Jazz in a box

This is the prototype of a visual aid for jazz musicians. It compresses a mass of essential jazz theory into a small, pop-up paper cube. I am looking for feedback from fellow musicians before I finalise the design. Currently you will have to meet me and ask for a demo. But if people are interested,…

A tune won’t eat you alive. But try telling your ears that.

I want to say something about the 'Lady Madonna' theory of jazz education. The approach which says that, to be a good improviser, you need to 'listen to the music playing in your head'. Sure, playing what you hear in your head is better than playing some formula from a theory textbook. And sure, for…

These two songs will probably outlive four movies

It was just a feeling at first. Listening to Carmen McRae singing Invitation I was reminded of another lovely song: Speak Low by Kurt Weill. You don't need to dissect the music on a technical level to notice a kinship of mood and style. As soon as I compared the life stories of the respective composers, it all…