Have you ever wondered how jazz musicians like Pat Martino or George Benson create those mesmerizing, seemingly endless solos that effortlessly flow from one phrase to another? It’s a mastery of technique, an amalgamation of smaller jazz elements, and a practice in endurance and articulation. In this post, we’ll delve into a technique that builds upon the concept of ‘Jazz Bites’ to help you craft those long, seamless lines in your improvisation.
Understanding Jazz Bites: A Foundation
In an earlier video, the concept of ‘Jazz Bites‘ was introduced—small, digestible units of jazz vocabulary that form the building blocks of improvisation. These tiny units serve as the groundwork for what we’ll explore further—the creation of expansive, continuous phrases.
The Art of Concatenation: Crafting Endurance
The technique involves stringing together these ‘Jazz Bites’ into long lines, almost akin to a musical marathon. It’s not just about playing fast; it’s about the endurance to sustain a continuous flow of 8th or 16th note phrases without pause. This exercise serves dual purposes: enhancing endurance and developing the ability to articulate complex musical ideas seamlessly.
Emulating the Masters: George Benson & Pat Martino’s Influence
Imagine the signature sounds of George Benson or Pat Martino, effortlessly maneuvering through extended phrases, never losing momentum. This technique aims to emulate that style, capturing the essence of their playing by amalgamating various small phrases into one cohesive, elongated line.
Practical Application: Exercise vs. Performance
It’s essential to note that while this technique serves as a fantastic exercise for expanding your improvisational abilities, it might not necessarily reflect a typical performance approach. However, it equips you with the confidence and skill to navigate through extended phrases should the need arise during a gig or session.
Putting It into Practice
To start, focus on slowly concatenating phrases. It’s about building a mental repository of various phrases and smoothly connecting them. While repetition may occur, the aim is to cycle through numerous phrases without breaks.
Final Notes
Remember, this exercise isn’t about mimicking an exact performance but rather about honing the skill set necessary for extended improvisation. It’s an exploration, a journey to expand your musical language and enhance your improvisational capabilities.
