Educational Resources
Jazz for Piano by David Sharp
Whether you're a pianist, guitarist, saxophonist, bassist, or drummer, this comprehensive resource offers deep insights into the harmonic structures, rhythmic concepts, and chord progressions that define jazz. While many examples include piano voicings, the analytical approach applies to any instrument and any musician seeking to understand the language of jazz at a deeper level.
Explore detailed analyses of compositions and solos by masters including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Bill Evans, Horace Silver, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Andrew Hill, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Nichols, McCoy Tyner, and many others who shaped the evolution of jazz from the 1940s through the 1970s and beyond.
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Fuzing Influences: David Fiuczynski in Conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd April 17, 2016
David Fiuczynski (“Fuze”) is one of the most open musicians in any genre. The guitarist, who is also a professor […]
Guitarist Pat Metheny discusses his new collaboration with Cuong Vu and reflects on his brand new quartet in conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd March 30, 2016
Guitarist Pat Metheny is gearing up for a busy 2016. Last year was relatively low key after wrapping up the […]
Vic Juris
Jazz Nerd March 22, 2016
Vic Juris has been one of the top guitarists on the scene for decades. Truly a guitarists’ guitarist, he paid […]
Shift: The Logan Richardson Interview, Part II with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd February 26, 2016
On February 26th, Blue Note records releases Shift the new project from alto saxophonist Logan Richardson. Hailing from Kansas City, […]
Shift: The Logan Richardson Interview, Part I: with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd February 17, 2016
On February 26th, Blue Note records releases Shift the new project from alto saxophonist Logan Richardson. Hailing from Kansas City, […]
Freddie Hubbard
Jazz Nerd February 1, 2016
Following the line of trumpet royalty beginning with Armstrong, Eldridge, Gillespie and Davis, Freddie Hubbard’s clarion tone, and incredible power […]
What are some good holiday jazz selections?
Jazz Nerd December 24, 2015
With Christmas just a matter of hours away, it doesn’t take much to rouse people into the holiday spirit. There […]
What are some good Halloween jazz selections?
Jazz Nerd October 29, 2015
With a few days away before the scariest day of the year, it may be good fun to choose some […]
Wayne Shorter
Jazz Nerd September 25, 2015
In the history of jazz there have been many colorful characters, Lester Young, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, pianist Cecil Taylor, […]
Lee Morgan’s “Speedball”: Essential Small Group Jazz Performances Part XII
Jazz Nerd August 17, 2015
Lee Morgan: “Speedball” from The Gigolo (Blue Note, 1965). Lee Morgan: trumpet, Wayne Shorter: tenor saxophone, Harold Mabern: piano, Bob […]
Ornette Coleman
Jazz Nerd July 27, 2015
2015 has been a rough year for America’s Classical Music. Irreplaceable, individual giants that have shaped the music with few […]
Podcast with CJ Shearn: featuring the Miles Davis Estate
Jazz Nerd June 24, 2015
For this podcast with the Miles Davis Estate, I sat down with Vince Wilburn Jr, nephew of Miles Davis, and […]