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 qualifies as a jazz festival?
Jazz Nerd February 16, 2018
Jazz is a fairly fluid term these days, characterizing music that centers around improvisation as a key element. Many people […]
A quick look at the the great bassist Jaco Pastorius
Jazz Nerd January 31, 2018
Thirty one years ago, Jaco Pastorius tragically left this planet. His innovations to the bass have been so ingrained into […]
Not So Standard Methodology: Brian Kastan in Conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd November 10, 2017
In addition to featuring the greatest names in this music I also give space to up and comers on the […]
Manifesto Of A Bad Hombre: Antonio Sanchez In Conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd September 29, 2017
https://newyorkjazzworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/AntonioSanchezpodcast.mp3 Welcome to the latest edition of the New York Jazz Workshop podcast ladies and gentleman, I’m your host CJ […]
Strykin’ Ahead: Dave Stryker In Conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd September 8, 2017
https://newyorkjazzworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/davestrykerpodcast.mp3 Guitarist Dave Stryker has been striking ahead as one of the best jazz guitarists on the scene for over […]
An Appreciation of the Pat Metheny Group’s “Still Life (Talking)” Thirty years on by CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd July 21, 2017
Pat Metheny: acoustic and electric guitars, guitar synthesizers; Lyle Mays: piano, keyboards; Steve Rodby: acoustic and electric basses; Paul Wertico: […]
Adam Rudolph in Conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd March 31, 2017
Percussionist Adam Rudolph has been called a “pioneer of world music” by the New York Times and rightly so, for […]
Divinity Roxx in Conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd February 14, 2017
For this edition of the podcast I bring you a discussion with bassist, songwriter and emcee Divinity Roxx. She has […]
Brent Wallarab in Conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd January 23, 2017
For this edition of the podcast taped in May 2016, I interviewed trombonist and educator Brent Wallarab of Indiana University […]
Gene Ess in conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd December 16, 2016
Gene Ess was born in Tokyo, and raised in Okinawa, Japan. At the age of 17, following growing up on […]
Takeshi Asai in conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd November 3, 2016
Hailing from Nagoya Japan, Takeshi Asai is one of New York’s busiest pianists, and a thoughtful, resourceful improviser and composer. […]
Tony Moreno in Conversation with CJ Shearn
Jazz Nerd October 24, 2016
Tony Moreno is a remarkable musician and human being. His brand new release Short Stories (Mayimba Jazz) is a testament […]