The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #151

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    Wendy is a really nice tune.

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  3. #152

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  4. #153

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    following MAtts example i just muted the piano and drums in BB....nice

  5. #154

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    i went back to piano bass drums BB Ron Carter bass real track ..Kenny Barron piano real tracks.assures Realism..

  6. #155

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    Quote Originally Posted by christianm77
    Wendy is a really nice tune.
    Yes we did it for the Practical Standards in November 2014 (can't believe it's that long ago!):


  7. #156

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    Quote Originally Posted by grahambop
    Yes we did it for the Practical Standards in November 2014 (can't believe it's that long ago!):

    Nice! (Love nylon.)

    On the subject of loopers, I cracked it and used it live last night. I recorded the guitar while singing, then I improvised over the track.

    Though I'm pleased with the way I used it (I kept it simple and short) and I intend to use it regularly, I'm looking forward to having this modification carried out in a couple of weeks.

    I intend to learn to use this effect as wisely - and as well - as I possibly can. (The Freeze seems like a 'micro-looper' to me.)
    Last edited by destinytot; 11-27-2016 at 08:25 AM.

  8. #157

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    Thanks!

    That is a very cool mod of the pedal.

  9. #158

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    My latest experiments with looping came about with the Zoom A3 acoustic processor, which adds a mic input with its own volume control, so I set up a mic for my percussionist, and he played a simple figure while I sang and accompanied with the 7-string; on hitting the pedal, we were both free to add colors, lines, solo, etc., but the beat was easily discerned from the percussion track, which has always been a problem with just guitar laying down the first track; the rhythmic transients aren't clear enough. With a little work, we can create a nice little band to play over by adding another track or 10. Is it jazz? Well, it's instant jazz, like instant oatmeal; perhaps not as satisfying as the real thing, but still pretty good. The "elitist" in me likes to play over my chord changes and bass lines, and, with a more involved looper, there is nothing to prevent one from re-recording the changes even while continuing to play the same tune.

    An interesting take on the philosophy of all of this is the fact that in my African band, masters of the tradition have no compunctions about utilizing technology, especially looping. Their time is so good that we have on occasion had 3 loopers on the stage, creating a virtual orchestra of ancient instruments. And these are players who actually make their own instruments by hand!

  10. #159

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    I started making my own background tracks 30 years ago. Using them enabled me to play solo and make a living playing music. It's also been a good way to practice improvising on Jazz standards etc. But it isn't the same as playing with other musicians. In fact, playing solo without tracks is totally free compared to being confined to playing along with recorded tracks. Never tried a looper. They tend to sound to loopy (to me) except for those that have several loops that can be turned on/off in perfect time.

    I still record my own tracks with synth, MIDI and DAW. The more time I spend working on a track, the better it turns out. I'm not a great keyboard player, but I manage with songs that aren't too complex.

  11. #160

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    Awe, sell out. Work on other aspects of your creativity with a looper or making backing tracks. With rare exception, all of our favorites "sold out" in one way or another. Wes went commercial, Benson went commercial, Hall played in the Merv Griffin Show band, Kessell played on Beach Boys records, etc., etc. Keep your own counsel. It's the 21st century, electricity is here to stay.

  12. #161

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    You can praise the use of backing tracks all you want, but when you look at all the gigs that have disappeared, and

    the sterility of virtually all of the music that's left, you begin to wonder if it's really even worth the bother of playing

    gigs anymore, if all they're going to sound like is canned music.

    I've always enjoyed the music that destinytot has posted here, because he features live musicians playing acoustic

    instruments who add their own musical reactions to what is going on.

  13. #162

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    Quote Originally Posted by AlsoRan
    Intriguing.....
    I've yet to learn to use mine properly, but I'm now completely sold on looper pedals. And I don't think using a looper necessarily means selling out.

    My dilemma boils down to an attack of scruples over an offer of work from an agency that specialises in all manner of cabaret acts.

    The owner operates internationally, but he lives in Valencia - and he seems to like The Heartbeats. I'll post more after I meet with him.

    On the other hand,The Heartbeats have an agent working on getting us bookings as a six-piece (with a 'jazz' double bassist + either vibes or trumpet as featured soloist), but we're also hiring theatres to run our own events.
    Last edited by Dirk; 11-10-2019 at 03:40 AM.

  14. #163

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    Quote Originally Posted by AlsoRan
    I wish I could help you on this moral dilemma.

    Some might praise you for sacrificing this immediate income in hopes of keeping "integrity" in your music. I am sure others that are ceding income for the sake of art will appreciate this because it requires more than one person.

    Others might call you a martyr or foolish, possibly even arrogant, for passing on what could be good income because you feel the music does not meet your standards. They might say life is too short, just have fun making music.

    Then again, your playing of "higher quality" music might serve to raise your commercial value, while playing "lesser quality" music could brand you a little lower in the eyes of your prospective employers and audiences.

    By the way, nice promo photo. Your group looks like the music it plays - classy and upscale.

    Good luck on your decision, and follow your conscience. You will sleep better in the end, I think.
    Thanks very much indeed!

    But it's not the music that doesn't meet my standards - it's the tacky promotion. When I looked at sample promo videos and dossiers, the first act I saw was that old chestnut (roasting on an open fire), a Kenny G clone - with backing tracks, mirror ball et al - billed as 'jazz'.

    That kind of compromise creeps up on you. For example, I've taken pains to use a mic amplify an acoustic archtop in Marty Grosz/Carl Kress tuning on a festival gig at a theatre - only to find that the piano is digital. What gets my goat is that this was not what was agreed with the agent.

    On the other hand, and regarding backing tracks, yesterday I wrote and recorded some lyrics on a dubplate for a sound system - part of Valencia's remarkable (and resourceful) reggae contingent. I had a great time.

    Moreover, I had the following thought: why not partner up the dub producer with The Heartbeats for some reggae philharmonia? It's been done - the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra - but not here, and not by me.

  15. #164

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    Quote Originally Posted by destinytot
    Thanks very much indeed!

    But it's not the music that doesn't meet my standards - it's the tacky promotion. When I looked at sample promo videos and dossiers, the first act I saw was that old chestnut (roasting on an open fire), a Kenny G clone - with backing tracks, mirror ball et al - billed as 'jazz'.

    That kind of compromise creeps up on you. For example, I've taken pains to use a mic amplify an acoustic archtop in Marty Grosz/Carl Kress tuning on a festival gig at a theatre - only to find that the piano is digital. What gets my goat is that this was not what was agreed with the agent.

    On the other hand, and regarding backing tracks, yesterday I wrote and recorded some lyrics on a dubplate for a sound system - part of Valencia's remarkable (and resourceful) reggae contingent. I had a great time.

    Moreover, I had the following thought: why not partner up the dub producer with The Heartbeats for some reggae philharmonia? It's been done - the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra - but not here, and not by me.
    I like the way you don't limit yourself. There is a lot of fun to be had in music. I met a young man who is heavily into Pro Tools, so I will be going by and watching him in action. I hope to learn from him and see what other options are out there for me.

    Looks like you are well on your way. Enjoy!

  16. #165

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    Quote Originally Posted by AlsoRan
    I like the way you don't limit yourself. There is a lot of fun to be had in music.
    That's very kind, and I agree that there's a lot of fun to be had. But it isn't all fun.

    I'm not saying it's 'hard work'; I'm saying:
    (a) that it takes me a long time and lots of introspection in order not to give a f*** what other people think;
    (b) that just when I think I'm cool with this, I find myself/my values in conflict with (those of) other people I'm working with. This rarely becomes a major obstacle, but it happened recently - and I reacted along these lines*:


    *engaging in a little fantasy.

    No, it isn't all fun - but, for me, it's more important than that.

    I think Prince said it best:
    "Money don't matter to night
    It sure didn't matter yesterday
    Just when you think you've got more than enough
    That's when it all up and flies away
    That's when you find out that you're better off
    Makin' sure your soul's alright
    'Cause money didn't matter yesterday,
    And it sure don't matter to night"

    I'm determined to pull my own strings, and to find a way for everyone to get paid.
    Last edited by destinytot; 12-29-2016 at 10:46 AM. Reason: be

  17. #166

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    Quote Originally Posted by destinytot
    I'm prompted by events to write a quick message about this topic.

    Speaking entirely about myself (I want it to be clear that I'm not trying to dictate to others), I don't want to sell out my principles.

    The thing is, this only becomes an issue when I actually have an opportunity to sell out (and not for - ahem - 'small potatoes').

    Well, such an opportunity has arisen in the form of a clear offer - and I'm trying to find a way to get those potatoes without selling out!

    To be continued - after tidying and tree decoration!
    I remember a quote from Tommy on the old Smothers Brothers show from the 60s. To paraphrase, he said 'My principles are not for sale. However, I will rent them out from time to time.'

  18. #167

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    Quote Originally Posted by rsclosson
    I remember a quote from Tommy on the old Smothers Brothers show from the 60s. To paraphrase, he said 'My principles are not for sale. However, I will rent them out from time to time.'
    Another option is to trade on others' principles - here, the 'Jewel in the Crown'.

    There is no way I'd use a looper on an event like this, but I do plan to use one on a couple of tunes during a 'performance' - as opposed to background music - on 15th Jan.

    I can be seen briefly - but not heard - @1m17s.

  19. #168

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    Here's the 'beauty' of backing tracks, if you missed it last night:

  20. #169

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    I'm on in 30mins - and my new octave pedal has packed up on me. So much for backing tracks? Nah! Back to the shop it goes on Monday for replacement!
    Last edited by destinytot; 01-07-2017 at 05:21 PM.

  21. #170

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    Quote Originally Posted by destinytot
    I'm on in 30mins - and my new octave pedal has packed up on me. So much for backing tracks? Nah! Back to the shop it goes on Monday for replacement!
    Scratch that - tried it again when I was packing up and it worked fine.

  22. #171

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    I don't know if anyone has posted this amazing "backing track" performance of Kurt Rosenwinkel.


  23. #172

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    I'll use a looper on select tunes. I would consider playing to a backing track with drums and bass, but only if I played the drums and bass or another guitar part on the tracks. I'd feel okay, because it is still me playing, Just MHO.

  24. #173

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    Quote Originally Posted by RomaSoul
    I don't know if anyone has posted this amazing "backing track" performance of Kurt Rosenwinkel.
    Yeah.... but if a restaurant could afford to book Kurt, they could probably afford to book his band, too. I'm not sure he counts! Ha.

  25. #174

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    I play in a duo - myself and a singer and we DO use tracks. Some I make and some are professional studio karaoke tracks. We do it because we play dance music and customers want to hear a band. We play oldies - 50's and 60's rock, some country and a few instrumental surf tunes. We played a '62 high school reunion last Saturday night - made $300 apiece for a total of a bout 3-1/2 hrs work including load in and load out. If I can make that kind of money using tracks and the audience is satisfied, I'm a happy camper. As I've said before, I'm a musical whore and will play anything, anywhere for the right money. I'm not in it for anyone but myself - let the other guys get their own work any way they can.

  26. #175

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    Quote Originally Posted by inwalkedbud
    I'd like to make sure another distinction is being made.

    Using loops, sampling on the fly, computer generated sounds <- totally cool and absolutely NOT the same thing as using backing tracks. Using samples and electronic music, ambient sounds etc ... that implies some level of creativity. Backing tracks are just taking the sounds some other dudes recorded years ago and playing over them even though they have no musical interaction or common ground with you. Not the same things.
    While that is true, the fact is that making one's own backing tracks is also a creative act, and if you become good at it, you then have created your own sound and approach, which, with a little work, can be changed as often as you want to rework your current tracks. Also, creative use of the right looper, like a Digitech JamMan, can give you the freedom to section a song and choose to solo over a vamp in the middle or at the end, shorten the time if there is no reaction, lengthen it if the dance floor is full or you're really burning and the audience is with you, etc. I've come to see the technology available as no different from the day a guitar was plugged into an amplifier. I've also learned to play as much "live" into the tracks as possible: bass, rhythm guitar, even orchestrated guitar parts instead of piano pads or cheesy horn samples. I have found that with the right programs and thoughtful input, even simple bass and drum tracks can be lively, interesting and grooving. While I have ample opportunities to play with live musicians, which is a great time as long as they are serious and accomplished, there are also plenty of small-budget gigs available that a self-accompanying musician can benefit from. Senior facilities, for instance, where I originally played solo guitar, but found that the audience wanted vocals and energy, no matter how well I played. The fact is, one can add several hundred dollars a week to one's income by using tracks, and you don't really have to put up with cheesy downloads.