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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Small Group Jazz Performances: Part IX
Jazz Nerd February 19, 2015
Jeff “Tain” Watts: “The Impaler” from Citizen Tain (Columbia, 1999). Wynton Marsalis: trumpet, Branford Marsalis: tenor sax, Kenny Kirkland: piano, […]
Small Group Jazz Performances: Part VIII
Jazz Nerd February 11, 2015
“Summertime” from Bam, Bam, Bam (Concord Jazz, 1988) Ray Brown Trio: Gene Harris: piano, Ray Brown: bass, Jeff Hamilton: drums. […]
Thelonious Monk
Jazz Nerd February 4, 2015
One of the most important, and colorful figures in all of jazz Thelonious Monk’s contributions as innovator were massive. His […]
How do I explore an artist’s work?
Jazz Nerd January 14, 2015
Exploring artist’s catalogs in jazz can be a rewarding, and daunting proposition. There are so many labels, albums, and at […]
Antonio Sanchez
Jazz Nerd December 18, 2014
When one thinks of creativity, musicality, passion, and consistent challenge, the name of drummer Antonio Sanchez comes to mind. Since […]
Herbie Hancock
Jazz Nerd October 31, 2014
Herbie Hancock, who has recently celebrated his 75th year, is an innovator, explorer, a trendsetter, and one of music’s greatest […]
Hiromi Uehara (上原ひろみ)
Jazz Nerd September 25, 2014
Since her arrival on the international jazz scene in 2003, Hiromi has been one of the most exciting, engaging, phenomenal […]
All Jazz is Fusion: By CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd September 11, 2014
As I sat and listened again recently to selections from the first 12 Weather Report albums it made me think, […]
Chris Potter
Jazz Nerd August 26, 2014
Chris Potter is one of the most versatile musicians, in mainstream jazz today. His musical knowledge is vast, the entire […]
Small Group Jazz Performances: Part VII
Jazz Nerd August 13, 2014
The time period of 1945-1965 contains four distinct stylistic shifts– bebop, cool jazz, hard bop and the free jazz styles […]
Charlie Haden
Jazz Nerd July 22, 2014
Charlie Haden was one of the most significant bassists to emerge after Jimmy Blanton, Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, Scott LaFaro […]
Horace Silver
Jazz Nerd July 8, 2014
On June 18th, 2014 the jazz world lost a true icon, the great pianist Horace Silver. Horace’s impact on jazz […]