Captain's Log - Day 7

~Most sailors chart their course through the seven seas, but we chart ours through all the 12 major and minor keys~

Cedar - Today in tims group we focused on solidifying the melodies to How High the Moon and Fiera Livre. Tim showed us the Mixolydian sharp 4 scale which is useful for soloing over Fiera Livre and we discussed approaching improvisation using scales rather than arpeggios. Practice the scales required to blow on Fiera Livre for next week.

Max- The St. Thomas combo once again worked on our tunes slowly. We emphasized playing the chord tones, especially triads. Lester Young played triads. They are good notes. Play the good notes. For next time, continue to work on your singing of You'd be so nice and Miss Jones. Keep practicing slowly. 

Jack - This week in the Hi Fly combo, we worked again on the patterns over the concert f#, e, and d minor dorian scales. This week, everyone should try to learn "the lick" over these same keys, which is scale degrees 1 2 b3 4 2 b7 1. We also talked about the importance of repetition within solos, and taking one idea to expand throughout a whole chorus. Finally, remember to practice your scales.

Kyle - This week we focused on “Driftin’.” Michael informed us on the ins and outs of “stank.” We determined that Driftin’ is an appropriate tune to use lots of “stank.” This term refers to an attitude with intensity, spirit, and a deeply rooted history in the African American experience. Mr. B stopped by to impart further wisdom of the stank, and recommends singing to foster the groundwork for including that stank in your sound. #stankinyoursound. We also spent a good long time discussing how to improvise and also keep track of the form. Michael had us trade fours to segment the form into manageable units. Next he had us play a whole chorus but using only two bar phrases and then listening for two bars. WOW! This exercise is perfect for when we find ourselves lost in the form because it gives us time to listen to the rhythm section! (Two bars on, two bars off) Lots of great content and work this week, let’s keep the momentum! 

Captain's Log - Day 6

Dylan - Rhythm section playing straight to the page, literally the chord changes as written, makes the song work as intended. This doesn't mean horns and other monophonic (one note at a time) instruments can't play more extensions and out licks harmonically. But the arrangements are written the way they are for a reason. And it's good for everyone to know what was intended, and how the song in question works.

Soloing is a great way to find yourself musically. On the spot is when you come up with ideas and can express yourself.

Solos sound good. We just need to keep the time in the right spot and as unwavering as possible. Rhythmic conviction. And that applies to everyone, including horns on their entrances. If we just know what we're doing and act decidedly and all in playing it 100%, it will take us a long way.

When you're looking at the songs in your own time, you should keep analyzing the chord progression, learning what you don't understand yet about it, on each song. This is how you get to know and play around all the music you like. This includes just singing or playing along with the progression, either by listening to the song or loading it up on iRealPro/Aebersold etc.  Playing the chords on a keyboard or piano is super helpful too. Visual, hands-on, and audible feedback help you learn and retain.

Jack - This week in the Hi Fly combo, we started by working on our second line tune and the major blues scale. Then, we transposed the last line into the keys of Ab and Bb to make a counter melody. Then, we worked on Little Boat and the dorian scale. Remember to practice the 1 2 b3 4 5 b3 2 1 4 pattern, as well as learn the whole f#, e, and d concert dorian scales.