Dec 20, ii V sequence.

We warmed up with two and three whole note interval eartraining, equivelant to major 3rds and sharp 4ths. From there we moved on to a ii V sequence through all keys, sightsinging, chordtones only. We explored different options how to create more freedom over these changes and we related it to Lennie Tristano and his school of thought. We also briefly discussed the diminished scale and its four contexts. Plus we worked on All the things you are and Blues for Alice. Great class

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Dec 13 workshop

We started with major and minor thirds, with special attention to descending from the third to the root. This was followed by sightsinging over a ii V I progression with emphasis on the melody-chord relationship. After this we put it to the test on our instruments first focusing on chord-tones in random order. We continued with All the Things you are, a great Jerome Kern tune. We analysed the changes and talked about the fact that each note in the chromatic scale is represented in this tune with a chord, a possible lead to 12 tone technique. There is also a verse to this tune, written in 1939. We ended the workshop with Ladybird. Everbody is progressing nicely.

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Workshop Dec 6

Great class today, the ears are getting sharper. Students are getting better in defining half-steps.
Next week we are moving on to ii V I sightsinging, and playing the progression on instruments. We have also checked out "The Real McCoy", a fantastic album that includes Elvin, Joe Henderson , Ron Carter and of course McCoy Tyner.

Marc Mommaas

We listened to Blues on the Corner, checked out McCoys R.H. and the interaction between Ron. and Elvin. What a jewel of a record, groundbreaking and an important staple in the development of the jazz language. We are also working on "All the things you are, a great classic. Plus, we have come up with a setlist for the gig at Smalls in January.

Olivia

Albert

Jerry & Ryan

Ted

John

Welcome to the blog of the New York Jazz Workshop's Jazz Theory and Improvisation class lead by Marc Mommaas.