LearnJazzPiano.com archives: mood &jazz lines

asteffen -- 07/03/2005, 14:03:54 -- #16091

hi, I am playing now for quite a long time. Although my playing is kind of cool sometimes, there are sessions where I can't really connect to piano and everything I play sounds bad (at least for me). Do You guys experience similar things. I also think that I am playing some really nice lines sometimes and then suddenly one line that sounds really unjazzy :( What would you propose me to practice? You think that transcription and copying the phrases from the masters helps in this case? Regards, A.

Ole -- 07/03/2005, 16:02:19 -- #16097

Yes...transcribing helps...  After a few transcribtions your ears and your lines will have a revolution. And record yourself and try to find out what you do wrong when it sounds bad. Good luck.

Jazz+ -- 07/03/2005, 20:19:33 -- #16102

Playing on a piano that is out of tune or has a stiff action can put me off. And I play poorly if the bass doesn't groove, plays false notes or is out of tune. Also, if the drummer doesn't swing or keep good time or is too loud. Concentration is important and in some situations the pressure interferes with the space.

Jazz+ -- 07/03/2005, 21:06:55 -- #16103

If I were you I would practice the tips given in Hal Galper's book "Forward Motion". The main points are discussed on his website: Start your lines on the "+" Resolve lines on strong beat "1" or "3" (or an anticipation of those strong beats) Play towards a "good note" of resolution (Tonic, 9th, 5th, etc.) It's amazing how often Parker's lines fit those criteria.

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