Description
This is a beginner lesson on how to play the melody of “Straight No Chaser” by Thelonious Monk in a jazz style. This is a great tune to work with to get a good grasp of the jazz style and articulation. I take you through the melody step by step and teach you how to play the eighth note phrases. As well as how to articulate the notes in such a way that your playing sounds authentic. This lesson is for those who have worked through the basics of playing the sax but want to start learning to play in a jazz style and learn to swing. It goes hand in hand with my lessons on “Jazz Articulation 1 &2” but here I’m applying to a common standard. I demonstrate all of the concepts on my tenor saxophone. (Video & Audio)
Stephen –
Great follow up lesson to the previous audio and video lessons on articulation, this lesson combines the articulation with a jazz standard to put that learning into practice. When used in combination with the real book it also comprehensively covers aspects of the music reading timing and rhythm, I found it a great help and would like to cover a few more at this level. Great Job Steve!
Hanoch –
I use to embrace all the mistakes which Steve is talking about in this lesson, and couldn’t figure out why my articulation sucks… then I came across this great lesson and things begin to clear for me. Now my playing sound more jazzy and laid back – as it should be. Thank you Steve. Great job.
Ken –
This is an excellent lesson and the results have been quite amazing for me. I never really got this before – it must have been a real gap in my learning. It has really improved my playing, particularly the feel of the piece and the sort of energy I can put into the line. I’ve just been trying out the same approach on Blue Train and Now’s The Time – basically it feels that I just never played them right before – and some of those rhythms I couldn’t get are coming out as they should. It takes a while to ‘get it’ without overdoing it, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s a very subtle thing, you know, but the effect is huge! Thanks for a great lesson. Ken