Well, like the song title, Spring is Here! Its inspiring to see the plants and trees coming back. Something very hopeful about it all. Makes me want to dig in and work on music out in the woods somewhere. Speaking of which, I’ve been toying with patterns that have groups of 5 and 7 notes. If you can get these kinds of patterns under your fingers at a fast clip and in all keys, it makes for some interesting “flurry of notes” possibilities. For example, a nice 5-note pattern might be: G, up to C, up to F, down to D, down to A. Repeat this a bunch of times, getting it up to a fast and smooth clip. Then move this up chromatically. This kind of sonority works over dominant 7 chords, or minor 7th chords, given that there is no 3rd. You can alter this pattern to fit just about any chord type. For example, for a Gmaj7 #5 (or flat5), use the following: G, up to B, up to F#, down to D#, down to C#.

A 7-note pattern I found that works nicely over dom. 7th and sus chords is the following: for a G7sus, play C, up to F, up to A, up to B, down to G, down to D, down to A. If it is a minor 7th chord you are playing over, simply flat the B. There are millions of these little patterns that help to add to your vocabulary of melodies from which to draw while improvising.

I’ve been checking out the Keith Jarrett DVD called The Art Of Improvisation lately. It is quite fascinating to hear Keith talk about what he does. The way he draws upon classical music in his approach to jazz improvisation is something I have explored and been an advocate for. There is lots of amazing footage of his various ensembles as well on the dvd. A must for all musicians, period!

The new big band CD Old School: New Lessons is doing pretty well. We were up at number 2 at jazz radio in the US for a few weeks, still in the top 10. Looking forward to hitting with the band next month at Sweet Rhythm. I’ve already got most of the music written for the next CD.

The Yellowjackets combination CD-DVD called 25 will be released May 23rd. I’ve taken a look at the dvd footage, which includes a concert we did in Forli, Italy, and it looks great. There are also interviews with Jackets past and present, and some great archival footage from the last 25 years, including a video of the tune "Greenhouse" that Alfred Hitchcock’s cameraman shot in 1990. Pretty incredible!

The composersworks situation is going pretty well now. Thanks to all who have downloaded the sax quartets. This is great opportunity to make music available to musicians all over the world while affording the composer complete control over the printed music.

A thought for all you saxophonists out there. One possible approach to learning the language of jazz on the saxophone is to dive into the playing Of Sonny Stitt, Hank Mobley, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderly, Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Lester Young, and Ben Webster. Sprinkle in some George Coleman, Lee Konitz, Paul Gonzalves, and Johnny Hodges. Once you’ve got these cats down, go take Dave Leibman’s July course in Chromatic harmony out in Stroudsburg, PA. (check his website). This way you are getting the complete picture. This is far more comprehensive than merely copying the current hip players on the scene. Go to the source! Check out the players the young cats got their inspiration from. PLAY THE PIANO AND GET A DRUM KIT.

See ya down the road!