Who can do this?! Jazz is impossible

RyRob813 · #1 02-13-2009, 01:22 PM

Strictly rejected jazz for the far majority of the beginning of my training. Rock n' roll was more fun, jazz was for old fogies.

Now in college and doing all I can to become a professional, I realize jazz is essential, unless I get lucky with other gigs.

I'm trying to damnedest to get good at this stuff, but my confidence wanes.

I'm just beginning to learn to walk, but that's really the easy part as far as I'm concerned. Most jazz musicians I know know standards by heart, and whip em' off at the drop of a hat. Having never listened to jazz EVER, I have to acquaint myself with these tunes. I had a jazz gooroo I know make me several cd's with a boatload of standards on them, and I bought a real book. So I'm using the two together to try to learn.

However, I'm not sure which tunes to value over others, being ignorant of the genre. I know really huge ones like Autumn Leaves, but I'm currently looking at another window with a list of jazz standards, and there's ONE THOUSAND. Who can learn 1,000 tunes, all of which have at least two versions?!?!

Help!

**Freddels** · #2 02-13-2009, 01:28 PM

Different places emphasize different tunes. To start, learn to play the blues (jazz blues) and learn Rhythm Changes (start with keys of F and Bb). Those two forms will get you through a bunch of tunes. Then listen, listen, and listen to the tunes that your friend copied for you. Go out and listen to other jazz groups and see what tunes they are playing. Write them down and go learn them.

You will not become a great jazz player in a short time. It takes time. Listen to bass players like Paul Chambers and Ray Brown. Learn how to swing (it's a feel). Get some Aebersold recordings and play along with them.

RyRob813 · #3 02-13-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddels

Different places emphasize different tunes. To start, learn to play the blues (jazz blues)

covered

Learn how to swing (it's a feel). Get some Aebersold recordings and play along with them.

covered and covered. I guess I just feel like I've already tried to do this, and I still feel like it's this giant mountain; one I would have to abandon all my other projects, (which are making me money and have potential to make me a lot more) to climb it, for music I only 'sort of' like!

SteveC · #4 02-13-2009, 01:46 PM

I've been playing for years I still have MUCH to learn. If you put a gun to my head, I could probably only play a handful of tunes by memory. It's an ongoing process. Listening is VITAL. Playing along with Abersold, etc. is great, but getting out and playing with other people is the best way to learn. All this and it's music I more than "sort of " like.

StyleOverShow · #5 02-13-2009, 01:53 PM

Start off with a Fake Book, the Real version in its current release has gone to putting everything in "C" to avoid legal hassles so find an older version. I've been at it for 5 years now and just starting to feel comfortable. It was hell at first, reading when everyone was playing comfortably from memory. And then downloading tunes from the original artist and hearing how it had changed over time (Lady Day's God Bless the Child is a ready example) was another test.

Good luck, you're on the right path.

-richard

CamMcIntyre · #6 02-13-2009, 05:05 PM

Great advice given so far.

The main thing I'd add is check out a variety of versions when learning a new tune.

I like to get vocal version-typically Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday, a sax or trumpet version, and then a bass version. This will give you different ways to approach the melody.

all the best.

fdeck · #7 02-13-2009, 10:58 PM

In my view, learning tunes has at least three purposes. The first is the obvious one: So that you know those tunes. The second is training your brain to quickly assimilate unfamiliar material. The third is developing a sense for the commonalities among tunes such as familiar patterns so you can "think a few moves ahead" while playing. The second two purposes may turn out to be the most valuable in the long run, and don't really depend too much on which particular tunes you learn.

While your brain is relatively young, do as much reading as you can, to bolster that skill. Right now I am using my fake books to improve my treble clef sight reading skill.

fdeck · #8 02-13-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyRob813

covered and covered. I guess I just feel like I've already tried to do this, and I still feel like it's this giant mountain; one I would have to abandon all my other projects, (which are making me money and have potential to make me a lot more) to climb it, for music I only 'sort of' like!

Jazz is like what a professor told me about studying for a career in physics: If you can live without it, you probably should.

kesslari · #9 02-13-2009, 11:06 PM

And enormous tasks are best accomplished by the old saying:
How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time.

Good luck. I'm working on it, too. There's no magic pill, just the work you have to do and the enjoyment (and frustration) that goes with it.

**Freddels** · #10 02-14-2009, 07:31 AM

I guess Jazz is sort of like golf . . . many try to play it but only a few really master it. The rest of us are hacks but still have fun playing it.

fdeck · #11 02-14-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddels

I guess Jazz is sort of like golf . . . many try to play it but only a few really master it. The rest of us are hacks but still have fun playing it.

That's all it takes to make it worthwhile.