@@KentHewittpiano88 That is really helpful :) From a classical formation, I'm beginning in jazz and you and your books are probably the best ressource I found on the whole internet for beginners out there. So thank you a lot. I just have one question: what is the process you recommend in order to acquire the agility you've got while playing the solo from 3:30 ? My guess is that you imagined these music patterns in your mind, then maybe you wrote them and you practiced them a lot, beginning slowly, then faster and faster, so you get agility and know them by heart, and you have sort of a "toolbox" to play a proper Autumn Leaves solo. In that case, jazz players would always reuse their same patterns, which seems weird to me, so it's maybe not the right way to practice... Or is it more generic, like you created and learned several patterns for each mode ? I mean, I understand that the brain can use target tones and passing tones to improvise a melodic solo on the fly, but at this level of speed this has to be something learned before. Or is it simply patterns you recover from the massive amount of jazz pieces you have red and played for like the past 20 years ? :) maybe it's a bit of all that, but it confuses me at this point...
Thanks, benzen78, a complex question requires a complex answer. Like you say: it is a bit of all of that but then not some of that and some of other things. I guess when I was a kid learning piano, I had somewhat of a knack for making up melodies off the cuff. So that is just natural. My mother and sister played piano but they couldn't do that. I enjoyed practicing and when I got interested in jazz I listened to a lot of recordings and went to jazz clubs in New York. I tried to imitate what jazz players were doing when they improvised. I learned a lot of solos from transcriptions. In a way, I wish I could hear how I improvised then and compare it to now, but unfortunately I don't have any recordings of myself then. As far as agility or technique is concerned, I did practice a lot of drills and exercises to develop technique. Also I learned bebop repertoire- which is essential, for mastering improvisation. I try not to play things that I've learned or prepared ahead of time like specific licks. I try to be original and fresh on every solo. The only "toolbox" I use is my knowledge of scales that fit chords and how to use them to create good melodies. If you listened to the preview video I did just before this one, the solo is completely different. I do a number of takes of songs I play on videos and every one is different from the other. That's how it should be. But it's also risky and subject to flaws. I try to pick the one I like the best, for a variety of reasons.Sometimes working specific ideas out ahead of time is a good idea. I usually don't do that but prefer to be spontaneous and often that can be rewarding and more satisfying. I'm a big critic of my solos. and reject most of the takes. Sometimes I'll only have one out of 10 that I really like. You have to learn to except your flaws, because everyone is their own best critic. (see there you go, I wrote more words than you, but it's 5:45am and I can't sleep....cheers!)
@@KentHewittpiano88 Well that is very impressive. I like to create my own songs and each time I play them I try to improve them, but I always rely on what I built before. If I find a specific chord or melody that I like, it will stay in the song the next time I play it. That's rather a classical approach. As far as I understand improvisation is totally different, you don't rely on your past solos. You are never sure that what you play will be as great as what you played last time. And you're ready to lose a great lick for another one. It's a totally different approach that is not easy for me to accept, at least it's far from obvious to me. Ok if I recap, a methodology for improvisation would be to hang on and practice a lot of scales and solo transcriptions, and be satisfied more by the fact to do a great solo than by what you actually play (at least avoid trying to memorize it!), is that right? Still progressing in your book, I want to make it in order but I guess chapters 23-24 will be the key ;) Thanks a lot for your time. I really appreciate what you do and the fact you answer to your followers, it should be time consuming!! Very nice from you. Take care Kent
With the exception of Steve Kuhn this is the best Autumn Leaves I’ve ever heard in my life. My My My, this was incredible. This gentleman is the best of all the jazz teachers I’ve heard on RU-vid. Thank You!
what happens to me with this man is that i start watching the video like "oh yeah today i'm gonna pay attention and learn from him" but I always end like enjoying the way he plays and I just listen, I love it thanks a lot!
It's so cool to be able to play piano along to these videos at half speed. It helps a ton if you pay attention to how Kent sets up his fingers and hands before he plays a chord or a phrase.
So OK, after years of, “Huh, what,” I see now how the modes are used in improv, and, honestly, if I can accomplish this on a “beginner level” for playing standards, I’d be beyond happy! I’d leave “advancing to bebop” to the cool guys like Kent! So thanks, Kent for your comprehensive explanation! I love listening to your mini music theory lectures and, of course, your masterful playing! 🎹👍😍
been trying to develop my jazz improv skills for years (decades really) and felt that I plateaued a long time ago -- your channel (and playing) are phenomenal and I can see a way forward. A couple of videos of yours (and some practice) and I've already improved. Thank you!!!
Out of allllllllll the bop videos I’ve studied to enhance my scales/runs, this by far has been the most helpful to my growth! You broke it down to where it can’t be broke no mo! Thank you Sir!
I love how you take this Classic Standard and anylize it so thoroughly - showing practical examples for so many of the possiblities of Modes, Scales, etc. Helps me see it again and again, from so many diverse angles. I have sung this tune for years. Now I feel I can attempt an interesting vocal improv built on your diverse analysis of the changes and scales etc. -- Love your explanation of 'target tones' and passing tones ... so helpful.
I have had an inordinate amount of free time the past two weeks, and have been getting a jazz piano education. I go back to work in two days, and was lucky to have come across your part 3 of modes in improvisation. Really gained a lot from that . My previous lessons have been about tritone substitution and voicing, and your vid just rounded it all out. Thanks.
Thanks for telling me that these lessons have been helpful to you. Please review my Playlists, and find the category of subject matter that is most appealing to you. Swing loose! ru-vid.complaylists
You're excellent. I've been learning Autumn Leaves from sheet music, and know that I need to jazz it up a bit. I've been playing for awhile, but haven't yet really attempted to learn or master the nodes. Challenge accepted.
Thanx, Jazz Elder. Esp. needed in these chaotic times. Thanks for your contribution to our psychological wellbeing, spiritual health and musical growth. You are a treasure and a gift. Blessings on your creative journey. I can D. I. G. I. T. 😎❤️🙏😎
I haven';t been called by that (word) before so I will cherish that....because it is an honor to give...but I have received much more, ....and you are a part of that, my good friend.
Wonderful Kent, as always, and I am enjoying the new look with sight of your head talking to us. Great solo at the start too, really enjoyed that! Take care,
Thank you Sir, I wish I could like your videos twice, your lessons are really clear and loaded, and it's so nice to hear you swing and try to make it easy for us. And that Herbie cat looks like an easy going fellow!
I appreciate the comment. That's good feedback. Herbie is very affectionate and a real character...but he's very vary...which I guess is good for a cat.
What a sweet cat. Herby puts up with you holding him, not all cats take that so kindly. You must be a good owner! Thanks for these videos Kent. Although not incredibly useful for me beyond how I normally use your videos, I'm grateful you took the time to talk about these fundamental concepts with this much detail. I surely had some help understanding these concepts. New musicians have the best resource now! I usually play this tune in g minor if I'm with a trumpet player or vocalist, and always in e minor when I'm playing with a guitarist.
Herbie jumps on our laps when we are sitting like at the computer or watching television and then demands to be petted and then purrs. He's quite a character! Thanks for the comment.
Thanks, Kent. I've always been an intuitive player...somehow finding the altered chords or the solo line, but now that I'm retired and "rediscovering" the piano, you've added method to my madness. Never had a formal teacher, but listened to great players and was fortunate to mentor with a few as a young man. I tend to find chromatic leads to the next chord and would appreciate if you could flesh out what's going on and why it works.
Great comment, William. I'm glad to add method to the madness. Chromatic leads melodically or harmonically, or both? I will talk more about that, but I also have covered that in my videos on Tritone substitutes and also the vids on Improvisation. (more advanced) See my playlists: ru-vid.com/show-UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
Another brilliant lesson Kent. I get it ! Still have to get there but I understand and you had me experimenting on the keyboard with you. Have to learn those modes properly though. Thank you so much.👏😊
Great series with a nice explanation of the "slipping" major scale over the different degrees. I love your comping choices in the first section of the video, the left hand work would make a nice addition to this demonstration... Thank You!
I do have a few videos on left hand voicings and how I use them. Check out Chords and Comping on my Playlist page (on channel Page). ru-vid.com/show-UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
Franz Gapasin Try KH's parts one and two for more info on the major and minor usage... minor scales are actually major scales displaced, starting on a different note. Part two moves pretty fast, so I listened more than once. Intermediate level, I believe...
@@KentHewittpiano88 yeah I know. This guy is really pissing me off! HARMONIC MINOR MODES - Theory & Practice ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1GIZ_p2TgP8.html NewJazz Published on Nov 29, 2018 I'm going at it like an animal Kent. I'm subbed everywhere. I'm in a new trio and I have gigs coming up! I gotta stay relaxed and serene or I'm good for nothing. I love you Bro!
Great info and commentary about modes. Just have to add that I heard Kent Hewitt play solo piano professionally when we were both a lot younger, and I have never forgotten the experience and how much he impressed me. Back then I also often used to hear the great sax player, Scott Hamilton, play, and I would so like to hear the two of you together.
I was asked to play a gig with Scott more recently, and I declined (because I though I wouldn't measure up). I guess I was more confidant when I was younger and knew less...you know how that works sometimes?. Thanks for being there, Jay.
@@KentHewittpiano88 I suspect that you suffer from the musician's disease of making the perfect the enemy of the good. You could hold you own with Lester Young, though I wouldn't count on him making the gig. You and Scott would make - pardon the expression - "beautiful music" together. But seriously, thanks for being the humble remarkable musician you are which is a mark of someone with a gift.
Fact is that what Kent is dispensing is like graduate level instruction gratis to the world of aspiring players. You are deserving of wider recognition and support.
Hey Kent, was watching this today and love how you made this video with the view of your hands plus seeing you talk and play. And oh how you play--even your manner is so incredibly musical!!! As always, thank you for your great videos and your book is outstanding!
Thanks. I had to watch it again to remember. The 2 camera aspect took about 4 times as much work to do, just synchronizing everything, so I only did it on a few videos. I do think it is better in some ways, but it takes the viewer's concentration off of the hands, which are much more important. Overall It may be more entertaining however, but I'm not sure if the extra amount of work involved is worth it...say you? . Thanks also for the comment on my book...blessings, brother!
Kent Hewitt Yes. I was a jazz studies major between 1978-1982. I was on scholarship for jazz guitar and jazz arranging. Jack Peterson was my jazz guitar teacher. Dan Haerle taught jazz theory and improvisation, plus, he was an amazing piano player. Rich Matteson was also there, played jazz euphonium. Paris Rutherford was my jazz arranging teacher. It was a wonderful time. I really enjoy your playing.
Okay, I think Ed started teaching there in the late 80's, so you would have missed seeing him. I know the school has the best reputation for jazz studies, as does Berklee in Boston.
Kent Hewitt I simply asked my high school band teacher what college had the best jazz program, and I went to high school in California. He said North Texas. It was a big adjustment, California to Texas, but he was right. Your teaching is every bit as good as that school. Thanks for all the great jazz piano and music theory videos.
Working on all the triadic inversions in all keys. I wrote it out in maestro in first inversion. i ised maestro and by accident I was able to import a midi file of it with the note name next to the note. Pretty good for brginner. The best Kent
@@KentHewittpiano88 The app is called Midi Sheet Music..There is a backstory to this . I did not import it. I have been increasingly aware that I needed to play fluently in all keys. I made up some personal piano exercises ..CGE B F# D# depending to the end of the piano. Was very successful. Then a week later tried from the third E C G D# B F#..just going down from C to B .totall failure. It was totally not working. I put the score together using Maestro and saved it as Descending Triads. I saved on my phone and exported as a midi file and PDF. I found it as a midi file on my Phone.. I had put it as as sending triplets at 120 BPS. in C.. It rearranged it to combinations of 16thand eights.. Sounded great. It also put it in five sharps. I transposed it to C. It did it and played it back in midi Format. I could hear what it sounded like.. Also it gives you many options. I chose putting the note Vale..say D#.. All my notes are as superscript above the note. I looked further it allows you to have it in color notes..you can even pick another color if I seeing it right. By using a screen recorder I was able to make a video out of it. it's one of my last videos I can send you the link. The best Pianostyle100.
Oh yeah the idea was to read it off my phone. Total success with Midi Sheet Music app. Reading it out, allowed me to play it fluently and I can see the pattern clearly. in addition it is an excellent excercise in reading and hearing music. By writing music ..even simple music , eg Mary had a Little lamb, helps us to read confidently simple songs.
Kent, you are a very talented musician and equally talented teacher as so many other people have mentioned. I'm on the lookout for notifications from your channel :)
The song’s in D minor and yes, it’s relative to F major but it’s still D minor. Jazz musicians want to submit music to their way of thinking when they should submit their way of thinking to music.
Great! Still trying myself to make simple what is complex. But, how to get the answer if you do not have the question? Now, at least I got the question! I will follow your vidieos with great interest! Thanks!
Love Herbie! He looks much like two great black and white cats I've had in the past. So cute!! Thanks for the new videos, too. I'm practicing applying the Locrian... really fun to explore minor-flat-five as the' two' chord. By the way, your solo really takes off. You are one mean player!
Cats and Music ! Yes Very Good ! The Best Thing About Being Home Today Is Listening To You, You Are Truly The Best! Spasibo To You Maestro ! (Spasibo is Thanks In Ukraine !) 😎
@@KentHewittpiano88 Spasiba Maestro ! My Mission Is To Make You Very Popular With My Friends In Ukraine. Maybe You Will Grace Us Someday ? You Are The Ultimate Cool Cat Jazz Man!
Just loved this. Now I am so much more conscious of how modes are such an integral part of how music is structured. You are a fantastic musician and teacher. Thanks so much. I learned a tremendous amount. Your student Neal in Toronto sending you good wishes. Could you comment on some techniques for using the 1 6 2 5 degrees in popular tunes from the American Song Book?
Hi Neal, Thanks for the comment. Please write to my email address, if you have a request. I may have done that on some previous video that I could point you to.
Thank You sir. It is always so lovely to hear You playing! I really wanna buy a album You playing some standards, if you help me how? i am grateful for everything i learn during these 8-10 years i think! i know that i that You from all of us 80TN
Many thanks for the great comment. I have a trio CD on CD Baby website. It's called "Time on my Hands" and it's all standards. You can buy it in mp3 version. (I've been doing RU-vid tutorials since 2015)
That's covered in a number of my videos . You just have to watch more of them. Go to my Playlists here: ru-vid.com/show-UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists?view_as=subscriber
Thanks a lot for this video. I have a question, is there any pattern that we can learn to start sounding more jazz when playing those scales? I mean some kind of structure of notes to play in one go, since i can play those scales but it really does not sound as jazzy. Cheers!
Anthony, actually I have a video on a Bird blues. It's Now's the Time here:ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3Rgt9tIdXB4.html Also on Anthropology by Parker here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GsVlJSZHnJU.html Please check out my video on Bird's Donna Lee.: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rfnGN-ANibQ.html Please leave comments, thanks. Swing loose!
A little better Audio by perhaps by integrating the playback into the video itself rather than outside and better video quality would really make this more remarkable than it already is
A 2 sided compliment. Absolutely, I've tried that and it took about 8 times as long to accomplish any results, for a low tech cat like me...I leave that up to the young geniuses who are all over RU-vid. Can you help an old soul?
@@KentHewittpiano88 Would be my pleasure! I could only recommend the stuff that has already been tried and tested by me, and believe me, I have tried a lot of stuff because I do gaming and I record Jazz and Swing with my Quartet so I need a high quality mic and camera. I would recommend what I am currently using: (all the stuff used is linked so just clicking on the link will take you to the product) Microphone: Blue Yeti www.amazon.com/-/de/Blue-Studio-System-Recording-Software/dp/B01LBDVL2A/ref=sr_1_4?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1&keywords=blue+yeti&qid=1598921662&sr=8-4 Camera: Panasonic Lumix - www.amazon.com/-/de/PANASONIC-Features-Megapixel-2-3-inch-Dustproof/dp/B011PKJI2Y/ref=sr_1_4?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&dchild=1&keywords=camera&qid=1598921921&sr=8-4 So what you should try to learn a little more about is how to record audio and video separately. after you purchase these two products, you can learn how to record with the camera but no audio, and record the audio separately at the same time with the Blue Yeti microphone that you will later add to the video with the help of an editing software, I would recommend "Adobe Premier Pro" or "Final Cut Pro X" if you have an apple computer. then you can synchronize the audio and video, and believe me, it will look crisp and splendid. There are many videos on how to record audio and video separately. Maybe videos from other renowned pianists like Sangah Noonah might be more helpful than others. Hope this helped!
