A late night interpretation of John Coltrane's Equinox performed on my new Nord C1. Equinox from Graham English on Vimeo. … [Read more...]
Keep Your Optimism, But Be Very Concerned
Some people will tell you the world is coming to an end. Some people will say you create reality so turn off the news and think nothing but good thoughts. I'm here to tell you to be optimistic, but be very concerned. The state of the economy is … [Read more...]
The Neuroscience Of Jazz Improvisation
Mind Hacks pointed me to an interesting study by science journal PLoS One on the cognitive neuroscience of Jazz. The scientists found that a region of the brain known as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a broad portion of the front of the brain … [Read more...]
Most Inspiring 30 Minutes I’ve Invested In A Long Time
With subtle accompaniment by longtime friend Herbie Hancock, and a slide show that has opened the minds (and pocketbooks) of CEOs across the country, artist and youth activist Bill Strickland tells a quiet and astonishing tale of redemption through … [Read more...]
Oscar Peterson Is Dead
How sad to read that Oscar Peterson is dead on Christmas Eve. He died yesterday at the age of 82. This video made the top peak performance articles of 2006. There's no doubt why. … [Read more...]
R.I.P. Max Roach
Max Roach, one of the original bebop drummers, died early this morning. He played with all the greatest jazz musicians: Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Coleman Hawkins, Bud Powell, and Miles Davis. I've personally spent many, many … [Read more...]
Some Outstanding Podcasts For Musicians
Not only am I a podcast author, I'm a podcast lover. And recently I've come across some podcasts that I'm really enjoying. If you're a jazz lover, then you'll love both NPR: Jazz Profiles and The Traneumentary. NPR's Jazz Profiles covers the lives … [Read more...]
Michael Brecker Has Died
Jazz World Loses Sax Musician Michael Brecker Tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker died Saturday at the age of 57. The artist was one of the jazz world's most prolific studio musicians. He toured or performed with Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and … [Read more...]
Back in business
I'm home and I'm back in business. I'm not entirely unpacked, but I'm finally functional. Get ready for some new and exciting directions to musical virtuosity. Some interesting links while I was away: MySpace to Let Members Sell Music: A new … [Read more...]
Jazz Trumpeter Maynard Ferguson Dies
Jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, known for his soaring high notes and for his hit recording of "Gonna Fly Now," which lent the musical muscle to the "Rocky" movies, has died. He was 78. Ferguson, who lived in Ojai, Calif., died last night (Aug. … [Read more...]