I try to unveil some of the mysteries.....

​@@KentHewittpiano88 That is really helpful :) From a classical formation, I'm beginning in jazz and you and your books are probably the best ressource I found on the whole internet for beginners out there. So thank you a lot. I just have one question: what is the process you recommend in order to acquire the agility you've got while playing the solo from 3:30 ? My guess is that you imagined these music patterns in your mind, then maybe you wrote them and you practiced them a lot, beginning slowly, then faster and faster, so you get agility and know them by heart, and you have sort of a "toolbox" to play a proper Autumn Leaves solo. In that case, jazz players would always reuse their same patterns, which seems weird to me, so it's maybe not the right way to practice... Or is it more generic, like you created and learned several patterns for each mode ? I mean, I understand that the brain can use target tones and passing tones to improvise a melodic solo on the fly, but at this level of speed this has to be something learned before. Or is it simply patterns you recover from the massive amount of jazz pieces you have red and played for like the past 20 years ? :) maybe it's a bit of all that, but it confuses me at this point...

Thanks, benzen78, a complex question requires a complex answer. Like you say: it is a bit of all of that but then not some of that and some of other things. I guess when I was a kid learning piano, I had somewhat of a knack for making up melodies off the cuff. So that is just natural. My mother and sister played piano but they couldn't do that. I enjoyed practicing and when I got interested in jazz I listened to a lot of recordings and went to jazz clubs in New York. I tried to imitate what jazz players were doing when they improvised. I learned a lot of solos from transcriptions. In a way, I wish I could hear how I improvised then and compare it to now, but unfortunately I don't have any recordings of myself then. As far as agility or technique is concerned, I did practice a lot of drills and exercises to develop technique. Also I learned bebop repertoire- which is essential, for mastering improvisation. I try not to play things that I've learned or prepared ahead of time like specific licks. I try to be original and fresh on every solo. The only "toolbox" I use is my knowledge of scales that fit chords and how to use them to create good melodies. If you listened to the preview video I did just before this one, the solo is completely different. I do a number of takes of songs I play on videos and every one is different from the other. That's how it should be. But it's also risky and subject to flaws. I try to pick the one I like the best, for a variety of reasons.Sometimes working specific ideas out ahead of time is a good idea. I usually don't do that but prefer to be spontaneous and often that can be rewarding and more satisfying. I'm a big critic of my solos. and reject most of the takes. Sometimes I'll only have one out of 10 that I really like. You have to learn to except your flaws, because everyone is their own best critic. (see there you go, I wrote more words than you, but it's 5:45am and I can't sleep....cheers!)

​@@KentHewittpiano88 Well that is very impressive. I like to create my own songs and each time I play them I try to improve them, but I always rely on what I built before. If I find a specific chord or melody that I like, it will stay in the song the next time I play it. That's rather a classical approach. As far as I understand improvisation is totally different, you don't rely on your past solos. You are never sure that what you play will be as great as what you played last time. And you're ready to lose a great lick for another one. It's a totally different approach that is not easy for me to accept, at least it's far from obvious to me. Ok if I recap, a methodology for improvisation would be to hang on and practice a lot of scales and solo transcriptions, and be satisfied more by the fact to do a great solo than by what you actually play (at least avoid trying to memorize it!), is that right? Still progressing in your book, I want to make it in order but I guess chapters 23-24 will be the key ;) Thanks a lot for your time. I really appreciate what you do and the fact you answer to your followers, it should be time consuming!! Very nice from you. Take care Kent

@@KentHewittpiano88 some? you unveil alot of them!!! thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Great compliment...thanks so much...very helpful to me!

I appreciate your comment, more than you know!

I'm glad to hear it! Check out these: kzfaq.info/sun/PLFuMibnl_h5bA7Um3IZ38R1kelnoRTPYc

Great, Sally, thanks o much for the comment!

That's a cool comment, I'm glad you found the tips video, wish more people would do that.

Humble thanks. (don't mind him, he's just showing off).

You are very welcome. and thanks for the compliment.

Great Laurie.....again I'm so glad I could open up a new world of music appreciation for you.....it's my greatest aspiration!

Great comment, thanks so much!

Great comment, MrFunkl...you are a hip cat and your comment is very helpful and affirming to me.

I appreciate the comment.

Thanks for telling me that these lessons have been helpful to you. Please review my Playlists, and find the category of subject matter that is most appealing to you. Swing loose! kzfaq.infoplaylists

I haven';t been called by that (word) before so I will cherish that....because it is an honor to give...but I have received much more, ....and you are a part of that, my good friend.

Dear Brenda, you must be a wonderful person....as well as a groovy chick...Thanks for the compliments and nice to know you!

Thanks for telling me!

Much appreciation, Ivan. keeps me going!

Thanks for telling, me, Robin, and for writing to me. Your kind words are very helpful..

I appreciate the comment. That's good feedback. Herbie is very affectionate and a real character...but he's very vary...which I guess is good for a cat.

Thank, Julian, your comment helps me to keep going!

Thanks for a great comment...swing loose, brother!

That's a very nice comment coming from a compadre in the field. Good wishes to you, and thanks!

Thanks for the affirmation, Peter!

That's what I strive for, so thanks so much!

Thanks. I had to watch it again to remember. The 2 camera aspect took about 4 times as much work to do, just synchronizing everything, so I only did it on a few videos. I do think it is better in some ways, but it takes the viewer's concentration off of the hands, which are much more important. Overall It may be more entertaining however, but I'm not sure if the extra amount of work involved is worth it...say you? . Thanks also for the comment on my book...blessings, brother!

Thanks, Corinne...your comments are always the best!

Very groovy, daddio. Much obliged. Swing loose!

@@KentHewittpiano88 I've been watching you for years and have a lot to thank you for! Keep the vids coming (:

Thanks for telling me that you are taking on the challenge. Bravo!

Great comment and observation!

It's a lot trickier, but I'm trying to improve my channel, but I need more help w/ the technical stuff.. Thanks!

Many thanks for telling me!

I'll just say humble thanks, D'bra. It's good practice to take compliments gracefully. Glad to "see" you again.

Herbie jumps on our laps when we are sitting like at the computer or watching television and then demands to be petted and then purrs. He's quite a character! Thanks for the comment.

That's wonderful to hear...why am I not more popular on KZfaq?

Black and white cats are the most eccentric. Thanks for a great and astute comment....very helpful to me and encouraging....keep swinging!

Thanks for the comment!

I appreciate the comment!

Thanks Steve...your comments are always THE BEST!!!

Thanks so much for telling me, Annette...I wish I could visit you someday...and I'm sure we would always be loyal friends.

Gotta love cats. we have Jinx and Herbie! Herbie loves music...Jinx loves food!

I do have a few videos on left hand voicings and how I use them. Check out Chords and Comping on my Playlist page (on channel Page). kzfaq.info/love/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists

I will, Thank You...!

Thanks, will do!

Glad to hear!

Thanks so much for telling me/

I appreciate the comment!

I appreciate your telling me.!

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks for writing!

Thanks for telling me, Bill, and keep up the good work. !

I appreciate the comment and affirmation!

Thanks for listening

Thanks so much for the compliment, swing loose!

Good work...what was the midi file that you imported?

@@KentHewittpiano88 The app is called Midi Sheet Music..There is a backstory to this . I did not import it. I have been increasingly aware that I needed to play fluently in all keys. I made up some personal piano exercises ..CGE B F# D# depending to the end of the piano. Was very successful. Then a week later tried from the third E C G D# B F#..just going down from C to B .totall failure. It was totally not working. I put the score together using Maestro and saved it as Descending Triads. I saved on my phone and exported as a midi file and PDF. I found it as a midi file on my Phone.. I had put it as as sending triplets at 120 BPS. in C.. It rearranged it to combinations of 16thand eights.. Sounded great. It also put it in five sharps. I transposed it to C. It did it and played it back in midi Format. I could hear what it sounded like.. Also it gives you many options. I chose putting the note Vale..say D#.. All my notes are as superscript above the note. I looked further it allows you to have it in color notes..you can even pick another color if I seeing it right. By using a screen recorder I was able to make a video out of it. it's one of my last videos I can send you the link. The best Pianostyle100.

Good one, 20. Thanks, Bob's a cool guy!

Humble thanks!

Glad you think so!

Always stay cool, Marilyn. Thanks for "checking in".

Great comment, William. I'm glad to add method to the madness. Chromatic leads melodically or harmonically, or both? I will talk more about that, but I also have covered that in my videos on Tritone substitutes and also the vids on Improvisation. (more advanced) See my playlists: kzfaq.info/love/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists

"Retired." What a beautiful word that is. [speaking very slowly] Reeeeetiiiiiiiirrrrrrrred.

I was asked to play a gig with Scott more recently, and I declined (because I though I wouldn't measure up). I guess I was more confidant when I was younger and knew less...you know how that works sometimes?. Thanks for being there, Jay.

@@KentHewittpiano88 I suspect that you suffer from the musician's disease of making the perfect the enemy of the good. You could hold you own with Lester Young, though I wouldn't count on him making the gig. You and Scott would make - pardon the expression - "beautiful music" together. But seriously, thanks for being the humble remarkable musician you are which is a mark of someone with a gift.

Fact is that what Kent is dispensing is like graduate level instruction gratis to the world of aspiring players. You are deserving of wider recognition and support.

Thanks, Jay, you're the best!

Big hugs, my brother...and may your music bring you (and yours) much joy in life!

I'm sure you're more of a genius than I am...swing loose, Donald.

Maybe someday it will...I hope (just kidding!) THANKS!

Thanks for the comment.

You are amazing sir

Glad you enjoyed it

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks for telling me .....go man!

Oh, that's another subject, but would it be part 4 or a new series?

@@KentHewittpiano88 I am waiting for it, thank you

Were you in the music program?. Drummer Ed Soph teaches there or did teach there. He played in my trio in Hartford years ago. Thanks for the comment!

Kent Hewitt Yes. I was a jazz studies major between 1978-1982. I was on scholarship for jazz guitar and jazz arranging. Jack Peterson was my jazz guitar teacher. Dan Haerle taught jazz theory and improvisation, plus, he was an amazing piano player. Rich Matteson was also there, played jazz euphonium. Paris Rutherford was my jazz arranging teacher. It was a wonderful time. I really enjoy your playing.

Okay, I think Ed started teaching there in the late 80's, so you would have missed seeing him. I know the school has the best reputation for jazz studies, as does Berklee in Boston.

Kent Hewitt I simply asked my high school band teacher what college had the best jazz program, and I went to high school in California. He said North Texas. It was a big adjustment, California to Texas, but he was right. Your teaching is every bit as good as that school. Thanks for all the great jazz piano and music theory videos.

Franz Gapasin Try KH's parts one and two for more info on the major and minor usage... minor scales are actually major scales displaced, starting on a different note. Part two moves pretty fast, so I listened more than once. Intermediate level, I believe...

You do the same exact thing as you did with the major in the key of C ..the fun part is having to learn them in all the other keys. NOT!

Also there's modes of the harmonic minor and melodic minor too. It can get pretty interesting!

@@KentHewittpiano88 yeah I know. This guy is really pissing me off! HARMONIC MINOR MODES - Theory & Practice kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z615jcKhl7rLgGw.html NewJazz Published on Nov 29, 2018 I'm going at it like an animal Kent. I'm subbed everywhere. I'm in a new trio and I have gigs coming up! I gotta stay relaxed and serene or I'm good for nothing. I love you Bro!

The competition is getting rough. Stay cool, brother!

You're welcome!

It's always a good idea to have piano knowledge whatever instrument you play. Thanks for the comment!

Those great pretty complex.

Hi Neal, Thanks for the comment. Please write to my email address, if you have a request. I may have done that on some previous video that I could point you to.

I endorse Neal's comments. Listening to Kent is such a humbling experience and such a revelation. Thanks Kent.

How do I find these gems!?

That's covered in a number of my videos . You just have to watch more of them. Go to my Playlists here: kzfaq.info/love/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists?view_as=subscriber

I always appreciate your generous words, Casper!

@@KentHewittpiano88 Spasiba Maestro ! My Mission Is To Make You Very Popular With My Friends In Ukraine. Maybe You Will Grace Us Someday ? You Are The Ultimate Cool Cat Jazz Man!

Great blues flavored song...thanks!

Thanks for telling me!

Insight is something we all should constantly seek.

Great comment, thanks!

Many thanks for the great comment. I have a trio CD on CD Baby website. It's called "Time on my Hands" and it's all standards. You can buy it in mp3 version. (I've been doing KZfaq tutorials since 2015)

opps. didn't you hear me?...., I already gave you permission to say it's in Dm.

You’re the man! I love your soloing. Clear explanations too. Please don’t stop!

Kent Hewitt as if

All good thanks , bro!

Please write to my email for more info.

I don't have those on my channel. I love the Ahmad Jamal version of Cherokee which I played when I did the AJ Tribute back in the early 2000's. Of course all jazz musicians know Body and Soul...it's a classic.

Bill Evan's plays My Foolish Heart in A major. I like the sound of this song in F (Dm) or Bb (Gm). At jam sessions back in the day, it was usually played in those keys, and so it stuck. (In the New Real Book it's in Bb, and in the Colorado Book it's in Ab. The Real Book 1 it's in G) It's an easy enough song to learn in a few keys)

@@KentHewittpiano88 My guess is that Kent could play this song in any key. Because it is fundamentally about the relationship between the intervals. One key may be preferred because the fingering is easier in that key, or because one is supporting a vocalist. Though I am primarily a guitarist, I do play this song on keyboards. Choice of key depends on a few different factors, but at this level the musician can generally play a song in all keys. I play all my repertoire in any key requested or required.

Anthony, actually I have a video on a Bird blues. It's Now's the Time here:kzfaq.info/get/bejne/abiXp5ylrsq8cmg.html Also on Anthropology by Parker here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fdmGn62Ev67Seok.html Please check out my video on Bird's Donna Lee.: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qMyeerFeprTNkoU.html Please leave comments, thanks. Swing loose!

The minor/major 7th is used a lot to give more color and "exotic" sound to a minor 7th. Bill Evans uses that chord often. If you play a 7th chord built on the melodic minor scale, the 1st mode is that chord, so it's the Ionian mode. ie: AmMa7

Kent AmMa7 that is the sound. If I am building chords off the melodic minor, I run into it all the time. Exotic is a good term. I could rant on but you are very inspirational. I dont know wether I am a fan of jazz or bigger fan of solid improvisation skills. You are both and there is lots of great melodies to revisit

Kites are also predominant in the nature of things!

Always Swing Loose and long live Hermie Dressel!

Your comment is going into the archives. The Altered Dominate Ego Man is going kid me about your comment. I do appreciate it, thanks a million.

Many people play this song in Em. I prefer Dm or Gm, either is good for most players.

This is part 3....so if you didn't watch part 1 and 2 you may not get the point. I picked this song because you can improvise off of one scale if you choose to. I'm referring to an underlying scale in this song that is an aeolian mode (relative minor and relative major) and yet I could still choose a dorian mode or melodic minor scale for improvisation. Knowing the modes is helpful to understand improvisation in an intellectual way. Of course you don't need to do that, you can primrose by ear if you have that kind of talent.

Kent Hewitt thanks. I got that part. However if I want to improvise off of the underlying major scale and make it sound Dorian, then don’t I have to change the chords to “Dorian “ chords? Btw I think I’ve figured out a novel approach to learning the modes. Since every mode consists of 5 whole steps and 2 half steps all you have to do is memorize where the half steps are for each mode!

He's in a better place...no?

@@KentHewittpiano88 no disrespect intended... I just like the delivery.