Why Jazz Isn’t Defined By Your Personal Taste
In recent years I’ve noticed what I feel is a troubling trend among some – but, to be fair, not all – jazz musicians and enthusiasts. Sometimes, when someone hears a style, sub-genre, or...
92 Modern Jazz Albums You Need to Listen to
On Learn Jazz Standards I often encourage listening to lots of jazz music. If you aren't listening to the music you simply won't ever truly get it. At the end of the day, listening to...
What’s the True Meaning Behind Jazz Music?
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you love jazz. Deep down, many of us know why we love jazz, even if we can’t always put it into words. Though we might be jazz...
Don’t Be a Jazz Snob!
Jazz snobs. I know my fair share of them. Most musicians I know are in the jazz circles, and while I wouldn't categorize most of them as authentic jazz snobs, there are always the...
The Pros and Cons of Being a Multi-Instrumentalist
I received an email from an LJS subscriber a few weeks ago, which described a fairly common predicament in the music world. This musician was a multi-instrumentalist, and it seemed to be perplexing him...
A Jazz Mentor I’m Thankful For and What He Taught Me
I often share jazz tips and advice on this blog and on our podcast, but truthfully I didn't come up with it all myself. In fact, I have a large number of jazz teachers...
How the Jazz Greats Became Great
Often when we think of jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong, Sonny Rollins, and a host of others, we think of them as icons of immeasurable talent. In jazz circles...
15 Hilarious Jazz Jokes
I've heard a lot of great jazz jokes, both from musicians I know and those floating around the internet. In an effort to spread the laughs and pass on the humor. Here are some...
Deep Song: The Suffering of Billie Holiday
While reading, listen to Billie Holidays "Deep Song".
Human suffering has the ability to kindle the flames that forge art. Love that has been misguided, violated, abused and destroyed can lead to a multitude of...
Why Scales Are Ruining Your Jazz Playing
One of the questions I get that makes me cringe the most is "What scales can I play over...(a jazz standard)". It's not that scales are bad, or that it's a dumb question. It's that...