Jgbe virtual jam, round 1

[Lobomov]

I want to get to where other folks can call tunes, too, not just me.

JG.be is in need of a strong leader Jeff .. That guys is you!

[hohoho]

Hohoho, sounding good!

I like your snappy tone too...strat?

Thank you mr B!
Yes you are quite right, early japanese Squire Strat straight into DAW.

[John A.]

Here we go ...

John

Edit: a bit of explanation ... My approach was basically to be aware of the key centers - Cmin, Gmin, Dmin - and focus more on on phrasing, motifs, rhythmic variation, and taking "breaths" rather than on hitting every chord explicitly. For the most part, I think I did that, though the swing time is a little exaggerated and forced sounding in places.

One thing I found challenging is that the backing tracks I found are all pretty busy. There's not much space to mix chords in with the single-line playing, which makes the solo a bit too much of the same thing. Also, the whole thing is sort of an inverted performance. In the real world, the rhythm section listens to the soloist and the reacts to what where the soloist pulls the dynamics, repeated phrases, etc., and where the soloist pulls the harmony. But with backing tracks like this as a soloist, you have to react to a "performance" that's already there, and it's very hard to make that sound natural. But it's also really hard to do a tune like this without any sort of accompaniment. Scylla, Charibdis, yada yada yada.

[John A.]

This weeks jam will be "Whisper Not," by Benny Golson.

Attachment 78339
The goal here is to improvise. Take a chorus or 3. Play with a track, or not. Don't overthink it. Everybody's cool here, and if they're not, we kick their ass out.
If you want comments and criticism on your playing, say so in your post. If someone doesn't ask for critique, don't critique their playing.

Keep it fresh. Don't spend all week working out a perfect chord melody. No need to play the melody at all. Let's just say its a given that knowing the melody is important.

Let's talk shop on the tune as we go. Talk about approaches, whatever. Ask players questions.

I'll start us off this week, ill try and post a new tune every Thursday night (yeah, I put Friday's date, it is Friday already in Belgium)

Have fun with this and keep it loose. All levels welcome. Make fun of a beginner and I'll harass you on every post you make here for the rest of your sad, pathetic life.

Here's one bluesy chorus on whisper not. Comments and criticism always welcome.

Who's in? Who's next? Post below!

Good one. I made a point of not listening to anybody's until I did my own. Even so, I wound up with a similar bluesy approach to yours. Great sounding Tele. Is that the Yamaha amp?

John

[kris]

Here we go ...

John

Nice sound and playing.

[John A.]

There is my 2 choruses solo over Whisper Not.
Hope you like it.
Coments welcome
Box

Sounds really good.

John

[John A.]

Thanks. Well, I've done it while you've been posting.... Played the melody because I think it helps 'cement' the feel and done some improv. The tag ending is too fast for my thumb so I've simplified it and faded out. Hope that's all okay. It is what it is :-)

I always like the way you bring out the harmony, and this is no exception that. I'd like to hear you playing against some more dynamic backing.

John

[John A.]

Some great ideas, there. For a minute I thought you had an octave effect or harmonizer or something, but then I realized it was you singing along. And if nothing else, definitely the best hat on the thread (so far, anyway).

John

[mr. beaumont]

Here we go ...

John

Really enjoyed this...nice singing lines, great tone, and yeah, plenty of blues.

[rpjazzguitar]

Some great ideas, there. For a minute I thought you had an octave effect or harmonizer or something, but then I realized it was you singing along. And if nothing else, definitely the best hat on the thread (so far, anyway).

John

$12 at Target a couple of years ago. I figure there has to be a reason that a lot of the greatest players had great hats.

That is a processed sound done with a Boss ME80. It's mostly adding the tone an octave lower, but only a little bit. I like the way it thickens the higher notes. I tolerate what it does to the lower notes because I'm not aware of a way to make the lower-octave-note dependent on frequency. It would be nice if the lower note gradually dropped out as you descend in pitch.

I've been using that sound for so long I can't remember what else is in it -- there may be a bit of overdrive.

[alpop]

[QUOTE=John A.;1091581]Here we go ...

John



Beautiful tone! It really held my interest by being so unpredictable. High level playing, I'm glad you sent it in. Would you share how you recorded? (method, gear, instrument)

[John A.]

Beautiful tone! It really held my interest by being so unpredictable. High level playing, I'm glad you sent it in. Would you share how you recorded? (method, gear, instrument)

Thanks very much! The guitar is a Seventy-Seven Hawk Jazz archtop (similar to an ES-175). I recorded this direct in Garageband via a Presonus Audiobox USB interface. I used GB's "Large Blackface Combo" amp plug-in and "Silverface 2x12" cabinet plug-in, with this backing track
. To get the backing track into GB, I ran it through one of the youtube to mp3 conversion sites and imported the resultant mp3 into GB.

John

[TOMMO]

Very nice John!

[kris]

I always like the way you bring out the harmony, and this is no exception that. I'd like to hear you playing against some more dynamic backing.

John

Yes...The Rag's bass in backing is not clear and loose dynamic.

[ragman1]

I I'd like to hear you playing against some more dynamic backing.

This is why I don't use backing tracks. Aside from the fact that the piano's too busy, somebody started putting a shelf up towards the end... and then dropped something :-)

It didn't put me off much but I have to agree with Jens (and others).

[ragman1]

This is why I like my own backings. Nice and clear.

[mr. beaumont]

Good one. I made a point of not listening to anybody's until I did my own. Even so, I wound up with a similar bluesy approach to yours. Great sounding Tele. Is that the Yamaha amp?

John

Thanks John.

Yes, it's the Yamaha, right on the tabletop. The track and guitar are playing through it. My phone is directly in front of it, about 6 inches away. Not a bad sound for a "phone sketch" as I call it.

I think the key is to make sure the phone is propped up against a beer bottle. Gives better tone.

[lawson-stone]

Here's my attempt, trying Mr. B's notion of basing my improvisation around 3 blues scales. I think I actually set the tempo too slow, and I think that hung me up a little, which is odd, but I feel "out of the pocket" with this. I was impressed at how much those blues scales could do! Also guys, this is unusual for me--this was totally improvised, spontaneous. No sitting down trying to work out things to use. I played over the changes a couple times to feel out when the scales would shift, but this is just what came out when I hit "record."

[lawson-stone]

Thanks very much! The guitar is a Seventy-Seven Hawk Jazz archtop (similar to an ES-175). I recorded this direct in Garageband via a Presonus Audiobox USB interface. I used GB's "Large Blackface Combo" amp plug-in and "Silverface 2x12" cabinet plug-in, with this backing track
. To get the backing track into GB, I ran it through one of the youtube to mp3 conversion sites and imported the resultant mp3 into GB.

John

That's the Hal Leonard Real Book backing track. I love their tracks, and the guy who does the count off is the giveaway!

[mr. beaumont]

Here's my attempt, trying Mr. B's notion of basing my improvisation around 3 blues scales. I think I actually set the tempo too slow, and I think that hung me up a little, which is odd, but I feel "out of the pocket" with this. I was impressed at how much those blues scales could do! Also guys, this is unusual for me--this was totally improvised, spontaneous. No sitting down trying to work out things to use. I played over the changes a couple times to feel out when the scales would shift, but this is just what came out when I hit "record."

That's what I wanted this to be all about, going for it! Nice job. I like the simple approach on this tune--three key centers, and then you can play off any of the dominants anytime you feel like it.

Re: tempo-- yeah, this tune works best in that "midtempo" range...which is actually a hard tempo, as you feel like your 8th notes are sloooow but if you try to double time, it's FAST.

[John A.]

This is why I don't use backing tracks. Aside from the fact that the piano's too busy, somebody started putting a shelf up towards the end... and then dropped something :-)

It didn't put me off much but I have to agree with Jens (and others).

Jens is not saying "don't use backing tracks" there. He's saying "don't practice exclusively with backing tracks." I agree with that, and am not suggesting that you or anyone else do that. I'm just saying it would be interesting to hear you play against something other than your own rhythm guitar. If you don't want to, so be it. I do use backing tracks and iReal, but sparingly. I use them to learn tunes (iReal is good for transposing and for building up to fast tempos), to break the monotony of playing by myself (especially nowadays), and sometimes to simulate performances, but not really to practice musicianship itself. I think it's also helpful to have something there holding down the time and harmony so that I can play lines a bit more freely (and that was my main reason for saying it would be interesting to hear you play with a track). My goal is always to build repertoire and build facility blowing over tunes (not just to make sure I hit chord tones) when I'm playing with other people, and I have found backing tracks/iReal very helpful for that.

John

[kris]

Here's my attempt, trying Mr. B's notion of basing my improvisation around 3 blues scales. I think I actually set the tempo too slow, and I think that hung me up a little, which is odd, but I feel "out of the pocket" with this. I was impressed at how much those blues scales could do! Also guys, this is unusual for me--this was totally improvised, spontaneous. No sitting down trying to work out things to use. I played over the changes a couple times to feel out when the scales would shift, but this is just what came out when I hit "record."

Nice playing and sound.Very good backing track with dynamic bass.
Nice jazz feel.

[kris]

This is why I don't use backing tracks. Aside from the fact that the piano's too busy, somebody started putting a shelf up towards the end... and then dropped something :-)

It didn't put me off much but I have to agree with Jens (and others).

Jensl talking about metronome...most of backing tr. are made with metronome as a root/you do not hear it/.
Playing with different backing tracks made you more universal.... it can be a motivation for improvisation.

[lawson-stone]

Nice playing and sound.Very good backing track with dynamic bass.
Nice jazz feel.

Many thanks.

[kris]

This is why I like my own backings. Nice and clear.

But I'm not interested in this being about me. Somebody else do something, please!

sorry...May be I have bad speakers I do not hear clean bass part.
It is not about You.It is about of the recording quality .

[TOMMO]

Nice playing and sound.Nice jazz feel.

Agreed - plus: cool hat!

[John A.]

Here's my attempt, trying Mr. B's notion of basing my improvisation around 3 blues scales. I think I actually set the tempo too slow, and I think that hung me up a little, which is odd, but I feel "out of the pocket" with this. I was impressed at how much those blues scales could do! Also guys, this is unusual for me--this was totally improvised, spontaneous. No sitting down trying to work out things to use. I played over the changes a couple times to feel out when the scales would shift, but this is just what came out when I hit "record."

Sounds good, Lawson. Yes, I agree about it being better bit faster. And rpjazzguitar, look out! The hat battle has been joined!

John

[ragman1]

Jens is not saying "don't use backing tracks" there.

I know, I've watched it. But there are good reasons I don't use them. Actually, that's not true either, I have used them occasionally.

First, my electric archtop is in storage somewhere. These days I just sit in my room. I have no fancy equipment. Even if I amped up this one I'd have to use an interface... it's all a bit of an effort just to do a forum, to be honest, so I do what I do. I definitely need a backing of some kind, though. I've done tracks with just bass and/or sporadic comping but it has to suit the tune. The sound of the acoustic, even with reverb, doesn't really go well with those recorded tracks.

So it's not a question of 'don't want to' but rather what works in my situation. I wouldn't mind playing to something more dynamic, as you suggest, but it wouldn't really change what I do and it's that I'm interested in. The backing's definitely secondary. As long as it provides a harmonic background I'm happy.

There are other subsidiary reasons. These tracks are recorded and, I suspect, aren't live. I tend to 'psych in' with what I'm playing to. It's different with real people, I tune in to them. With my own tracks, there's zero problem, of course. With mechanical tracks I feel mechanical too... not good for expression :-)

So I'm not disagreeing with you or being stubborn, I'm well aware that the whole quality is lousy. It could all sound much more professional, but there we are. But thanks for your comments anyway, they're appreciated.

[fep]

Weird guitar face and all. Not much of a one and done guy...

[John A.]

I know, I've watched it. But there are good reasons I don't use them. Actually, that's not true either, I have used them occasionally.

First, my electric archtop is in storage somewhere. These days I just sit in my room. I have no fancy equipment. Even if I amped up this one I'd have to use an interface... it's all a bit of an effort just to do a forum, to be honest, so I do what I do. I definitely need a backing of some kind, though. I've done tracks with just bass and/or sporadic comping but it has to suit the tune. The sound of the acoustic, even with reverb, doesn't really go well with those recorded tracks.

So it's not a question of 'don't want to' but rather what works in my situation. I wouldn't mind playing to something more dynamic, as you suggest, but it wouldn't really change what I do and it's that I'm interested in. The backing's definitely secondary. As long as it provides a harmonic background I'm happy.

There are other subsidiary reasons. These tracks are recorded and, I suspect, aren't live. I tend to 'psych in' with what I'm playing to. It's different with real people, I tune in to them. With my own tracks, there's zero problem, of course. With mechanical tracks I feel mechanical too... not good for expression :-)

So I'm not disagreeing with you or being stubborn, I'm well aware that the whole quality is lousy. It could all sound much more professional, but there we are. But thanks for your comments anyway, they're appreciated.

Kumbaya

John

[mr. beaumont]

Weird guitar face and all. Not much of a one and done guy...

Frank this sounds great! I stand corrected, it can work just fine at a slow tempo.

Shades of Abercrombie here, in tone, approach, and thumb

[rpjazzguitar]

Weird guitar face and all. Not much of a one and done guy...

Soulful!!! Sounds great.

[kris]

Weird guitar face and all. Not much of a one and done guy...

Very nice blues feel.I like it.
Jazzingly
Kris

[fep]

Frank this sounds great! I stand corrected, it can work just fine at a slow tempo.

Shades of Abercrombie here, in tone, approach, and thumb

Soulful!!! Sounds great.

Very nice blues feel.I like it.
Jazzingly
Kris

Thanks for listening and the encouraging words. Mr. B, thanks for starting the thread and picking this tune. The tune, not sure I've heard this one before. Slow tempo for my slow hands.

Cheers All

[fep]

This weeks jam will be "Whisper Not," by Benny Golson.

Attachment 78339
The goal here is to improvise. Take a chorus or 3. Play with a track, or not. Don't overthink it. Everybody's cool here, and if they're not, we kick their ass out.
If you want comments and criticism on your playing, say so in your post. If someone doesn't ask for critique, don't critique their playing.

Keep it fresh. Don't spend all week working out a perfect chord melody. No need to play the melody at all. Let's just say its a given that knowing the melody is important.

Let's talk shop on the tune as we go. Talk about approaches, whatever. Ask players questions.

I'll start us off this week, ill try and post a new tune every Thursday night (yeah, I put Friday's date, it is Friday already in Belgium)

Have fun with this and keep it loose. All levels welcome. Make fun of a beginner and I'll harass you on every post you make here for the rest of your sad, pathetic life.

Here's one bluesy chorus on whisper not. Comments and criticism always welcome.

Who's in? Who's next? Post below!

Really, really good. Nice ebb and flow to the solo, great rhythm, I like how defined the A A B A is in your solo, especially like the start of the B section. I think it's both the way your lines breathe and the harmonic content.

[ragman1]

Fep -

Great, I did like that. Deceptively simple :-)

[fep]

Thanks. Well, I've done it while you've been posting.... Played the melody because I think it helps 'cement' the feel and done some improv. The tag ending is too fast for my thumb so I've simplified it and faded out. Hope that's all okay. It is what it is :-)

Cool gypsy vibe, sounds great

There is my 2 choruses solo over Whisper Not.
Hope you like it.
Coments welcome
Box

Great, high quality recording and playing. Hard panned guitar, that's a very different tonal landscape.

Digging these versions. Such different approaches...

[fep]

Nice relaxed vibe, you do make it look easy. Am I hearing a bit of octave pedal,? it seems there is just a hint of one.

[PickingMyEars]

Longtime lurker, but I miss jam sessions.

Still not crazy about this take, the notes aren't crispy enough.

Warts and all:

Dipping my toes in, hope they don't get bit off

[TOMMO]

Dipping my toes in, hope they don't get bit off

No worries - it's a friendly crowd here for the most part. Welcome!

[rpjazzguitar]

Nice relaxed vibe, you do make it look easy. Am I hearing a bit of octave pedal,? it seems there is just a hint of one.

Thanks. That's right. It's a patch on an ME80. Octave lower, but only a little bit. I think there's some drive in there too but, again, only a little. The idea is to give weight to the higher notes. I'm not thoroughly sold on the tone, but it gets me closer to the way I hear it in mind.

[lawson-stone]

Here's my first run at the tune+improv chorus. This tune was new for me, though I'd heard it before, so my phrasing on the tune is possibly not as natural as it should be since I mainly read it from the lead sheet. Good backing track through from Hal Leonard.

I like how the ES165 sounds through the Polytone MBII. Just sitting here playing it feels good. I hope some of that comes over in the clip.

Advice and wisdom is appreciated.

[PickingMyEars]

Lawson-stone,

"my phrasing on the tune is possibly not as natural"

Actually, no! I really enjoyed your phrasing here. You paid attention to note length, accent, rhythm, dynamics, and phrase length. Yupe, you did.

Your solo was grooving too. I gotta work on compin' for myself, especially when I'm not playing with anyone live these days

Your playing was "crispy". Crispy makes people stop, listen, and dance. I gotta work on my fry batter

I think this tune is challenging because it plays tricks on your ears if you aren't careful. That said, it's Benny Golson--so it's listener's gold in my book.

[mr. beaumont]

Longtime lurker, but I miss jam sessions.

Still not crazy about this take, the notes aren't crispy enough.

Warts and all:

Dipping my toes in, hope they don't get bit off

I think plenty of crispness, and lots of nice cliche free lines.

[mr. beaumont]

Lawson, something I've noticed about your playing for a while-- when you relax and just be you, you play your best, and thats what's happening here.

[lawson-stone]

Lawson-stone,

"my phrasing on the tune is possibly not as natural"

Actually, no! I really enjoyed your phrasing here. You paid attention to note length, accent, rhythm, dynamics, and phrase length. Yupe, you did.

Your solo was grooving too. I gotta work on compin' for myself, especially when I'm not playing with anyone live these days

Your playing was "crispy". Crispy makes people stop, listen, and dance. I gotta work on my fry batter

I think this tune is challenging because it plays tricks on your ears if you aren't careful. That said, it's Benny Golson--so it's listener's gold in my book.

Thank you for such gracious comments. Very encouraging, and seriously, I think at least once a week very seriously about quitting jazz guitar. I feel like I'll never get it. So this is encouraging.

[lawson-stone]

Lawson, something I've noticed about your playing for a while-- when you relax and just be you, you play your best, and thats what's happening here.

L

Likely here it's the blues scales. Hard to make a mistake, and a lot of overlap among the 3 main scales so it's possible to slip-slide into a better note if I hit a clinker. There is one, in the last A section, that was unrecoverable! But I actually was happy. I played the head, I thought pretty nicely, and I took a solo that wouldn't empty a room. Win-Win!

Thanks for all the great encouragement and solid advice you've given me over my time on this forum. You're a solid guy. Hope we can meet sometime.

[rpjazzguitar]

Here's my first run at the tune+improv chorus. This tune was new for me, though I'd heard it before, so my phrasing on the tune is possibly not as natural as it should be since I mainly read it from the lead sheet. Good backing track through from Hal Leonard.

I like how the ES165 sounds through the Polytone MBII. Just sitting here playing it feels good. I hope some of that comes over in the clip.

Advice and wisdom is appreciated.

Nicely done! I particularly what I hear as a kind of stretching and compressing the note placements, ahead, on and after the beat at different times.

[TOMMO]

Very nice playing, lawson! Enjoyed it and it's very encouraging to a jazz guitar hack like me.

[Lobomov]

Just so it has been said .. This Jam format has been a great success and definately brings something else to the table than the monthly standard thread .. Great to see spontaneous clips from what is normally very prepared monthly standard players