Break through 32 days out

Eric Alexander, "play the changes!"

As a jazz teacher I implore my students to: 
a. learn to play their instrument because too many students want to technically play way over their heads.
b. practice the 60 jazz chords, starting in root position and then inversions.
c. engage with the original recordings.
d. drill, drill, and drill, the broken chords over the changes in real time. 
e. understand that jazz is all about touch, phrasing, and rhythm 1st, broken chords and harmony 2nd. 
f. realise that jazz is a contact sport. It is easier to learn with your friends.

By 7 AM, I had fumbled through all these tunes by ear. I played the rootless voicings, the melodies, the changes, and then I restated the melody. I thought I sounded pretty good.

​Now I'm getting ready for a service today 10 AM. Load the drums and leave early because getting across town through the Toronto marathon will be an adventure.