Blog Archives

All About That Bass, Bout That Bass (No Trouble)

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Jason — 3 Comments

I’ve had a question about comping bass solos. Wow. Well, how long have we got… I’ll start by mentioning that I play some “journeyman” bass. I can do a reasonable job as long the tempos are gentle, the changes aren’t…

Inside, Outside, Leave Me Alone

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Jason — 3 Comments

Some Thoughts on Accompanying an Adventurous Soloist. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that accomplished pianoforte accompaniment requires such skills of listening, following, supporting, interacting, suggesting and sometimes even leading, as have been correctly acquired for the purpose of conduct in polite society.…

The Secret of Jazz? Mathematics

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Jason — Leave a comment

Forget technical studies, listening to the greats, learning licks, advanced harmony, playing out, networking and “living the life”. Well, don’t forget them at all, actually. But those are the obvious bits, and there’s a very simple principle that most learners completely…