“Inspiring words, thanks!!”

“Thanks – great education!”

“Concepts were clear & easy to understand.”

“It’s great hearing heavy cats talk about their path.”

“Loved the first-hand stories of playing with Elvin Jones!”

“Takeaway: Telling a story with improvising, leaving space.”

“Holistic approach and listening to the elders – lineage of expression…”

“Takeaway: The importance of blues in jazz. Tell a story, have a conversation!”

“Takeaway: This music is part of a deep spiritual energy that’s available to us.”

“That was deep! Loved how he got into the spiritual aspects of the music, the parts beyond the notes.”

“Takeaway: Idea of communicating a story through a solo. How does an artist’s solo ‘make you feel’…”

[00:00:00]: Intro Performance  
[00:00:40]: Introduction  
[00:01:10]: The Art of Storytelling in Jazz  
[00:02:49]: The First Thing is the Blues!  
[00:04:38]: Importance of Storytelling in Jazz  
[00:05:38]: Listen to the Story in Music  
[00:05:53]: Old Blues Recording  
[00:09:43]: Student Reflections on Blues  
[00:10:35]: Call & Response in Music  
[00:11:37]: Understand Blues Beyond the Scale  
[00:12:55]: Lester Young’s Influence (Recording)  
[00:16:54]: Importance of Space in Music  
[00:18:52]: Filling Space with Personal Expression  
[00:19:35]: Miles Davis & the Ultimate Blues  
[00:20:16]: Miles “My Funny Valentine” Example  
[00:25:42]: Modern Interpretations of Blues  
[00:26:08]: [Q&A] Storytelling Together as a Band
[00:26:38]: Blues Expression  
[00:27:52]: [Q&A] Miles’ Spaces Inspire Rhythm Section
[00:28:26]: Comparing Modern & Traditional Jazz  
[00:31:57]: Expression vs. Science  
[00:33:02]: [Q&A] Recording & Storytelling: Self-Evaluation
[00:35:39]: Influence of Bebop on Jazz  
[00:37:43]: Charlie Parker’s Freedom of Expression
[00:38:50]: Charlie Parker’s Sweet Georgia Brown
[00:43:47]: Importance of Personal Storytelling  
[00:45:23]: [Q&A] Jazz Schooling vs. Jazz Freedom
[00:46:18]: Bebop’s Impact on Jazz Intricacy  
[00:47:48]: Eddie Lockjaw Davis w/ Basie Big Band Video  
[00:50:49]: Eddie Lockjaw Davis & Free Expression  
[00:51:54]: Expressing Modern Through Traditional Blues  
[00:52:55]: Master Instrument & Self-Expression  
[00:54:35]: Free Expressions in Jazz  
[00:56:18]: Sonny Rollins Audio Example  
[01:02:56]: Sonny Rollins & the Highest Level of Expression  
[01:03:25]: [Q&A] Should Learning Blues Come First?
[01:04:28]: [Q&A] Different Eras, Different Jazz Language?
[01:06:28]: [Q&A] Improving Polyrhythmic Feel
[01:07:33]: [Q&A] Exercising Freedom While Learning Bebop
[01:08:18]: Learn by Hearing the Greats Live  
[01:09:41]: Play with ELVIN Anecdote  
[01:10:07]: [Q&A] Contrast in Groove & Crunchy Rhythms
[01:11:09]: [Q&A] Improving Solo Call & Response
[01:12:35]: Engage the Audience (with Elvin)  
[01:14:20]: [Q&A] Being Mindful of Audience Reaction
[01:15:17]: Role of Musicians as Healers  
[01:16:13]: [Q&A] Ear Training for Expressive Playing
[01:17:14]: Final Advice (Go Beyond Jazz Education)  
[01:19:11]: Final Performance