fireworks light up the sky. But for Ray Charles, America the Beautiful goes in the other direction. It’s simple, soulful, bluesy, and above all, sentimental. 🌭 4th of July - Ray Charles Workshop 🎆 This Friday we're learning to play Ray Charles' version of America the Beautiful. Friday at 1pm Eastern, July 4th. The workshop is free, just please let us know you are coming. Yes, I'm coming Replay: If you...

Reader, I'm looking forward to having our special guest, Charles Cornell, join us on our weekly workshop. We'd love to have you join us today at 1pm ET. This is a free event. I expect a good turnout today, so please RSVP to let me know you are coming. Yes, I'll Be There If you've never joined us before, here's what to expect: Each week on these workshops we pick a standard to play through together. We work through the changes together, play live together, and listen to recordings of that...

Reader, This Friday we will be joined by my friend and fellow jazz YouTuber, Charles Cornell. Space is Limited - RSVP For the Workshop This Friday at 1pm Eastern, June 27. The workshop is free, just please let us know you are coming. Once you've registered, you'll be redirected to download the lead sheet for Emily, so you can run through it yourself before the workshop. Yes, I'm coming A few weeks ago I shot Charles a text message. One of my private students was working on the tune Emily, and...