Josh Walsh @ Jazz-Library

Reader, I approach teaching jazz by focusing relentlessly on the fundamental building blocks. If you've been part of our community for a while, you know how much I encourage learning to play like Red Garland. I often have my students practice Red's left-hand comping pattern, especially from this recording. But, today we're going to focus on what Red plays in his right-hand. Join our workshop this Friday This week we're reviewing our scale running approach by applying the same ideas to a new...

Reader, I told one of my students last week that I was on a serious Bill Evans kick. He laughed and said, "I've been on a Bill Evans kick for 30 years." Fair point! I'm obsessed with 16 bars of his solo on Emily. It's a mini-masterclass in smooth voice leading, perfect rhythm, and colorful target notes. Here’s exactly why I can’t stop listening… Join our workshop this Friday This week we're reviewing our scale running approach by applying the same ideas to a new tune, Georgia on my Mind. This...

Reader, Like so many of Chick Corea's tunes, La Fiesta taps into Spanish flamenco vibes. It's written in 3/4 time, and at first glance, the A section looks almost too simple, using only three basic triads. But Chick has an amazing way of taking something straightforward and turning it into something incredible. Let’s dig in and see what we can learn from it. Join our workshop this Friday Josh is back this week the our continuation on scale running over the Nearness of You. We're taking a look...

Reader, If you want to get better at improvising, one of the best things you can do is transcribe solos by ear—not just read them off a page. Why? Because learning directly from the greats trains your ears, improves your phrasing, and helps you internalize the language of jazz in a way that theory alone never will. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to start, Clifford Brown’s solo on Sandu is a fantastic choice. Join our workshop this Friday This week we are sharing our goals in...

Reader, There are few jazz albums that have completely changed the direction of jazz forever. But without a doubt, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis is one of them. And of all the tracks on that legendary album, perhaps none has had a greater impact than So What. Miles’ solo on this tune is deceptively simple—but beneath the surface, it’s a masterclass in space, motivic development, and modal improvisation. He doesn’t play fast, he doesn’t play flashy, but every note feels intentional. So let’s...

Reader, Ornithology is the study of birds. And the tune Ornithology was written by Charlie "Bird" Parker. I'm ashamed I didn't put that together until this morning. Seriously, how did I get through music school without learning this essential piece of jazz trivia? Every week I get an email from someone who's taking the 7-day soloing challenge complaining that these concepts are "too basic." And I have to sit them down and reassure them lovingly and patiently... yes, they are basic... but are...

Reader, This photo is Helô Pinheiro. When she was 17 years old, living in Rio de Janeiro, she used to walk by the same cafe each and every day. Antônio Carlos Jobim took notice of this and ultimately it inspired the great jazz standard, Girl From Ipanema. Girl From Ipanema's most famous recording comes from Stan Getz and João Gilberto. The song is sung in Portuguese by João, and while not originally planned, they also recorded his wife Astrud singing it in English. The rest is history. Join...