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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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 […]
New York Jazz Workshop Podcast Series with CJ Shearn: featuring guest Doug Beavers
Jazz Nerd June 11, 2015
For this edition of the NYJW Podcast I spoke with trombonist Doug Beavers by telephone about his upcoming “Titanes del […]
New York Jazz Workshop Podcast with CJ Shearn : with guest Amina Figarova
Jazz Nerd May 26, 2015
Episode 3 of the New York Jazz Workshop Podcast with the great pianist and NYJW faculty member Amina Figarova. Born […]
New York Jazz Workshop Podcast with CJ Shearn #3: Thana Alexa
Jazz Nerd April 29, 2015
Vocalist Thana Alexa’s debut album Ode To Heroes (Harmonia Mundi/Jazz Village 2015) has her referred to as “a rising star […]
New York Jazz Workshop Podcast Series #2 with CJ Shearn: David Weiss
Jazz Nerd April 27, 2015
On the second episode of this podcast series I spoke with trumpeter David Weiss, a veteran of the New York […]
Trane’s Resolution: Essential Small Group Jazz Performances Part XI
Jazz Nerd April 14, 2015
“Resolution” from the album A Love Supreme (Impulse! 1964) John Coltrane: tenor saxophone McCoy Tyner: piano, Jimmy Garrison: bass, Elvin […]
Essential Small Group Jazz Performances: Part X
Jazz Nerd March 27, 2015
Gary Thomas: “You Don’t Know What Love Is” from the album Till We Have Faces (JMT, 1993, reissued 2004: Winter […]
New York Jazz Workshop Podcast Series with CJ Shearn #1: Jim Ridl
Jazz Nerd March 24, 2015
The New York Jazz Workshop Podcast Series is designed to feature interviews with faculty on their approaches to jazz education. […]