The SaxTips Podcast

Improv Etudes and their benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:18:00 +0000

All those who have read my articles and know my books, you’ve read that how I evangelize the benefits of “Improv Etudes”. In this article I’m going to attempt to explain some of those benefits.

First of all, “What are Improv Etudes?“

Improv Etudes are comparable to Jazz Etudes or Studies with the special hook. As Jazz Etudes are more like tunes written in order to help learn jazz phrasing, articulation and such, Improv Etudes are written in order to simulate improvisation, or an improvised solo in a jazz style.

My first acquaintance with Improv Etudes (as I call them) was during my lessons with saxophonist Steve Grossman. Part of my homework for my lessons were that he would write out a chorus on a blues or any other standard we were working on, all eighth-notes, without rests (more on that later), he asked me to practice it, and then demanded that I would write at least one more chorus myself, continuing the solo. At my next lesson, I play everything and we would review what I wrote in order to check out if I used correct voice leading, etc. Basically, to find out if what I wrote sounded any good. (Luckily, I did not make many mistakes. )

One of the coolest benefits of this practice was that I could be anywhere to write my choruses. I write them on the train on the way to school, I write them in the cafeteria during lunch, before going to bed at night, waiting at the dentists’ office, anywhere. That is, once I was able to get to the point of not needing my saxophone to write them.

It’s a good idea that one should use your horn at first to write your improv etudes in order make sure that they sound the way you imagine them.

After using the horn to write for a while, you should be able to evolve to the level that you know how your instrument sounds without having it with you. You should be able to literally hear what you write as you write it.

What about the “all eighth-notes, no rests” thing?

Basically, this is about learning how to develop your linear thinking in improvisation by keeping a continual flow of melodies. Secondly, this also prevents you from just memorizing your solos ant then just playing them on stage.

On top of that, you’ll improve your timing immensely. Take a breath when you need it but keep the time and don’t go back to play what you missed. That won’t happen on the bandstand, so don’t do it in your practice session.

Take a breath when you need it but keep the time and don’t go back to play what you missed. That won’t happen on the bandstand, so don’t do it in your practice session.

Eventually, after practicing the improv etudes, creating your own and practicing them as well, most of this will become a part of your playing style. It will also happen sometimes that your ideas my wind up being longer than what you have air for, but that’s ok. That will change as well.

And this is by far the coolest benefit of them all – you are engaging in an intense, focused, practice of working only on how you want to play. If you want to play like Charlie Parker, you can incorporate his licks in your improv etudes. Want to add Coltrane?Brecker? Cannonball Adderley? Kenny Garrett? Work intensively on your own licks? You can do all this with Improv Etudes and do it faster than any other method to do so.

Do you want to play like Charlie Parker, Coltrane, Brecker, Cannonball Adderley or Kenny Garrett? Or work intensively on your own licks? You can incorporate all playing styles in your improv etudes.

In closing, I can only highly recommend that you start on the practicing of using Improv Etudes to improve your playing. You’ll find plenty of them in my books “Blues & Rhythm Changes in All Keys”, “250 Jazz Patterns” and “Coltrane Changes”.

Xmas / New Years Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 07:03:00 +0000

Save 20% on all products

by using the coupon code: xmas2009

Go to: www.evantatemusic.com NOW!

SaxTips Podcast # 30 - Quick Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Here's a quick tip I recorded today about finding your way to master not only the saxophone, but anything!

Download the audio here, or

Download the video here

Coltrane Changes out NOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:11:00 +0000

I have a SPECIAL OFFER for you!

From Today, until Sunday, the 22th of February 2009, I will be offering the Digital Download version of the Coltrane Changes book for HALF PRICE!

That means:

The Treble Clef Instrument version (C, Bb and Eb), 90 pages will be sold for only EUR 7.00!

Download it now here

or...

Order the printed version here at: ColtraneChanges.com

The Bass Clef instrument version, 75 pages will be sold for only EUR 5.00! (Coming Soon!)

From Monday, the 23st of February 2009, the prices will set higher to their regular prices of EUR 14.95 and EUR 11.95 respectively.

Print versions of the books will be available from Monday, the 16th at their regular prices of EUR 19.95 and EUR 19.95 respectively.

So, be sure to take advantage of this ONE TIME DEAL! After next week, I will not offer these books at half price ever again!
www.ColtraneChanges.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Be sure to go to PlayJazzNow.com and buy "Trane Trax" to practice along with!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Coltrane Changes Sneak Peek!

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:55:00 +0000

"Coltrane Changes" NEW!-

This book is designed for intermediate to advanced jazz improvisers.
Full of exercises and Jazz Etudes (Improv Etudes) over John Coltrane's compositions "Giant Steps", "Countdown" and "26-2" for Eb and Bb instruments

Available in December 2008 as a Digital Download and in Print

Download "Play Jazz Now" Rhythm Tracks and practice with them!

Click here for "Trane Trax"

Hi!, the feedback I've been getting for "Coltrane Changes" has been great and some are already wanting to "pre-order". The book is almost done but waht I will do right now is give you a free taste. You can download the first 2 choruses of a Jazz Etude on "Giant Steps".

Click here for the Jazz Etude on Giant Steps for Alto Sax.

Click here for the Jazz Etude on Giant Steps for Tenor Sax.

Note: The Jazz Etudes are not identical. The are written to suite each instrument well. Have fun!

By the way, that reminds me. Some time ago I checked out some play alongs from Hal Leonard Publishing. They have a jazz series on different styles and artists. On a positive note, they include tracks where the melody is played along side a track with just the rhythm section. This is good for people who may not be familiar with some tunes and/or not sure of their rhythmic reading.

On a negative note, not only do I find the tracks a bit short (only 2 to 4 choruses, in some cases only 1), but I had to discover that some of the melodies were incorrect. That should NEVER happen!

Anyway, I checked out what they had on Coltrane. They had a nice pick of tunes, but "Giant Steps" and "Countdown" are only recorded at break-neck tempos. No chance for anyone trying to learn the tunes for the first time and want to get their feet wet. What were they thinking? Do they really believe that anyone who buys their play alongs will be able to play those tempos right away? Those recordings are a sad testament to a publisher who's just out to make a buck, but not really provide helpful materials for students of improvisation.

That gives me even more reason to give props to Bill Harrison of PlayJazzNow.com. His new play alongs Trane Trax gives you Coltrane's "Giant Steps"three times! - As a slow bossa, a medium tempo swing, and as an uptempo swing. That is a system you can really learn with!

News from SaxTips!

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:14:00 +0000

In this issue:

The new SaxTips Vidcast

Coltrane Changes

Playing in Duo

Improv Etudes

Hi,

The SaxTips Newsletter will now produced in a new format in order to give you more information on what's happening on the SaxTips Podcast, jazz aids, and more. These issues will also have practice and/or improvisation tips.

So, I do hope you enjoy your newsletter and please feel free to contact me at anytime for any suggestions, criticism, kudos, questions, whatever! ;-)

The new SaxTips Vidcast

I've just begun expanding the way to present saxophone tips to the SaxTips Podcast audience. It's been great to have over 1.000 listeners per month download these podcasts and even more just listening to it in their web browsers. Some techniques are not always easy to explain, that is why I've decided to finally bring more tips to you per video in the new SaxTips Vidcast. The first episode "One Note Theory" is already out. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Get exciting new play-alongs for Blues in All Keys!
Click here to view more details

Coltrane Changes

Have you played on John Coltrane's "Giant Steps", "Countdown" or even his composition "26-2"? If so, you know how difficult that can be, and how humiliating that is if you can barely make it through the changes. If you haven't played on those tunes yet, maybe it was because you knew it was difficult and didn't dare to try. Well, I'd like to offer some help here.

Starting in December 2008, I'll be offering my new book "Coltrane Changes" at a special introductory price, and maybe even free print copies for the first 10 responders.

Included in Coltrane Changes will be exercises over the chord progression to "Giant Steps" and "Countdown" - in ALL KEYS! Included will also be patterns using alternate changes on Giant Steps as well! Then there will "Improv Etudes" over "Giant Steps", "Countdown" and "26-2" for Eb and Bb saxophones.

To sweeten it all, new play-along tracks have been created by Bill Harrison of "PlayJazzNow.com". Bill Harrison is a jazz bassist and teacher in Chicago and has created some great play-alongs. A lot hipper than the Jamey Aebersold tracks in my opinion. I will be providing links to those tracks along with my book offering. So watch out for it in the upcoming newsletter.

Get exciting new play-alongs for Rhythm Changes in All Keys!

Click here to view more details

Playing in Duo

Playing in duo, whether it be with a pianist, a guitarist or a bassist is an art form. It is not an easy thing to do and can be very tiring for a saxophonist. The challenge is not only to keep it interesting in the choice of tunes to play, keeping the energy up, but also being able to "speak" the chords clearly within your improvisation, along with keeping excellent timing (especially if you don't have a drummer playing with you).

How playing in duo ever started in jazz, no one knows. It may have been for economical reasons. Less guys to pay for a gig. Or, the venue owner didn't want to spend his money hiring a big band, or any band with more than 4 people. I remember quite well back in New York City, there was the "Carabet Law". That was a law that prevented clubs that were present in residentials areas from having more than three musicians perform on stage at a time (and drums were forbidden!). For the longest time, this law was not enforced, until the official that was preventing this law to be enforced was involved in a scandal, and he eventually commited suicide. After that, the doors were open and the law was enforced - hard! That put a lot of musicians out of work. So what did musicians have to do? Get creative. Do the best with what they had.

In the next issue, I'll get into this topic, especially improvising in duo, a little further. Stay tuned!

Get exciting new play-alongs for Major Turnarounds in All Keys!
Click here to view more details

Improv Etudes

You're listening to your favorite players and you're wishing that you can play at least nearly as good as they are and do a lot of practice to get there. But your efforts don't seem to get you any closer. I know how you feel. When I was a kid just starting out in jazz improvisation, I listened to jazz, tried to learn the melodies to tunes, tried to learn to improvise per the "Chord/Scale" method, played transcribed solos, imitate players from records - everything I could possibly think of.

At one point, while I was practicing Charlie Parker solos, I realized that I really didn't understand what he was doing. It all sounded great, but the notes he was playing to the chords, theoretically, didn't make sense. But it must somehow be right, right? So, I continued to practice in blind faith. Trusting that one day I'll be able to understand.

Finally, after 2 years of practicing and playing, I began to understand what was going on! "Oh, man! THAT'S what he's doing!" After that, everything seemed so simple and my improvising improved 100%, almost overnight!

Later, when I was in college, while I studied with Joe Allard at the Manhattan School of Music in New York, I was studying with saxophonist Steve Grossman privately to improve my improvising. Steve turned me on to the concept of what I call Improv Etudes. He said, just as there are etudes in classical music to learn the language of that music, there should be no reason why we should create etudes to learn the language of jazz improvisation. After starting using this method, my improvising improve dramatically within a short period of time!

In my books "250 Jazz Patterns", "Blues & Rhythm Changes in All Keys", and in my upcoming "Coltrane Changes", Improv Etudes are used to learn chord progressions and to intensify concentration to learn to play exactly the way you wish. In the future I will creating instructional materials so that you may learn this method in greater detail. So, stay tuned!

SaxTips Vidcast # 1 - One Note Theory

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:09:00 +0000

Download the Exercise

The SaxTips Podcast # 28 - A Report from the Frankfurt Music Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:52:00 +0000

Hi All,

It's been a long pause, but now I'm back with news of Tops and Flops in the World of Saxophones.

Intro
Music: "Here is Everywhere" from Katja Endemann
Report from the Frankfurt Music Fair:
- Julius Keilwerth Silver Star and S.K.Y. Concert
- Alto saxophone for Children
- Cannonball Saxophones - "Pete Christlieb Signature Series" and "Lady Godiva"
- Schagerl (austria) Saxophones
Promo Break
Last Comments
Music: "Extra Pressure" from Eric Person.

Download Episode here: Enhanced version : MP3 version

Visit Evan Tate.com from information on saxophone products.

"Improv Etudes"

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:21:00 +0000

Get the Sample PDF here.

Order the DVD here.

Online Sax Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:00:00 +0000

Get a Private online Sax Lesson made just for you!

Do you have a specific problem in regards to technique, intonation, embouchure, improvisation, learning the changes to a tune, or such?

Looking for another method to solve a problem? Are you already taking lessons and would like another option? Would you like to take lessons but don't have time to do so regularly?

Then, I have a solution for you! Take a private lesson with me per email!

Make your request for a lesson on improvisation, intonation, altissimo, technique... whatever subject you wish, and I'll send you an Audio/MP3 file (min. 20, including examples, and/or playalongs), with PDFs of exercises via email and per "YouSendIt.com".

It's like have a private lesson with me and you'll able to listen to it over and over again as needed. PLUS! It anything is not clear to you in the lesson - free email support or we can talk via Skype.

Well, how does that sound?

Just go to this link and order your lesson now!

Once you get the email with the download link, you'll have up to 3 days to download your lesson.

Please allow up to 7 days for me to send you your private lesson.

250 Jazz Patterns

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 08:29:00 +0000

I have created this "250 Jazz Patterns" in order to pass on to YOU the techniques I have learned from my instructors and have taught to my more than 100 students over the past 20 years! You too can learn to master jazz improvisation systematically and faster than ever before!

You're listening to your favorite players and you're wishing that you can play at least nearly as good as they are and do a lot of practice to get there. But your efforts don't seem to get you any closer.

Starting out

I know how you feel. When I was a kid juststarting out in jazz improvisation, I listened to jazz, tried to learnthe melodies to tunes, tried to learn to improvise per the "Chord/Scale" method, played transcribed solos, imitate players from records - everything I could possibly think of.
At one point, while I was practicing Charlie Parker solos, I realized that I really didn't understand what he was doing. It all sounded great, but the noted he was playing to the chords, theoretically, didn't make sense. But it must somehow be right, right?

So, I continued to practice in blind faith. Trusting that one day I'll be able to understand.

The "Aha" Effect!

Finally, after 2 years of practicing and playing, I began to understand what was going on! "Oh, man! THAT'S what he's doing!" After that, everything seemed so simple and my improvising improved 100% , almost overnight!

In my book "250 Jazz Patterns" I want to give you the tools to improve your playing and to be able to play like your favorites whether they be John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, Michael Brecker , or any other player you'd like to emanate.

Much more than just exercises!

Also included in the book are "Improv Etudes" on several standard chord progression and jazz standards such as;

* Blues
* Rhythm Changes
* Lady Bird
* Cherokee
* Giant Steps

Just as Etudes (Studies) are used in learning the language of classical music, "Improv Etudes" are used here to learn and understand the jazz improvisational language.

The "Improv Etudes" are designed to help you:

* super-charge your ears
* build your technique
* improve your soloing in all keys
* develop your own style!

Have you ever practiced licks off a recording or book of solo transcriptions and have been "waiting" until it finally becomes part of your own playing style?

Well, you know that that seems to take FOREVER!

"Improv Etudes" provide a solution to your dilemma! While learning to use "Improv Etudes" you use the most effective way to incorporate any lick into your solos faster than ever before!

You will learn to play exactly the way you'd like and save hundreds of hours in practice time !

And that's not all!

You'll also get transcribed solos included in the book at no extra cost! Take you favorite licks out of these solos (or any other solos you have) and incorporate them into your playing using "Improv Etudes".

* Impress your friends, family and colleagues with your new soloing skills!
* Stand out among the crowd!
* Become popular in your local jazz scene!

Go to the order page now!

Concerto in Eb Major

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:50:00 +0000

Concerto in Eb Major for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra
by Alexander Glazounov

performed by Andreas van Zoelen

Part I:

Part II:

Part III:

Baritone Saxophone Clips

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:35:00 +0000

Two Bass Saxophones

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:32:00 +0000

Jazz Saxophone Masterclass

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 07:35:00 +0000

Saxophone Master Class with Evan Tate in cooperation with Julius Keilwerth Saxophones and the Istituto Musicale Pareggiato "A. Tonelli" - via San Rocco 5 - 41012 Carpi, Italy.

Date: Saturday, 6th of October.

Discover The Simple Five Step Process To Having Financial Independence Each Month As A Committed Musician

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 20:15:00 +0000

Dear Musician,

Why do most musicians fail to make money? Why do some musicians just make a measly couple of hundred a month, and even that's not consistent?

Maybe you're the kind of musician who's in a 9-5 job and doesn't have much time to live the life you want to making music.

Maybe you're the kind of musician who in the past has set up your music career as full-time work but have had to go back and get an evening job or a full 9-5 because your music career wasn't working and you couldn't sustain yourself financially?

Well no matter what kind of musician you are and what you've been earning before, I have a proven way that will allow you to become financially independent as a musician - and it doesn't involve working a 9-5 job.

Would you like to learn my strategy? Read on...

SaxTips Podcast # 27 - An Interview w/ saxophonist Eric Person

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:21:00 +0000

SaxTips Podcast # 27 - An Interview w/ saxophonist Eric Person

Download it here.

Intro
"Perfection" - Eric Person ("Extra Pressure")
An Interview w/ Eric Person (www.ericperson.com)
"Reach" - Eric Person & Meta-Four ("Live at Big Sur")
Outro

Check out Eric's page on CDBaby.

SaxTips on YouTube!

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:45:00 +0000

Hi All,

Check out the newest extension to the "SaxTips Podcast" and "SaxTips eZine" - the "SaxTips Jazz Saxophone" Group on YouTube.com!

There you'll be able to view, hear and discuss tips, concerts, interviews on saxophone playing in jazz and popular music.

Go to: http://www.youtube.com/group/saxtips and enjoy!

SaxTips Podcast # 26 - An Interview w/ saxophonist Sue Terry (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 21:28:00 +0000

SaxTips Podcast # 26 - An Interview w/ saxophonist Sue Terry (Part II)
Call in your comments or questions: +1-302-476-2517

Download it here.

Show Notes
# Intro
# An Interview with Sue Terry (Part II)(www.sueterry.net)
# Outro - About "Gilly's Caper"
# "Gilly's Caper" (Sue Terry) - "Gilly's Caper"- Sweet Sue Terry

Check out this video clip:

SaxTips Podcast #25 - An Interview with saxophonist Sue Terry (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:28:00 +0000

SaxTips Podcast #25 - An Interview with saxophonist Sue Terry (Part 1)
Call in your comments or questions: +1-302-476-2517

Download it here.

Show Notes
# Intro
# "Jam Thang" - The Blue.Seum Project (Tim Price & "Sweet" Sue Terry)
# An Interview with Sue Terry (www.sueterry.net)
# Outro
# "Slow Journey" (Sue Terry) - Pink Slimy Worm"- Sue Terry (Solo Alto Saxophone)

SaxTips Podcast #24 - An Interview w/ Mulit-instrumentalist Tim Price (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 16:41:00 +0000

SaxTips Podcast #24 - An Interview with Mulit-instrumentalist Tim Price
(part 2)
Call in your comments or questions: +1-302-476-2517

Check out free lessons and articles from Tim Price on www.saxontheweb.net

Coming up on the next Episode (# 25):
Part 1 of an Interview with Saxophonist Sue Terry (www.sueterry.net).

Check out this video clip:

SaxTips Podcast #23 - An Interview w/ multi-instrumentalist Tim Price (Part I)

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:06:00 +0000

SaxTips Podcast #23 - An Interview with Mulit-instrumentalist Tim Price
(part 1)
Call in your comments or questions: +1-302-476-2517

Download it here.

Show Notes
# Intro
# "Jam Thang for Ratdog" (for Bob Weir) - Tim Price (tenor) & Sue Terry (alto)
# An Interview with Tim Price (www.timpricejazz.com)
# Outro
# "Star Eyes" - Tim Price (alto) & Nick Brignola (bari)

Check out free lessons and articles from Tim Price on www.saxontheweb.net

SaxTips Podcast #22 - Your Mouthpiece, Ligature and Reed Setup, 5 Tips to Improve your technique. Listener email.

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 18:29:00 +0000

SaxTips Podcast #22 - Your Mouthpiece, Ligature and Reed Setup, 5 Tips to Improve Your Technique. Listener email. Call in your comments or questions: +1-302-476-2517

Download it here.

Intro
"Mystery Song" (Duke Ellington) - Munich Saxophone Family
Choosing a Mouthpiece, Ligature and Reed Setup
"Lonely Woman" (Ornette Coleman) - Spherical
5 Tips to Improve Your Technique
Listener Email
Outro

Sesame Street Saxophones ;-)

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 08:01:00 +0000

SaxTips Podcast #21 - Some thoughts on the death of Michael Brecker

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Tate) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 14:16:00 +0000

SaxTips Podcast #21 - Some thoughts on the death of Michael Brecker.

Download it here.

Concerto (1st Movement) - Pierre Max-Dubois
Some thoughts on the death of Michael Brecker
"Digital" - Evan Tate

Please help support the SaxTips Podcast. Help me produce better ones and chip in to help me buy a new MacBook.

Those who have chipped in will have their names appear on the SaxTips Podcast blog and announced in an upcoming podcast.

If you donate $5 or more you'll get...

A Special Feature and Interview on the SaxTips Podcast

If you donate $10 or more you'll get...

A Special Feature and Interview on the SaxTips Podcast

A FREE "SaxTips Podcast" T-Shirt

If you donate $20 or more you'll get...

A Special Feature and Interview on the SaxTips Podcast

A FREE "SaxTips Podcast" T-Shirt

A Printed copy of my "Blues & Rhythm Changes in All Keys"

Go to: http://saxtips.chipin.com/macbook