The LJS Podcast is the podcast where you get weekly jazz tips, interviews, stories and advice for becoming a better jazz musician! Hosting the show is the jazz musician behind learnjazzstandards.com, author, and entrepreneur Brent Vaartstra, who’s one goal is to answer any question about playing jazz music you may have. Jazz can be a challenging music to learn and play, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Each episode features a specific musical challenge that jazz students may come across, where it is discussed and answered. Special jazz guests frequent the show, sharing their expertise on an array of different musical subject matter. Listeners are invited to call in with their jazz questions to the podcast hotline, where it could get answered on a future LJS Podcast episode. Join thousands of other listeners getting free jazz education every week!
https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/podcast
Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 10 days 5 hours 5 minutes
episode 61: What Are Quartal Voicings and How Do You Use Them?
In this episode, Brent addresses a question from an Inner Circle member about quartal voicings and their application in chord progressions. Brent breaks down the concept, explaining how they differ from traditional chord voicings by being stacked in fourths rather than thirds.
He explores their versatility, emphasizing their common use in modal playing and how they can enhance chord progressions, even in traditional diatonic harmony settings like two-five-one progressions...
episode 62: How Do I Improvise Over Giant Steps?
In this episode, Brent discusses about the challenging realm of improvisation over John Coltrane's "Giant Steps." With a captivating blend of humor and expertise, he tackles Jeremy's question head-on, exploring strategies to navigate the complexities of this legendary jazz standard...
episode 63: How Do I Not Forget Jazz Licks I've Learned?
In this episode, Brent addresses a common concern among jazz musicians: how to effectively internalize and recall jazz licks and patterns for improvisation. Through engaging dialogue and insightful guidance, Brent unveils a transformative approach to learning and incorporating musical vocabulary into one's playing...
episode 64: The 3 Steps for Jazz Improvisation
In this episode, Brent explores the foundational elements of jazz improvisation, answering a compelling question posed by Martin Kendall: Can we establish globally applicable first three steps to jazz improvisation basics? With his trademark enthusiasm and expertise, Brent introduces the concept of the "three pillars of jazz improvisation," offering a comprehensive roadmap to enhance improvisational skills, regardless of whatever instrument one plays...
episode 65: My Most Embarrassing Moment Playing Jazz
In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent shares a candid and humorous account of his most embarrassing moment playing jazz, offering valuable insights and lessons learned from the experience. Through this relatable anecdote, he underscores the importance of rhythm and time feel in jazz improvisation, emphasizing that impeccable note choices and musical knowledge can be overshadowed by deficiencies in rhythmic proficiency...
episode 66: How to Improve Rhythm and Syncopation
In this captivating episode, Brent explores the intricacies of rhythm and syncopation, offering invaluable insights and practical exercises to enhance your musical prowess.
Through a listener's inquiry about improving left-hand steadiness while navigating syncopated rhythms in the right hand, Brent expertly breaks down fundamental rhythmic concepts, guiding through various subdivisions and metronome exercises to strengthen their rhythmic foundation...
episode 67: How to Create a Setlist for a Jazz Gig
In this insightful episode, Brent offers valuable insights on crafting the perfect setlist for jazz gigs, drawing from his extensive experience as a seasoned musician. Beginning with the importance of understanding one's role in performance, he discusses tailoring the setlist to suit different venues and atmospheres, whether it be background music for an upscale restaurant or energizing tunes for a lively bar setting...
episode 68: What's the Difference Between a Beginner and Pro Jazz Solo?
In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent addresses a fundamental question posed by Philip Sorge: What distinguishes a beginner jazz soloist from a master jazz soloist?
Exploring the differences in mindset and approach, Brent touches on how beginners often rely on scales and patterns, while seasoned improvisers prioritize spontaneity and a deep connection between ear and instrument...
episode 69: What Are Jazz Contrafacts and How Are They Useful?
In this engaging episode, Brent tackles a fascinating question posed by Tiago Leyte about contrafacts and their role in jazz improvisation. Explaining the concept of contrafacts as new melodies crafted over existing chord progressions, Brent shares the benefits of exploring and composing these musical variations...
episode 70: Steal My Jazz Gig Setlist!
In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent dives into the intricacies of crafting an effective set list for jazz gigs. With a keen focus on maintaining energy levels and providing variety, he will walk you through an eight-song set list example, offering valuable insights into song selection and sequencing...