On Reflections, Rosenwinkel isn't playing any tricks. The melodic phrases, harmonies, and rhythmic underpinnings are simple and subtle. But, despite a barefaced lack of complexity, Reflections is one of the most exciting albums of the year...
Recently I was listening to Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto on their 1964 live album Getz/Gilberto Vol. 2, and I was inspired to write a brief description of bossa nova. Also check out my profile of bossa nova composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, many of whose songs, including "The Girl From Ipanema," "Corcovado," and "How Insensitve" have become standards in the jazz repertoire.
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Any jazz musician can tell you that much of the time spent in the practice room is devoted to ear training. To improvise requires being able to hear the harmony of a tune, and jazz harmony can get pretty complex and knotty. The best ear training takes place on the bandstand, but jazz education programs can teach basic skills to make the process easier. Now, thanks to certain podcasts and websites, you can develop these skills from the comfort of your own home.
Check out this podcast by New York-based drummer Dan Wolf (full disclosure: Dan is a friend of mine). It's one of the best online jazz ear training programs I've come across so far. It starts very simply, drilling basic intervals and chord qualities, and gradually increases in difficulty and complexity.
Please share links to more ear training podcasts or websites in the comments section of this post, so I can add them to the site's bank of jazz education resources.
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The holiday season is near, so I've muscled up the temerity to decide which of 2009's jazz releases are the ones that would make the best gifts for your jazz-loving loved ones. These albums were a few of my favorites from this year, but you may prefer some of the other CDs reviewed here.
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Saxophonist Myron Walden, who is known mainly for his alto playing, switches to tenor on Momentum, the first of three records Walden is releasing over the course of the next few months. The music on Momentum is inspired by 1960s Miles Davis, but bound with more rhythmic cohesion, and with a heartier helping of soul.
Image Courtesy of Demi Sound Records
What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >
Is your favorite song on our list? More >
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