Notes on Jazz!

Ted is my first Jazz Piano teacher. Although he and I have been in touch over the years, we haven't actually talked for quite a while. Recently, we have been communicating more frequently, and I invited him to do an interview with me. I will post it here and on my podcast, Notes on Jazz. As a result, I'm taking some more lessons! Ted has continued to develop his skills and approach over the years. I find it very inspiring, and it fits naturally with where I am in my own path at this time. When the student is ready….. Ted is a great teacher! He got me started on the right path and gave me so much information and practical guidance. Besides that, he is a great player and composer/arranger. He is one of the few people around who understands and employs the compositional and arranging approach called “Line writing”. This approach originated with the work of Duke Ellington and was further developed by Herb Pomeroy, of Berklee College fame. More to come about this in our next segment. Ted has played with a Who's Who of Jazz and pop artists over the years. It's wonderful to hear him talk about it all. I invite you to enjoy this talk with a Jazz Master, and my friend and teacher. A note about the interview. Unfortunately, it cuts off abruptly at the end, as we suddenly ran out of time. Not to worry, though. I have several more hours of material that I will be preparing to share, and probably more to come after that! Ted Howe To watch the video of this interview, go to KeithDavis.Substack.com I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music Check out my new Substack: Bang the Gong: Music and Movement

Alan Hall is a great drummer and composer who has been living in Asheville, NC for the last few years. Alan and I met through Art Lande. Alan and Art have a years long musical and personal association and have played on several recordings together. Art was staying at Alan's home last year when he came to Asheville to perform. I had the good fortune to spend the day with them. In this conversation we cover lots of topics, from ideas about teaching and writing, to the state of the music business, to what it's like trying to become viable as online music biz people. I know you'll enjoy it. Above all, Alan is a great player! I recommend Art Lande's The Silver Fox, Paul McCandless' Shape Shifter, and Bruce Williamson's Standard Transmission. You will find more on his website. Alan Hall I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music Check out my new Substack: Bang the Gong: Music and Movement

This is a spontaneously improvised thing that I thought you might like. Remember, I'm available for performances and I'm available for private instruction online and in-person. Keith Davis Music I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Jim Ridl is a great pianist! He's also a composer and bandleader and teacher. I recently had the pleasure of hearing him play at Furman University with the Tim Armacost Quintet. (I just interviewed Tim recently. See Ep 44.) I was particularly struck by Jim's touch and lyricism, by his command of harmony, and by his ability to improvise at length on a theme. He played a beautiful solo piano intro to Wayne Shorter's Infant Eyes that displayed all of these facets of his playing. He also displays great empathy and sensitivity, and strength, as an accompanist and ensemble player. The group also held a workshop for students and faculty. I had the opportunity to talk with Jim briefly and he graciously agreed to this interview. I think you will find some fascinating and insightful comments here, and a good introduction to this great musician. Check out Jim's site for recordings and other info: Jim Ridl I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Tim Armacost recently brought his quintet to Furman, where I serve as an adjunct instructor. I was blown away! First, the band was great, world class. What brought it all together though, was Tim's wonderful playing and writing, and the conceptual approach he brought to the organization of the music. The thing that most impresses me about Tim's playing, is that it is thoroughly modern and contemporary, yet he maintains a sense of lyricism. His sound is big and warm, and he has complete control of expression and dynamics. He made the comment that he wrote the music with these specific musicians in mind, and it certainly works. And of course, it doesn't hurt to have Jim Ridl, Kenny Davis, Joe Locke and Rudy Royston taking care of business, as well. I recommend checking out the recording of this band and this music: The Inevitable Note. Tim has also published a book, The Jazz Saxophone Book, which is much more than a saxophone book! You can find it on his website, at the link below. This is a great conversation, and I'm sure you'll dig it! Tim ArmacostI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Gary Versace is one of my favorite contemporary Jazz pianists. He's equally adept at playing organ and accordion, and he's a composer. Gary has taken over the piano chair in Maria Schneider's Orchestra, after the sad and sudden passing of our mutual friend, Frank Kimbrough. It's hard to imagine anyone else filling those huge shoes. Gary has played with so many of the current Jazz greats. I had the opportunity to hear him and meet him when he performed at Furman University with Dave Pietro's quintet. And Gary and I have another mutual friend and influence, the master, Art Lande. Art speaks very highly of him! This is a fascinating and wide ranging talk, about Gary's growth and development and what he's currently into. Gary also teaches at Eastman School of Music. I'm sure you will dig this conversation with Gary Versace. Gary VersaceI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Johnathan Blake is one of the busiest drummers around these days. Besides being an amazingly talented drummer, he is also a composer and educator. He plays with all of the best musicians on today's scene. In this great conversation, we talk about Johnathan's experiences growing up in a musical household, through his education and early development, all the way up to his many and varied current projects. Johnathan offers valuable insights into what it takes to become a mature and in-demand Jazz musician. He shares his thoughts about being a composer, as well. I find this particularly interesting, Finally, he offers his suggestions for young musicians on learning this music. This is an all around great interview! Johnathan BlakeI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Teddy Adams! One of my oldest friends. Teddy is the Elder Statesman of Jazz in Savannah, GA, which is also my birthplace. We've known each other since 1984. I've learned so much from our association, and been given so many great opportunites to play and grow as a musician. Teddy is a fine trombonist, composer, and bandleader, and now author. He has one published book about his musical life, and a second one in the works. It's great to have this talk and to see how excited he is about the music and about the music scene in Savannah and the surrounding area that he is such an integral part of. Dig Teddy Adams! Teddy Adams I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Potential students often tell me that they just want to learn to play songs that they like. Recently, someone actually said to me, "I want to learn to play the songs that I like without having to read the sheet music". This is a skill that can be learned, and that's what this episode is about. Coming up soon, I will be offering a free challenge, which will be a two hour online class addressing this topic. It's called the "Strike a Chord Challenge". If you're interested in knowing more about it, go to the link below and sign up for my email list. I will send more information about the challenge as it gets closer. I offer lessons online and in person, and I offer free consultations for potential students. Again, check out the link and feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you. Keith Davis Music I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Einoe! is a new tune that I just finished recently. It was first inspired by Art Lande. Art is one of my music heroes whom I had the pleasure of interviewing for this podcast. He was in Asheville a few months ago, and I got to spend the day with him talking about music and hearing him play a gig. He shared some of his compositions with me and talked about how he writes and how thinks about playing. Very inspiring! Then, the title comes from "I know!", a real Southern woman thing. It became a kind of running joke with Kristen as we were getting ready for some upcoming performances. So, this tune is for Art and Kristen, and all the genuine Southern women out there! "I know!". Harmonically, this tune is based around a certain chord voicing that moves around all over the place, and occurs over different bass notes. There's no real key center. Then there are a few figures that are used in different permutations. Three written sections with a set of blowing changes that hopefully reflect the spirit of the tune. It was fun to write and I look forward to playing it with the guys! This is kind of a rough demo recording of it. Let me know what you think!I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

"They Say It's Spring", is a tune composed by Bob Haymes and Marty Clark, and recorded by the great vocalist/pianist Blossom Dearie. My friend Kristen introduced me to this tune, and we are preparing it to play on some upcoming performances. I really like this tune. It's a traditional standard type of tune, but has a good melody and interesting harmony, and the lyrics are great, too. This is a sample of me playing a solo piano version at my hotel gig here in Greenville. The sound quality isn't great, but I was pleased with the interpretation. Kind of old style, but groovy. Kristen will be performing this and several other great tunes, with my trio, now expanded to a quartet with the addition of Peter Dimery on sax, along with Ron Brendle on bass, and Justin Watt on drums. September 14, 2023. See the link below. The quartet will be performing my original compostions. It always great performing with the guys. And the museum is a wonderful, intimate space for live music, and for an interesting cultural experience. Come and see us! Keith Davis Quartet, with guest vocalist Kristen CollinsI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Ron Free is a great drummer! He's another old friend, who I've known for at least 35 years. Ron is from Charleston, SC, and his life story is fascinating. He tells that story in his recently published memoir, The Lamb and the Dove: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer. Ron recounts his story from beginning to learn to play as a boy in Charleston, through his life in New York City in the 1950's, and on into the present day. It is fascinating. It's like he's sitting with you telling his story. It's hard to put down. I highly recommend it. Ron was involved in the early NYC loft scene. There is a very cool coffee table style book about this called, The Jazz Loft Project, by Sam Stephenson. Lots of photos, interviews, etc. It is also fascinating. Ron is a beautiful guy, a great musician, and a wonderful storyteller. I think you will dig this great conversation, and his book.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Al Sergel is a master drummer/percussionist, composer, bandleader, and educator, among other things. He's also a great friend. I always look forward to the chance to play with Al, and this is a great conversation. He has lots of great things to share here about his experience, learning, teaching, performing. His energy is infectious and I know you'll dig it! Here's how to find him: Al SergelI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Satoshi Takeishi is another old friend, who I'm happy to have here! Satoshi is a great drummer, percussionist, and composer. He has played, toured and recorded with lots of great musicians, including Ray Barretto, Carlos ‘Patato' Valdes, Eliane Elias, Marc Johnson, Eddie Gomez, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Anthony Braxton, Mark Murphy, Herbie Mann, Paul Winter Consort, Rabih Abu Khalil, Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band. Currently, he is working on several interesting projects, which we talk about in the interview, including working with his wife, Shoko, who is a fine pianist and composer. Satoshi and I met at Berklee in 1982. It's interesting that we're still having the same conversation all these years later. Come and join the conversation. Satoshi TakeishiI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Thought I'd start putting some of my tunes up here for you to check out. This tune, Some September Sunday, I wrote last October...but seriously, I wrote it last September on a beautiful Sunday morning when I was getting ready to play at a memorial concert for a close musician friend who left us too soon and too suddenly. I woke up thinking about it on this beautiful August morning here in South Carolina, and decided to share it with you. If you like this tune, and want to learn it, I can share it with you, and even teach you how to play it. I offer lessons online and in person. I also offer free consultations. Keithdavismusic.com I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Sonny Emory is one of my oldest friends. He also happens to be a master drummer! When we were in college together, playing in the Jazz band, his dream was to play with Earth, Wind, and Fire. And he did it! Sonny currently tours with Eric Clapton, and also tours with Bruce Hornsby. His list of studio and performance credits is long and impressive. He's on a Steely Dan record, one of my favorite things that he's done! Sonny talks about his experiences performing, touring and recording with the greats, and shares some important insights into what it takes to perform at this level. He's also a composer, and talks about honing his skills with Verdine White, (Earth, Wind and Fire). Sonny is also an educator, and we get into that, too. This is a great conversation with an old friend. Check it out! For more about Sonny: Sonny Emory I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

What's the most important thing to learn? I think it's preparing yourself to show up for that first gig, and be totally prepared for it. It means a lot more than just knowing all the bits and pieces, like scales, chords, technique, knowing tunes, etc. It covers all that and a lot more. This will be our first topic of conversation in this course and it will set the stage for all the other topics we will cover. See the link below! I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Meet Martin Bejerano! Martin is an amazing pianist, composer and educator. He spent 20 years playing with the great Roy Haynes Trio. This band was nominated for a Grammy Award for the the recording, Fountain of Youth. He also played in Russell Malone's group for eight years. Along with these luminaries, Martin has played with a whole roster of Jazz greats. An award winning composer as well, Martin is a two-time winner of the prestigious "New Jazz Works" composition and ensemble development grant by Chamber Music America in 2010 and 2017, as well as the “Bacardi Choice” commission by the Dranoff International 2 Piano Foundation and Bacardi, Int. in 2013. Along with these accomplishments, Martin serves as head of the Jazz Piano department at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He's featured on several recent recordings as well. You can read more about Martin at his website: Martin Bejerano. It turns out that we have some friends in common, not unusual in the Jazz world. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Martin Bejerano!I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Here I talk about some of the students that I've helped to get into the Jazz program at their school. They all come to me from different backgrounds and with different interests. What they share is an interest in learning more about Jazz, but not only that. As you will hear, one student is a songwriter who wants to improve her writing and producing skills. One is particularly interested in Jazz. another is already skilled at Afro-Cuban music, and wants to learn about Jazz, but also how to improve his performance of afro-Cuban style music. Check it out! I offer private instruction as well as the upcoming Keys to Jazz Bootcamp. I also offer free consultations if you have questions. keithdavismusic.comI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Hi Parents and Students. I want to tell you about a new online program I will be offering. It's called Keys to Jazz Bootcamp. This program is for anyone who wants to learn to play Jazz! It's particularly designed for kids, middle school and high school age, who want to play in Jazz Band at school, or are trying to get into a school Jazz program , or just want to play music with their friends. You can listen to interviews with some of my current students, and their parents, who attend our local Fine Arts Center. These kids are in a Jazz program where they get to play in ensembles with other kids, and they receive class instruction and private instruction. It's a very successful program, with many kids going on to college music programs, and many eventually become performers and/or teachers, as well. I'm excited to present this program. Teaching this music is something I'm passionate about! Remember that I'm also available for private study online, as well. I offer free consultations if you want to talk with me about any of this. Keithdavismusic.comI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Rakalam Bob Moses is one of the most iconic drummers in our music. From his early recordings with Gary Burton (Dreams So Real is still one of my favorite records of all time), to the famous Pat Metheny recording, Bright Size Life, to his own uniquely beautiful recordings (Visit With the Great Spirit, When Elephants Dream of Music, and Devotion come to to mind immediately), Bob has presented us with an indelible and uniquely personal expression. I am fortunate to have the great Bob Moses as a guest on this podcast. Bob and I became acquainted for the first back in the 80's, though he wouldn't remember that. More recently, we began having lots of conversations a few years ago. This led to him coming to Furman University, where I serve as Adjunct Instructor, as a guest artist. A memorable event, indeed! Bob has always followed his own path, which has led in the last years to a more free form expression. He has produced or otherwise been involved in innumerable projects, many of which we discuss here in this episode. Not only is the music intriguing, every CD is packaged with Bob's beautiful artwork. I can tell you also that his written music is also what I would call musical calligraphy. It is art in it's own right. Welcome to the musical world of Rakalam Bob Moses. To hear Bob's music, go to this Bandcamp page: Rakalam Bob Moses If you want to purchase CD's, or otherwise communicate with Bob, go to his website: NativePulse.comI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Hello Parents. Is your kid trying out for Jazz Band in the fall, or going into Jazz program at school? I offer online lessons to kids (and adults) who are learning to play Jazz. I would be happy to help your young student prepare for whatever kind of Jazz program they might be getting involved with at school. I have lots of experience both playing and teaching this music. There are several other episodes here where I interview my students about what and how they learn. You might find these helpful and interesting. Some are adult students and some are kids and their parents. I offer free consultations and would be more than happy to talk with you about this. keithdavismusic.com I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Marilyn Crispell is a an amazing pianist. She truly has her own voice in our music as a premiere figure in the Jazz "Avant Garde". Through her long association with legendary saxophonist/pianist/composer Anthony Braxton, and her own career as a leader, she has produced some of the most powerful and original music out there. My own favorites are her ECM recordings with Gary Peacock and Paul Motian, including a wonderful collection of compositions by Annette Peacock, entitled, "Nothing ever was, anyway". More about this inside the interview! Marilyn is also in demand as a teacher. She is frequently invited to participate in workshops all over the world. I am honored to have her as a guest. Please enjoy! MarilynCrispell.comI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Are you a professional musician, or experienced amateur, but still feel like you have gaps in your knowledge that are holding you back? In this episode, I explore this in relation to one of my private students. He's an accomplished musician, but came to me looking for help in taking the next steps in his development. It makes for a very creative exchange between student and teacher. We're trying to pinpoint exactly what the problems are and coming up with practical ways of working on solutions, or directions for future work. I really enjoy this kind of work, and I think students can really benefit from it. I learn so much in this process, as well.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Playing music is a blast! It's a blast for us as musicians, and it's a blast for our listeners. It's why we do it. Learning and practicing is fun, writing music is fun, listening is fun, rehearsing is fun, but actually performing for an audience is why we do it. The energy exchange that happens when you're playing for people is really powerful. It can be a big crowd at a large venue, or playing solo piano in a small club. Sometimes just having one person listening can change the whole dynamic. This is a spontaneous riff on that from my own experience.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Dr. Matt Olson is head of our Jazz Studies Program at Furman University, where I serve as Adjunct Instructor. Matt has done a great job organizing and running the program. He is a fine saxophonist as well as being a great teacher and administrator. He has some good insights into all of the roles he plays at Furman.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Kurt is a retired scientist and life-long guitarist. He has played mostly by ear. He came to me almost two years ago and wanted to learn to play the piano. Since he has played mostly by ear, he has good ears and has a good understanding of basic harmony. We've been working on reading music, as well as expanding his knowledge of harmony and improvisation. It's so much fun to see people grow and develop.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Elliott is a friend and colleague who wants to learn Jazz piano. He is a fine classical pianist and choral conductor. He teaches at the Governor's School for the Arts here in Greenville. He is a graduate of Furman University, where I serve as Adjunct Instructor of Jazz Piano. It's always interesting and inspiring to work with someone who's already great on their instrument. It points out the differences in the way we are taught to think about music, and it helps me continue to improve the way that I communicate these ideas to all of my students. I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Kristen is a vocalist who has a degree in Music Education from Winthrop University. She is also an accomplished classical pianist. She came to me for lessons in Jazz Piano. Now she is learning not only how to accompany herself, but getting into singing Jazz. We're having a lot of serious fun working together on helping her develop her repertoire and her understanding of a new way of singing. It's great to be a part of the process. I love accompanying good singers, so it's a real pleasure to work with Kristen.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

In this next series of short interviews, I'll talk with adult students. Then, I will follow up with the Director of Jazz Studies at Furman University. David is a friend and colleague. He is a brilliant classical pianist who serves as Professor of Piano at Furman University. David has a life-long interest in Jazz, which I discovered when I asked him to give me classical piano lessons several years ago. We began trading lessons, which has benefited me enormously! David has some great insights into the process of teaching and learning.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Vee is the Director of our Fine Arts Center here in Greenville. He is also a professional Jazz saxophonist. Vee is both a great player and a great administrator. Everyone I've spoken to about him comments on the great job he is doing. He's enthusiastic and fully engaged with the students and the community. We are fortunate to have such a high quality Arts education facility, and we are fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated director.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Ricky wants to start playing gigs. He will do it, because he loves it and he works hard at learning. He has great natural ability and great ears, but what's important is that he wants it. He takes it seriously, listens, practices, writes his own tunes. He's going to go as far as he wants to go with it. And his father, Clay, is one hundred percent behind him with the support that kids need.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

All of my parents are extremely supportive. It means a lot! Holly and I have had many talks about Tori's progress. I get to know the parents as well as the kids. As parents, we get excited seeing our kids grow and develop. I feel the same way as a teacher.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Tori is a very talented young woman who is also a student at FAC. Tori has her own home recording studio where she writes and produces her own music. She writes the music, lyrics, plays keyboards and clarinet, sings, adds drum tracks, etc. It's inspiring to watch her grow and to be a part of that process. I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

William's parents are very supportive! We've become friends along the way, as well. They bring Will out to my gigs, take him to concerts, etc. It's so important to have that support.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

In this series of interviews, I'll be talking with some of my students. To begin, I'll talk with three of my students who attend the Fine Arts Center. This is a high school for performing arts, with programs in music (including a Jazz program), dance, visual arts, literature, etc. I'll also talk with the parents of these students. It's so important for kids to have supportive parents. Then I'll speak with Vee Popat, Director of the Fine Arts Center. I hope this will give some insight into my teaching methods and goals, and my mission as a teacher. William is a student at the Fine Arts Center. He's very talented and dedicated. He successfuly auditioned for the FAC two years ago and has been flourishing there. He's a great student because he works at it. He listens to this music, he practices, and he takes it seriously. He has already become a very good player, and he also writes his own tunes. I hope this will give some insight into my teaching methods and goals, and my mission as a teacher.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

In whatever field of learning you explore, finding the right teacher is imperative! This is especially true in an art form like Jazz. There are lots of great players, and there are lots of very informnative books and videos, but nothing compares to a great teacher. A great teacher is someone who can really play this music, and also has the skills and willingness to pass on what they know. A great teacher finds out what you want to do, and what you know and are able to do already. Then they begin to guide you in gaining a strong foundation in understanding this music. A good teacher helps you learn to listen, develop techniques, understand the components of music, and put it all together in a practical, hands on way. A great teacher helps you find your own voice and reach your full potential as a musician!I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

There are tons of great books, videos, all kinds of stuff about learning to play Jazz. The problem is, most of them don't start at the very beginning. In my experience, students aren't learning the fundamentals of music that they need to begin creating their own music. The other issue is that students just beginning to learn these fundamentals need guidance from a teacher. The right teacher can provide not just information, but personalized guidance in putting these ideas into practice in a practical way. A large part of my mission as a teacher is to provide that kind of guidance. That's one of the main reasons I started this podcast.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Art Lande, what a pleasure and an honor to have Art as a guest on Notes on Jazz. Art has been one of my favorite musicians for years. As a pianist, composer, recording artist, educator, and thinker about music, Art occupies a unique and compelling place. I urge you to take the time to listen to what he has to say about music and life, and music as life. Art has played with many of the top musicians in "jazz", but he prefers to spend his time in the mountains of Colorado, surrounded by family and musical friends and the natural beauty of the place. Be inspired, as I have been. Check out Art's website for music and a fascinating book co-authored with his long-time friend and musical partner, Mark Miller: ArtLande.comI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Tune Talk is a series of videos where I analyze my tunes, discussing the structure, harmony, melody, and suggestions for performance and improvisation. FreeWheeler is a two part composition written for the great trumpeter/flugelhorn player/composer Kenny Wheeler.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Tune Talk is a series of videos where I analyze my tunes, discussing the structure, harmony, melody, and suggestions for performance and improvisation. FreeWheeler is a two part composition written for the great trumpeter/flugelhorn player/composer Kenny Wheeler.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

A pianist can fulfil several roles in Jazz performance. We can perform as a soloist, with no accompaniment. We can accompany singers or other instrumentalists. We can perform in all kinds of ensembles, from duo to Big Bands. Good accompanists are sought after! Accompanying is an indispensable skill for the Jazz pianist.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Accompanying singers and other instrumentalists is one of the most valuable skills a Jazz pianist can have. Good accompanists are always in demand. Follow me as we talk about how to develop the skills you need to become a great accompanist!I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

I'm psyched to have Greg Tardy as my guest on Notes. Greg is a wonderful saxophonist and clarinetist, a composer and recording artist. He has played, toured and recorded with some of the greats, Elvin Jones, Rashied Ali, Andrew Hill, to name just a few. He continues to work and play with a whole roster of our great contemporary improvising musicians, as well. He is on a couple of my favorite Andrew Hill recordings, which is how I first found out about him. We had a great conversation. Greg has some really helpful and insightful things to say to aspiring musicians and veterans alike. He has recently recorded with the Bill Frisell quartet, and he has a new recording under his own name, "Sufficient Grace". I hope you'll check out his recordings and videos on his website. Gregorytardy.comI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

David Berkman is well-known in the Jazz world. A prolific pianist and composer, he has many recordings under his own name with many of the finest names in jazz. He is also highly respected as an educator and teaches at Queens College in New York. Also, he has written several influential books on the subject of Jazz Education. The Jazz Harmony Book is a resource I use in my own teaching. There is also a book about Creative Practicing approaches, and a book for Jazz Vocalists. We cover a lot of ground in this interview. I highly recommend it! DavidBerkman.comI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Ron Brendle is one of the most well-respected and in-demand bassists in the Western North and South Carolina region. He has played with everybody, including a long list of Jazz greats. Ron and I have been friends and musical colleagues for quite a while. He's on both of my trio recordings: Keith Trio, and I'm on one of his quartet recordings: Ron Quartet. I'm pleased to have Ron as my first interview subject on the podcast! Ronbrendle.comI am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

If you are an aspiring vocalist, there are some important things you should know! Listen to my pro tips on preparing for that all important first performance. I often work with vocalists as an accompanist and as a coach. If you are interested in working with me, I offer free consultations here: Talk with Keith I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

In this episode, we discuss basic skills necessary to become proficient at playing Jazz. This is for all instrumentalists, not just pianists.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music

Welcome to Notes on Jazz! I thought I should introduce myself and talk about how I discovered Jazz and eventually came to be a professional musician. I'm glad you're here! I hope you find something interesting and useful for your self.I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music