Very nice article, Larry. Nicely written and really exudes the reverence and admiration that you have for the music.
****hearing Miles Davis do Chromatic Scales was kind of an epiphany. Who would have thought (at that age) that guys like him had the 'basics' down so well.****
That's one of the most misunderstood things among non-musician music lovers; particularly jazz fans. As you know it is common to think that the great sounds produced by the great players is mainly the result of spontaneous inspiration; their Muse. What is misunderstood or overlooked is the endless hours of "woodshedding" and listening that these guys put in, in order to develop their sound and perfect their technique. That kind of discipline and focus on the "basics" is usually associated with classical players. Jazz players work just as hard on developing the kind of control that will allow them to create very individualistic sounds, with the added challenge of knowledge of harmony.
Best of luck with your writing. Where's the alto playing at these days?
****hearing Miles Davis do Chromatic Scales was kind of an epiphany. Who would have thought (at that age) that guys like him had the 'basics' down so well.****
That's one of the most misunderstood things among non-musician music lovers; particularly jazz fans. As you know it is common to think that the great sounds produced by the great players is mainly the result of spontaneous inspiration; their Muse. What is misunderstood or overlooked is the endless hours of "woodshedding" and listening that these guys put in, in order to develop their sound and perfect their technique. That kind of discipline and focus on the "basics" is usually associated with classical players. Jazz players work just as hard on developing the kind of control that will allow them to create very individualistic sounds, with the added challenge of knowledge of harmony.
Best of luck with your writing. Where's the alto playing at these days?