Hey Duke! You can hear me playing along with my old scratchy record. I love every pop and click on that piece of vinyl! Hope you're doing well. Thanks for this great tune. Best, Bruce
Thanks, Duke! Yup, that's "My Romance". I started learning 2 or 3 Real Book tunes like this each week: melody, chords and soloing, and then I play the ones I've already learned in my daily practice, kind of like playing down a set list. Learning the melodies is a tremendous help to me. A good melody always teaches me some new way to look at the guitar. Thanks again, Duke. It really means a lot to me, getting your feedback on my efforts.
Thanks, Duke! Yup, that's "My Romance". I started learning 2 or 3 Real Book tunes like this each week: melody, chords and soloing, and then I play the ones I've already learned in my daily practice, kind of like playing down a set list. Learning the melodies is a tremendous help to me. A good melody always teaches me some new way to look at the guitar. Thanks again, Duke. It really means a lot to me, getting your feedback on my efforts.
Hey Duke! Here's a first stab at this one. I'm really enjoying playing it! Would love to hear what you think of it. Thanks for the great lesson. Best regards, Bruce
Hi Duke! Beatiful arrangement! I didn't know that voicing for 6th chords. I get what you're saying about the dissonance, but I didn't like hearing the Gb in the Eb minor chord on the 11th fret. So I changed the voicing slightly by dropping the note on the G string down a fret to an F, so that the chord becomes Db F Bb Eb, making it a Bb minor 11. Thanks for the great lesson, can't wait for the next one! Best, Bruce
Hey Duke! Well, Duke Ellington is my main man, so I'm in heaven with this tune. I feel like my slow feel has really improved. Would love to hear what you think of this. If you get a chance, I'd also love to get your opinion (good or bad!) on my version of "Judgement Day" from the last lesson. I've gotten mixed reviews. My wife doesn't like it, but she's not really much of a blues fan. I think there are some places where the two guitars really work together well, where they sound like more than a sum of the parts. But it would mean a lot to me to hear what you think about both this lesson, the chords for "Mood Indigo", and also "Judgement Day". I include both of them here for your convenience. ;-) Hope all is well with you! Thanks, Bruce
I love that Les Paul! Did you do the paint job on it? I read about your art exhibition on Facebook, but alas, I'm 3,000 miles away. Learning to draw/paint is one of my planned retirement projects.
Anyway, here's a version of this with me playing both guitar parts and singing. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the great lessons on this song!
Hi Bruce, Sounds good there. Yes I did paint that Les Paul. The finish was beat when I bought it and it's a used inexpensive model so I went for it. LOL! Duke
Hey, thanks a lot, André! I'm really thrilled to hear it! Best of luck and have fun! Thanks again for writing to tell me, that was really nice of you. Cheers!
Hey Duke! I don't have a video yet, but just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying this one. I love this blues format with the extended one chord, like Willie Dixon used on "I'm Ready". It gives the vocal a great impact.
Anyway (Mike Caren, are you reading me? :-) I was thinking that it might be pretty cool if one of the harp teachers were to teach the harp part to this song. I'd certainly be tempted to learn the harp part too.
Sorry about the cold. My wife and I have also been suffering from a bad cold. Hope you feel better soon and that judgement day is a LONG way away!!!
Hey Duke! So, here's another go at it. Improvements since the last one, I think. More focused and natural -- I hope, anyway! Would love to hear what you think! Best, Bruce
Hey Bruce, Nice and confident here and more new ideas. Love the Walking My Baby back Home quote. That fits in perfect with this song. Really good stuff here! Youre really making progress on this stuff. GREAT JOB! Duke
Hey Duke! I've really been shedding on this one! Wonderful tune to play on. I was planning to quote "Skippy's Dream" as you wre doing in the last lesson, but then I got distracted with another idea. But I'm pleased with the Duke Ellington quote that snuck its way in there. "Just Squeeze Me" has always been a favorite of mine and I love the way that you and Herb play it on your record. Did you ever work up an arrangement of "How High The Moon"? I passed by Les Paul and Mary Ford's star near Hollywood Blvd the other day and was thinking about it in my head, how to approach it. Quite a challenge!
Anyway, I'll be anxious to hear what you think of this. I feel like it's really pushed my playing forward a bit. Thanks for the amazing lesson! Can't wait for the next one!
Best, Bruce
PS, hey there Steve! Hope to hear your fine playing again soon.
Hey Duke! Still working on this, but I saw something in Facebook that said it was 81 years ago today that Benny Goodman recorded "Stompin' At The Savoy". Wish my Dad was still around so we could talk about it. Benny was one of his favorites. I've got a signed photo from Benny to my Dad. We used to argue about music (often) but I remember being blown away when I was playing one of his Benny 78s and turned it over to the B side that featured Charlie Christian. Here's the image of that signed photo. By the way, I've been listening to "Conversations In Swing Guitar" over and over, and I continue to be more blown away each and every time I listen to it. What a truly great record. Those must've been fun days to go in to work! ;-) Take care, Duke. Best to you, Bruce
Wow Bruce, That's so cool! Nice inscription also! man 81 years ago eh? it's funny, The older I get the more I gravitate towards music near the 100 year old make. It was all so fresh back then and truly music that was like nothing else before it! like they say, music has no expiration date......... I'm glad you're digging conversations. It was like two like minded strangers sitting down and having a conversation about life and music. Herb was a great guy. Duke .
Hey Duke! So here's my take on this. I was having a little trouble feeling the counter melody until I listened to Ella Fitzgerald singing it, and I basically stole, to the best of my ability, her phrasing. ;-) I really enjoy playing this one slowly. It feels like there's a lot more room for expression. Please let me know what you think! Thanks, Bruce
Hi Bruce, Playing a melody slow is a good way of learning. Sounds good but I would have trouble playing it that slow. But its certainly open to interpretation. Duke
Hi Duke! I've been working on this lesson from "before my time" at Sonic Junction, and it's really helped me a lot. I've been listening to tons of Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis, but especially Herb. Herb's lyricism combined with his amazing time and sense of playfulness is just so entrancing. There's an incredible hour long video of him teaching on YouTube. I must have watched it at least 10 times so far and I enjoy it and get more out of it each time. I've put a lot into this one, and would love to hear what you think of it! Thanks, Duke -- amazing lesson and such a handy thing to have some experience with those classic changes, since they get used so often. Best, Bruce
Hey Duke! Great song and fun chords to play. I probably should've gone to a Db7 before going to the B section, but other than that, how's this sound? Thanks, Bruce
Hey Duke! You can hear me playing along with my old scratchy record. I love every pop and click on that piece of vinyl! Hope you're doing well. Thanks for this great tune. Best, Bruce
Thanks, Duke! Yup, that's "My Romance". I started learning 2 or 3 Real Book tunes like this each week: melody, chords and soloing, and then I play the ones I've already learned in my daily practice, kind of like playing down a set list. Learning the melodies is a tremendous help to me. A good melody always teaches me some new way to look at the guitar. Thanks again, Duke. It really means a lot to me, getting your feedback on my efforts.
Ok, I see. Not particularly intuitive, but c'est la vie. Thanks.
Wow, I'm so excited! I got curious and I found this article on the web about the creation of this LP and song. Pretty interesting!
PS Mike Caren, I tried using the link tool for the URL I'm about to paste, but when I click on the icon, nothing happens.
http://teamrock.com/feature/2013-04-08/albert-king-we-weren-t-thinking-blues-we-were-thinking-dance-music
Hi Bruce -- you need to have the link selected before clicking on the link icon. Can you try again and let me know how it works for you? Thanks.
Ok, I see. Not particularly intuitive, but c'est la vie. Thanks.
By the way Duke, I think the swing thing is finally kicking in for me. I'd love to hear what you think of this one if you get a chance! Best, Bruce
HI Bruce, That's great! My Romance right? Great tune. You sound better all the time on these tunes. Keep up the good work! Duke.
Thanks, Duke! Yup, that's "My Romance". I started learning 2 or 3 Real Book tunes like this each week: melody, chords and soloing, and then I play the ones I've already learned in my daily practice, kind of like playing down a set list. Learning the melodies is a tremendous help to me. A good melody always teaches me some new way to look at the guitar. Thanks again, Duke. It really means a lot to me, getting your feedback on my efforts.
Thanks Duke! I'm feeling more confident every day.
Hey Duke! Here's a first stab at this one. I'm really enjoying playing it! Would love to hear what you think of it. Thanks for the great lesson. Best regards, Bruce
Bruce, Very nice. Good solo concept. Nice tone also. Great work!
Thanks Duke! I'm feeling more confident every day.
Hi Duke! Beatiful arrangement! I didn't know that voicing for 6th chords. I get what you're saying about the dissonance, but I didn't like hearing the Gb in the Eb minor chord on the 11th fret. So I changed the voicing slightly by dropping the note on the G string down a fret to an F, so that the chord becomes Db F Bb Eb, making it a Bb minor 11. Thanks for the great lesson, can't wait for the next one! Best, Bruce
Good Job Bruce, Sounds really nice! Duke
Hey Duke! Well, Duke Ellington is my main man, so I'm in heaven with this tune. I feel like my slow feel has really improved. Would love to hear what you think of this. If you get a chance, I'd also love to get your opinion (good or bad!) on my version of "Judgement Day" from the last lesson. I've gotten mixed reviews. My wife doesn't like it, but she's not really much of a blues fan. I think there are some places where the two guitars really work together well, where they sound like more than a sum of the parts. But it would mean a lot to me to hear what you think about both this lesson, the chords for "Mood Indigo", and also "Judgement Day". I include both of them here for your convenience. ;-) Hope all is well with you! Thanks, Bruce
Hey Duke!
I love that Les Paul! Did you do the paint job on it? I read about your art exhibition on Facebook, but alas, I'm 3,000 miles away. Learning to draw/paint is one of my planned retirement projects.
Anyway, here's a version of this with me playing both guitar parts and singing. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the great lessons on this song!
Regards, Bruce
Hi Bruce, Sounds good there. Yes I did paint that Les Paul. The finish was beat when I bought it and it's a used inexpensive model so I went for it. LOL! Duke
Thanks so much, Duke! That's really inspirational to hear! Bruce
Hey, thanks a lot, André! I'm really thrilled to hear it! Best of luck and have fun! Thanks again for writing to tell me, that was really nice of you. Cheers!
Hey Duke! I don't have a video yet, but just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying this one. I love this blues format with the extended one chord, like Willie Dixon used on "I'm Ready". It gives the vocal a great impact.
Anyway (Mike Caren, are you reading me? :-) I was thinking that it might be pretty cool if one of the harp teachers were to teach the harp part to this song. I'd certainly be tempted to learn the harp part too.
Sorry about the cold. My wife and I have also been suffering from a bad cold. Hope you feel better soon and that judgement day is a LONG way away!!!
Thanks again, Duke.
Bruce
Hey Duke! So, here's another go at it. Improvements since the last one, I think. More focused and natural -- I hope, anyway! Would love to hear what you think! Best, Bruce
Hey Bruce, Nice and confident here and more new ideas. Love the Walking My Baby back Home quote. That fits in perfect with this song. Really good stuff here! Youre really making progress on this stuff. GREAT JOB! Duke
Thanks so much, Duke! That's really inspirational to hear! Bruce
Hey Duke! I've really been shedding on this one! Wonderful tune to play on. I was planning to quote "Skippy's Dream" as you wre doing in the last lesson, but then I got distracted with another idea. But I'm pleased with the Duke Ellington quote that snuck its way in there. "Just Squeeze Me" has always been a favorite of mine and I love the way that you and Herb play it on your record. Did you ever work up an arrangement of "How High The Moon"? I passed by Les Paul and Mary Ford's star near Hollywood Blvd the other day and was thinking about it in my head, how to approach it. Quite a challenge!
Anyway, I'll be anxious to hear what you think of this. I feel like it's really pushed my playing forward a bit. Thanks for the amazing lesson! Can't wait for the next one!
Best, Bruce
PS, hey there Steve! Hope to hear your fine playing again soon.
Hey Duke! Still working on this, but I saw something in Facebook that said it was 81 years ago today that Benny Goodman recorded "Stompin' At The Savoy". Wish my Dad was still around so we could talk about it. Benny was one of his favorites. I've got a signed photo from Benny to my Dad. We used to argue about music (often) but I remember being blown away when I was playing one of his Benny 78s and turned it over to the B side that featured Charlie Christian. Here's the image of that signed photo. By the way, I've been listening to "Conversations In Swing Guitar" over and over, and I continue to be more blown away each and every time I listen to it. What a truly great record. Those must've been fun days to go in to work! ;-) Take care, Duke. Best to you, Bruce
Wow Bruce, That's so cool! Nice inscription also! man 81 years ago eh? it's funny, The older I get the more I gravitate towards music near the 100 year old make. It was all so fresh back then and truly music that was like nothing else before it! like they say, music has no expiration date......... I'm glad you're digging conversations. It was like two like minded strangers sitting down and having a conversation about life and music. Herb was a great guy. Duke .
Hey Duke! So here's my take on this. I was having a little trouble feeling the counter melody until I listened to Ella Fitzgerald singing it, and I basically stole, to the best of my ability, her phrasing. ;-) I really enjoy playing this one slowly. It feels like there's a lot more room for expression. Please let me know what you think! Thanks, Bruce
Hi Bruce, Playing a melody slow is a good way of learning. Sounds good but I would have trouble playing it that slow. But its certainly open to interpretation. Duke
Thanks so much, Duke! Your lessons keep me ever inspired to be a better player and get closer to the music.
Hi Duke! I've been working on this lesson from "before my time" at Sonic Junction, and it's really helped me a lot. I've been listening to tons of Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis, but especially Herb. Herb's lyricism combined with his amazing time and sense of playfulness is just so entrancing. There's an incredible hour long video of him teaching on YouTube. I must have watched it at least 10 times so far and I enjoy it and get more out of it each time. I've put a lot into this one, and would love to hear what you think of it! Thanks, Duke -- amazing lesson and such a handy thing to have some experience with those classic changes, since they get used so often. Best, Bruce
Hey Bruce, sounds great and I can hear some herb licks in there. There's alway blues in herb's playing! great job, Duke
Thanks so much, Duke! Your lessons keep me ever inspired to be a better player and get closer to the music.
Hey Duke! Great song and fun chords to play. I probably should've gone to a Db7 before going to the B section, but other than that, how's this sound? Thanks, Bruce