When improvising, what are you thinking about? // VLOG

Рет қаралды 61,394

6 жыл бұрын

Back from our European tour straight into shows with Snarky Puppy, a recording with Yay, and this question. SUBSCRIBE for NEW videos weekly ► bit.ly/BobOnKZfaq
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Bob Reynolds is a Grammy Award-winning tenor saxophonist known for his work with Snarky Puppy, John Mayer, and 9 solo albums. His latest album, Quartet, debuted at #3 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz charts. He is a D'Addario Woodwinds artist.
“A self-assured saxophonist and an unassuming yet effective composer…”
NEW YORK TIMES
“…Reynolds flexes an assured hand with melding hip-swiveling jazz and funk as a bandleader.”
LA TIMES
“Some of the freshest, most compelling, and most soulful music I have heard recently. Bob Reynolds is an amazing musician, with something very exciting and original to say.”
Joshua Redman, Grammy-nominated saxophonist
“Bob is one hell of a saxophonist! His sound is rich and his execution is effortless.”
Michael Brecker, Grammy-winning saxophonist
LONGER BIO
Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is an in-demand jazz performer, educator, and sideman, as well as a regular member of the Grammy Award-winning band Snarky Puppy. Born in Morristown, New Jersey in 1977, Reynolds grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he first started playing saxophone at age 13. Although he listened to a range of music as a kid, by his late teens he was a dedicated jazz student. After high school he honed his skills at Boston's Berklee College of Music, where he mentored with George Garzone, Hal Crook, and others. As a leader, he debuted with 2000's The Bob Reynolds Quartet, followed by 2006's Can't Wait for Perfect. That same year, he joined fellow Berklee alum John Mayer's band and spent the next five years with the pop star, touring and appearing on such albums as 2008's Where the Light Is and 2009's Battle Studies.
In 2013, he returned to his solo work with Somewhere in Between, which reached number one on digital jazz charts. He then made his Snarky Puppy debut appearing on the genre-bending group's 2014 effort, We Like It Here. Two years later he was back with Snarky Puppy for the Grammy Award-winning Culcha Vulcha. In 2017, Reynolds delivered the EP Guitar Band, which featured appearances from Kneebody bassist Kaveh Rastegar as well as fellow Snarky Puppy members Robert "Sput" Searight (drums) and Mark Lettieri (guitar). ~ Matt Collar

Пікірлер: 101

@bobreynolds Жыл бұрын

⬇ Download my 7-T Jazz Practice Pyramid-A one-page map to creatively organize your practice time-FREE at jazzpracticepyramid.com

@davidskey 6 жыл бұрын

Sonny Rollins 2014 Interview with NPR: “When I play, what I try to do is to reach my subconscious level. I don't want to overtly think about anything, because you can't think and play at the same time - believe me, I've tried it (laughs). It goes by too fast.”

@guitargod6997 4 жыл бұрын

As I mature as a player, my response to the question of what one is "thinking" when improvising or simply playing is always more in accord with Sonny. At this point I really "play what I hear in my mind" - achieving a unity between the "inner voice" in my mind and the phrases I actually execute. I hear the music in my mind rather like a piano player roll. This is especially true with standards with which I am familiar. It is a form of deep listening and anticipation of where the music is going. The subconscious is very real to me. I often practice chord melody playing on my guitar while listening to a YT video on economics, for example. I find that in that "distracted state" the subconscious is remarkably accurate. In performance the trick is to not allow anxiety or distractions to interfere with that deep listening flow state. The situation is different, however, if I am sight reading new music, where you need to read a bit ahead of the actual music you are playing. An example would be reading a lead sheet with a melody line and chords written above the staff. Bob is such a phenomenal musician!

@jaideepkshirsagar2481 6 жыл бұрын

I love you so much, man. Thank you so much for sharing all this stuff with us. I feel so grateful to be a part of a generation where the legends of our time can openly share their wisdom and their life with us from the other side of the world through some electromagnetic wizardry. Thank you for using this medium to the best of its ability. Really, you give me so much from so far away. Thank you, thank you. A million times thank you.

@bobaslo2402 6 жыл бұрын

I think it's awesome how you can play your instrument, travel the world and still have good time! That to me sounds like the best job ever!

@creativical 5 жыл бұрын

"Create music which you would want to hear, not that you are able to play" - Bob Reynolds 2018 Such a good quote i wanna pin this to y wall. :D

@grahamlyons8522 6 жыл бұрын

Bob talking about the question posed in the video title starts at 6:10. Excellent answer. For me, his section on being aware of the harmonic structure so that you get a feel for the notes available as the solo moves along, was most relevant.

@billducker7404 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry Bob that my previous comments came to you by mistake but I have enjoyed listening to your beautiful playing and your comments about improvising and using your brain while doing it! Best wishes. Bill. UK

@brunomokbel8586 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for coming to Paris Bob. The concert was one of the best i have ever listened to and meeting you, Janek, Chaun and Ruslan was really inspiring. Keep it up and come back soon !

@bobreynolds 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Bruno!

@pickinstone 5 жыл бұрын

Game changer observation. When I used to study jazz, I got knee deep in theory. All math, scales, Greek names, all the time. Then I got on the bandstand and nothing made sense. I realized that I needed to build up my ear as much as possible in order to play jazz convincingly. When most pedagogues talk about studying jazz, they always go back to theory and transcription. Many fail to mention the primacy of the ear. Now I practicing singing and hearing all the theory I learned in college. I sing all the vocabulary I learn AWAY from the instrument. I sing EVERYTHING relating to the key signature of the tune--a lot of people don't get that principle at all--it's the Charlie Banacos way. Then, when you get on the bandstand, you don't think in words or theorized music maths. You hear SOUND, and you relate to SOUND. That's it. Easier said than done, but there's more mileage in working on your ear than solely working on your "theoretical mind". Use your ear to learn theory. Aimee Nolte and Peter Martin get this COMPLETELY!

@imadlebiar1546 6 жыл бұрын

This video made my summer I am taking my final test in highschool this week and after that i'll do a lot of practice and i will form a jam band , this video gives me the inspiration and the way to do it Thank you bob You are always rocking

@MisterstereoOso 6 жыл бұрын

Jaideep, i couldn't agree more !! Thanks Sir Bob, ( i just Knighted you ) !!

@racehoglund7251 5 жыл бұрын

ugh man every time you show footage of Jay's quartet I get more an more excited to hear the future record!! Can't wait!!

@johnparrette8069 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for keeping “Jazz Alive & Well” in troubled times! Great playing!!

@40791 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic response to “what are you thinking?” - so, so good!

@brucekimmell2851 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob! That was very enlightening! I love your work!

@Gabrielm624 6 жыл бұрын

It was great seeing you, Ruslan, Chaun, and Janek on stage having a great time and making great music in London! Hope to see you live again in the near future!

@bobreynolds 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Gabriel!

@MUSIC4URDOG 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for coming to Manchester the music was unreal, and super cool to meet you and the band, come back soon :)

@behnamdastjerdy9479 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Bob for the amazing performance.

@maximo.01 6 жыл бұрын

Yesss you‘re finally back!! Im really looking forward to some great vlogs 😃

@lucasbayart5650 6 жыл бұрын

Paris 2nd set was awesome!! Feedback and Rise and Fall were mind blowing!!!

@qibert 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, I couldn’t make it to show, but I was at the masterclass in London, which was awesome. Thank you for giving so much of yourself and inspiring us to work harder at our game.

@jooelewis 6 жыл бұрын

Can we get a "what does every sticky represent on my calander" vlog? I've never seen someone organize their calendar like that.

@nataliebrooke9583 6 жыл бұрын

Joe Lewis omg I just asked this too hahah

@JamesScottGuitar 5 жыл бұрын

Looks a little bit like a SCRUM board...or Kanban Board. Could just be a super hip way of color coding his schedule and projects. I like it. Visually it’s more appealing and gives instantaneous feedback about whatever is happening...which I haven’t the slightest idea. 😂

@shi1425 6 жыл бұрын

dude! I was in the front at that Dallas show!!! was so excited to see you play.. You're my favorite modern sax player m8

@LKNDIY 6 жыл бұрын

You guys killed at the Bowl last weekend. Thank you for an amazing set.

@tiredgeek9612 5 жыл бұрын

Bob Reynolds is a better version of Casey Neistat

@jazzbrew68 6 жыл бұрын

Next to your Quartet album, Yay's recording is one of my most anticipated. That band sounds fantastic in the clips I've heard. Great thoughts on thinking/improvising. The more I shed on the core concepts of tunes the easier it is to let go and react to what I'm hearing - even when supporting a band as a bass player. It doesn't happen nearly as often as I'd like so I'm hoping continued work at it helps.

@johncrim1942 6 жыл бұрын

I was there for the Dallas show you guys sounded amazing. perfect experience for my first concert.

@arnieus866 6 жыл бұрын

It was a great answer to the question.

@xFliox 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this

@matteur11 6 жыл бұрын

Welcome back !

@lukeifraser 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob, your colorful calendar in the background caught my eye. It looks like my google calendar, with all those colors. Would love to know how it's organized in a future vlog. Cheers!

@bluesunleashed 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, I don't know anyone who has such a wonderfully organized and methodical approach to practicing. The calendars on your wall are also pretty neatly organized. Would love to know how you plan that out in a future vlog

@hansmathiasthjomoe4817 3 жыл бұрын

Good advice for playing Body and Soul. I’m always getting lost in my chorus. I don’t read chords, but I hear them.

@Chilajuana 5 жыл бұрын

Very good tutorial my brother!!!!!

@rubenross3550 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing gig in London Bob! It was my dream to meet you and I finally did.

@philjudd3473 6 жыл бұрын

Woah! You're back! Been checking regularly and missing you man...but glad you had a great tour...love to see more of it. When are you heading to Australia? :-)

@GrozzyGamer 5 жыл бұрын

You are truly my best saxophone role model. Truly showing the different aspects of music, living as a musician and as a family man. Love your videos

@BrazenNL 6 жыл бұрын

You say thank you for reaching out to the booking agency, but do you have any idea what would happen (at least, to me) if that would work with any band? I'd show up every week with my request list. :) Anyway, thanks for coming to The Netherlands. I really enjoyed your concert!

@zimberlin9978 6 жыл бұрын

Subscribed! I love this! Your video's feel like a Casey vlog with very useful content. Totally awesome.

@bobreynolds 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, man. Much appreciated.

@makkreol 6 жыл бұрын

awesome venue in Cologne!

@mpowers10000 6 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@mehertouihri1940 6 жыл бұрын

first of all thanks Bob for all the music and the inspiration through it and through these videos. I discovered you very recently (despite beeing fan of John Mayer for years), discovered you couple of days after your show in my beloved Berlin city, unfortunately I missed your concert here but I look forward to your upcomming european tours already. I have this following question that u might may b answer some time: while practicing and trying to come up with my own phrases and licks, I find myself often in the situation that after 1 or 2 hours of playing I come up with interesting stuff that I sadly forget part of it the day after. I don't know if it's recommended while practicing to record oneself and try to learn by heart the juicy "improvised" stuff one comes up with while practicing, or if it should happen a bit more natuarally... I don't practice more than 2 hours during the week, and may be three hours on free days. That might also be the problem...

@jacobburkhart5832 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob. I LOVE your blog! Such a great window into the music business and your life. Recently, I've been reading Miles Davis's autobiography and something that shocked me was the excessive drug and alcohol use among musicians. Obviously, this was a different time in history and things were drastically different than they are now. What has been your experience with drugs and the music industry? Obviously this is a touchy subject and I don't want you to get anyone in trouble or throw anyone under the bus, I'm just interested to see how it has changed, or hasn't.

@Squares1960 6 жыл бұрын

Bob , mate, the London gig was slamming ! The whole band seemed to be on the same page of telepathy! I have been following yours and Janek's blog and somehow I feel I understand what you guys are working towards, apart from great music, and that makes the whole experience that much better! I am already looking forward to Quartet Deux ! And your ne t London tour!

@bobreynolds 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mark. :)

@Lukasmusic91 6 жыл бұрын

Wow, Tübingen was such a blast!! Absolutely loved the show, even though it was reeeeeeeally hot that day! I hope you saw that you have quite a few fans here in europe who loved to see you play. You will always be welcomed here! Espacially in germany!

@bobreynolds 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Lukas. :)

@vintagevinylvets1187 6 жыл бұрын

Sorry we missed the Dallas show, we were supposed to make that one but couldn’t get away.

@haroldmsimmons 5 жыл бұрын

The life of a traveling musician!

@WatisYouth 6 жыл бұрын

Hey! Do you know if there is an "inside outside" type retreat for guitar players? I would be super interested

@MrBoybergs 6 жыл бұрын

Another practice question :/ I loathe getting on stage if I haven't managed at the very least, an hour of practice that day....it's a confidence thing. When your're touring/travelling intensively as you have been doing, do you still make time to practice between gigs? Do you feel the need to? How long do you warm up before going on stage?.....I think that's it :)

@okankoc86 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for recording this, I love it! I was wondering exactly what constitutes thinking: if you memorize the chords of a standard let's say and then when you're improvising think of the upcoming II-V-I in the key of F#major, is that considered thinking? I'm asking because I feel like I'm unable to memorize the chords of standards - in fact I feel like all of that should happen on the subconscious level, but then again I heard many times that we should 'memorize' the chord changes of the standards, so I'm confused.

@denniskwokmusic 6 жыл бұрын

How do you practice when you're on tour? Or do you practice when you're on tour?

@TheDesertRat31 6 жыл бұрын

About having the "feel" of what you can play (@9:44)... The times I've been most comfortable I've also had the feel of the notes under my fingers. Those were the tunes I had learned pretty well so the nuts and bolts were in my muscle memory and my ear was free to listen around me to the other players, but also grab on to ideas I likes so I could run with them a little. For me, If I'm sight reading or playing stuff cold, I tend to revert to licks and ideas I have for the chords and progressions ("auto pilot" I guess). There is a smaller percentage of purely creative stuff because I'm trying to learn the tune as I play it, which is tough. Hopefully I'll get a second chorus... but that'll usually be my opportunity to have a train wreck.... :/ But with young kids (and not playing professionally) my horn lives in its case a lot these days so I probably can't do that stuff anymore... so frustrating....

@averagealice8877 4 жыл бұрын

name of song at 3:39?? Also glad to hear we can request the band and it might even show up in or town! cool idea.

@sarahs9031 6 жыл бұрын

I was wondering... how would I get in touch with your booking agent? I would love to recommend Bozeman, Montana, because there's such a great music scene here and there's so many jazz musicians and people who would love to see you play!(I being one of them)

@NormaMoon 3 жыл бұрын

9:47 Yes.

@hautboisjc 6 жыл бұрын

On average, how many transcriptions does it take before a person is able to hear out improvisation solo ideas in his head? I’ve transcribed 8 jazz standards so far and I wanna have a target of how many to achieve instead of aimlessly transcribing piece after piece

@JulianFernandez 6 жыл бұрын

Gregory Porter is the man!

@MrHestichs 6 жыл бұрын

Oh i recognize that bowl venue. It's where Joni Mitchell recorded a live album!

@bobreynolds 6 жыл бұрын

i think that was actually the Santa Barbara Bowl. looks very similar. ;)

@zaqintosh 6 жыл бұрын

Oddly specific question: What tool is Mark Lettieri using on his iPad on your Guitar Band Video 6 of 6, you see it within the first 30secs. Obviously it's some kind of sheet music, but can you say anything more? Is he reading music like you are, or is it a simpler chord chart that he's improving over? Is it auto flipping pages somehow or is he poking at his iPad every 8 bars ? I ask because I'm a non-music reading guitar player curious about what tools / charts guitar players might be using in a jazz band setting like this. (Although I'm very confident that Mark reads music, but maybe not as practical to him here )

@DanCollinsBass 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob, Saw you and the band play at Cadogan Hall in London (no one knows how to pronounce it don't worry). Absolutely loved your set, its been my favourite concert to see! I found myself being so inspired after watching you and the guys play. I spoke to Janek about this and I was wondering of your thoughts on it. During tour time do you ever allocate time for your own practice, say in a hotel/green room? I'm always curious to hear about all musicians' touring habits. Thanks again!

@frizzzzzzal 6 жыл бұрын

Where can I get that Ahmad Jamal shirt!!!!????

@grahamkozak2315 6 жыл бұрын

Great video as always! Also, where did you get that Ahmad Jamal shirt?

@RanBlakePiano 4 жыл бұрын

Chris Connor. A remarKable singer ,one of the best not coming from gospel blues tradition

@VeXuSVeLoCiTyZ 6 жыл бұрын

Hudson!!!

@ninjalightning2631 Жыл бұрын

T.I.T.S Im following Birds foot steps ! Just saying 😂😂😂

@danielkluckner1068 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, i am a 17 year old Alto player and a few months ago i had a serious injury in my forearms that came from playing a lot without caring enough for my body (especially my back). Before, i had practised a lot (3-4 hours a day) very focused and everyday from December to March and recognised a lot of improvement. My solos where better than ever, my technique was on point and i was very confident, which led to great performance at certain gigs...But since I had that injury (where i had to take many therapists and a 3 week break) i have a hard time getting back to that point and that feeling. I tryed to play and practice like i did before that injury and i‘ve also tryed many alternatives but everyday feels different (especially in terms of technique) even though i get to practice everyday. Do you have any advice for me?

@adamstein7302 6 жыл бұрын

how are you liking your new case?

@bobreynolds 6 жыл бұрын

👌

@steinhalvorsen_ 6 жыл бұрын

And by knowing the chord changes, you mean that you can hear/preempt the progression in your head before it happens?

@ingridayarza 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah. You (mind and body) have to know the song entirely before you can unconsciously create (improvise).

@jazzbrew68 6 жыл бұрын

I agree with Ingrid 100%. The tunes I feel "free" on are the ones I know cold or if it's a progression that I've shredded into the ground like movement in 4ths or minor 3rds.

@adithyasriram633 6 жыл бұрын

I would try singing your improv.. u might find u can develop more and better ideas in when ur singing than when ur playing ur instrument... this might show where ur at in terms of how good are my ideas... remember ..if u can sing it than u can play it

@hack-ta-guitare 5 жыл бұрын

Train hard, fight easy would say a boxer :). Off topic on : I was watching your post-it collection on the wall and was wondering if you used something like the "get things done" method to organize your practice and work. Do you have a vlog about this ? Maybe I'm the only nerd that is interested...Off topic off.

@bobreynolds 5 жыл бұрын

Referring to David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done? I’m a fan but fall way short of being an effective practitioner. But the principle of getting things out of your head and “captured in a place you trust” is solid gold.

@hack-ta-guitare 5 жыл бұрын

Especially when you are the type of guy like me that could search his home keys for one hour while they are in his pocket :)...

@elianherrera5322 6 жыл бұрын

*whAt dOeS tHiS dO* “that’s a kick drum”

@RussPaladino 6 жыл бұрын

Is that a funky new wall paper, or do you have a hella lotta sticky note to-do up in there, my brother?

@saxman7131 5 жыл бұрын

I think about my financial situation, I figure, if I’m getting paid by the note, I’m working pretty cheap. Specially when you be liftin pianos man, that is the worst.

@gerbenwasser8209 6 жыл бұрын

hey @bob could you do an eww episode? there is not so much to fiend on youtube and I would love to see/hear some different approaches on sound, practicing, loopstation use etc. thanks! gerben

@alexrami4234 5 жыл бұрын

i really liked "reactive"

@pbasswil 3 жыл бұрын

The thing that improv learners need to grasp is: Good blowers have learned the relationship between their fingers, and the melodies that are being generated by their right brain hemispheres. In a developed musician, such melodies come as a natural response to participating in a performance - one where there's a predictable progression of harmonies (chords). The ideas (eventually) come without effort. Of course there is a (long) learning period when you're trying things out, playing with motifs (bits of melody), and _reaching_ to make the connection between brain and fingers. But the great players have freed themselves to just imagine the melody they want to play. Their fingers & mouths have learned to follow along - and just _respond_ to the mental melodies. This may sound beyond witchcraft. But if you're fascinated by melody, and strive everyday to convert your ideas into actual playing-your-instrument, the witchcraft _will_ come! Honestly, we all went thru a similar thought/body connection thing, when we learned to speak.

@bobreynolds 3 жыл бұрын

100%. Well said.

@nataliebrooke9583 6 жыл бұрын

Bob. I follow your videos and love them and love hearing about how you run your life as a musician. That said I have to know what’s going on with those sticky notes on the monthly cork boards and on the other wall. Is it gigs/traveling/goals etc?? Why do you use the stickeys and not a white board or whatever else?