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.