I have developed an approach I really like that I think could make me a good pianist but it really only works with classical music. Funnily enough though I regard classical music as freely as many regard Jazz (I think) I play anything however I like and don't feel the need to do things the approved way, but that is another subject.I looked at Thelonius
@dc….Ah, Welk… Well he sure had a long run… To me it is almost surreal, (and kinda funny… thought it does have a light heart) like the Boston Pops joins the Brady Bunch variety show…
Well DC, my current approach involves 4 stages1. Analysis and fingering: I study the score and technique in detail and COMPLETELY finger every note. I've found this has many advantages and it's gotten to the point that I can barely stand to play anything without having prepared and studied the piece and come up with my total fingering. You may say this is limited and you may well be right butI feel this approach gets me closer to the level of good music rather than merely adequate, it also appeals to my rigorous nature..
When I said "Sell me on Jazz" I was really talking about listening to the music, not so much playing...
I get that, since while I do love some jazz, I would never play it on the piano even if I could. I sing it and it's my plan to one day get myself a saxophone. But I have never had any interest to use the piano for anything other than classical. That's where it is at it's best. I know many people feel differently
I would never play it on the piano even if I could. I sing it to use the piano for anything other than classical. That's where it is at it's best. I know many people feel differently
never? hmmmm sounds like there's more to this Outin these self-imposed rules...you enjoy singing it but not playing it? hmmmmsomebody around you didn't like jazz piano? did you ever try to learn it? is there someone in particular who " felt differently"? did someone tell you at some time that it's not right to use the piano for....hmmm like "goofing off" or maybe "making noise" something of that nature? where you playing at the time?you know me... I'm gonna ask this stuff... it's research..
While I greatly enjoy listening to such pianists as Monk, I have no desire to change So these are not rules, just reflections of my personal taste...
how did you find out about jazz?who is your favorite jazz singer? why?
why Thelonius? a rule-breaker if there ever was one.
@Outinwhy are you consumed right now with classical piano?were you inspired by something?it's very interesting to me---a person's motivation for playing.. that's why I ask..
About 5 years ago I suddenly just started exploring classical piano music again after decades of almost no interest and it got to me. I just cannot get enough. I have no explanation, but I never knew how to do things moderately...after I started playing it became even more consuming
that's a very common response... especially among the older folksthey can't explain it and yet they become obsessed... I think it's a mid-life crisis thing...they are generally incredibly happy about it though...it's not like the unhealthy --buy a sportscar, leave your job--move to Tasmania type thing... it's great to see that kind of enthusiasm, too...I have seen some returning players go quite a bit further than they thought possiblekeep going then...sounds like you are doing fine.
If you want to play jazz you 1. Listen to some standards, say off a Lawrence Welk or Montovani LP, then 2. Play them yourself entirely differently.
@Outin...just so happened? ....or was it fate? lol...
The melodies of standards are all a Jazz player needs, not the style. Especially not the style of a twenties tea room dance band . As far as making new melodies, that is more pop music, not jazz.
doesn't change the fact that it's a pretty cool coincidence.
yeah...a nice concert Steinway from the European factory.
I'm more of a Bosie gal...
still...you wouldn't turn down a steinway if it showed up at your door--but as long as we're dreamin a boisiederfer it is
The best jazz pianist I can think of right now is Dave Brubeck. If you want to start listening to Jazz piano stuff, I think he would be the best one to start with. Dave Brubeck (if I remember right) was heavily influenced by Classical music and you can hear it in some of his recordings.
Now, I've nothing against Jazz, I respect that it probably is the deepest most complex large body of music outside of classical but I've never really fallen in love with it.However I saw the movie Whiplash not so long ago and really, really enjoyed the music so I feel it's about time I took another look at Jazz.So please, make your suggestions, I would prefer piano music but that's hardly a rule. Also keep in mind that I am a hardcore classical pianist, something similar but from the Jazz style will probably appeal to me most. I also probably won't like Jazz that's too "poppy" or too weird. Something reasonably tonal but somewhat daring and interesting would probably suit me best.But really, just give me your absolute favourites haha