getting into jazz

fluxman · #1 11-09-2008, 08:26 AM

The jazz at the start of this awesome Charlie Brown clip is exactly the type of jazz I want to get into (kind of easy listening, background music jazz).

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=h38srxvt6qE

I've purchased Todd Johnson's walking bass lines 2 volume series, and am working on them, but I also would like some advice on where to go from here in terms of listening to music similar to the music at the start of the video above (artist/album/transcription recommendations) and advancing my theory knowledge (theory books, technique recommendations).

Many thanks!

DocBop · #2 11-09-2008, 09:33 AM

Listen to Jazz from the 50's and 60's. Old Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderly, early John Coltrane. Mainly go by era LOTS of great Jazz from that time.

Check out Rufus Reid's DB book and Rob Gourlay has some really cool transcription books of bass lines called "Walking In the Footsteps of nnnnn". Check out the Gourlay book on Doug Watkins a great bass player from that era who many aren't aware of.

http://www.robgourlay.com/books.htm

AngryJason · #3 11-09-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocBop

Listen to Jazz from the 50's and 60's. Old Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderly, early John Coltrane. Mainly go by era LOTS of great Jazz from that time.

This is EXCELLENT advice....you may also wish to seek out a teacher...jazz is tricky, and a good instructor can assist with the basics of getting started in the right direction....

Also, a quick listen to some Dave Brubeck wouldn't hurt...specifically, the "Take Five" recording...helped me immensly with odd-meter playing.....Good luck to you!!!!

Jim Campbell · #4 11-09-2008, 11:37 AM

check out the jamie aebersold books of bass lines.....they are cheap and play along discs are available....the chords are there to analyze and its good reading practice

onlyclave · #5 11-09-2008, 01:00 PM

Vince Guaraldi Trio. There's your answer.

HaVIC5 · #6 11-09-2008, 02:03 PM

Dave Brubeck is a good suggestion as well if you're into Vince Guaraldi. Very "white" jazz, (west coast cool), but it does the job well.

BradyEB · #7 11-09-2008, 02:57 PM

Something Else by Cannonball Adderley featuring Miles and Sam Jones would be perfect for you! Awesome album, very laid back.

fluxman · #8 11-09-2008, 04:29 PM

thanks guys, i'll check out these artists!

ninefingerbass · #9 11-11-2008, 12:17 AM

Welcome to the world of jazz!!

As it took me years to learn and get to where I'm at, I know it'll take you a while before you start to grasp things. But do not be discouraged. Don't think it's going to be an easy thing to get right away. Just practice and patience. Listen to jazz, read about jazz, live jazz, play jazz, anything you can that can get you into jazz get into it. I love it and the way it's changed my approach on many things. Also do not forget about the jazz singers, horns, guitarist, trombonists,flautists and all the other sections that help make jazz what it is and can be. This will also help you out as well. Just learn about it and you'll see.