Monthly Archives: April 2009

Review of “Bebop Scales” by Joe Riposo

Bebop Scales was written by Joe Riposo. Joe Riposo is the Director of Jazz Studies at Syracuse University. What is a bebop scale? The bebop scale is an 8 tone scale.  A chromatic half step is added to the basic 7 tone scales to cause the chord tones to fall on the downbeats. The bebop […]

Review of “Elements Of The Jazz Language For The Developing Improvisor

Elements Of The Jazz Language For The Developing Improvisor was written by Jerry Coker.  Jerry published his first book “Improvising Jazz” in 1964 and has authored many jazz books. In my opinion he is an outstanding author with a great deal of practical information. Jerry has analyzed many jazz greats and observed 18 common devices […]

Digital Patterns in Jazz Improvisation

Dr. David Baker is credited with originating the phrase “Digital Patterns” .  Many great jazz improvisors use digital patterns in their solo’s. Digital patterns are groups of notes usually numbering four to eight notes.  A digital pattern is constructed  by assigning a number to each note of a scale. A good digital pattern to begin […]

Jazz Standard Workout in all 12 Keys with Charts and Backing Music

I have written a contrafact of the great jazz standard “All Of Me” named “All Of PAULMAINE.COM”. I have omitted the melody of the song to provide a convenient means to practice jazz improvization of a jazz standard chord progression. It is critical to be proficient in all 12 keys. Jazz standards are usually characterized […]

Review of Connecting Chords With Linear Harmony by Bert Ligon

The playing always comes first and then someone takes the time to analyze what the great jazz artists are doing.  This is exactly the case with Bert Ligon and his 146 page book “Connecting Chords With Linear Harmony”. Bert is a Professor of Jazz at the University of South Carolina School of Music. Bert has […]