VIEWS AND REVIEWS


An All-Ages Jazz Ed Video
If you're in the market for an accessible, informative, and often fun way to either introduce yourself to the basics of jazz improv or brush up on the fundamentals, check out John McNeil's JAZZ SERIES (Vol. 1): A Unique Approach to Improvising on Chords and Scales For All Instruments.
 
With the assistance of an all-star New York small group -- Bill McHenry on tenor sax, Carlton Holmes on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, and former Kansas Citian Ron Vincent on drums (Vincent is also the series producer) -- trumpeter McNeil discusses the intricacies of jazz improv, then supplements talk with convincing, first rate demonstrations.

"This series of videos," McNeil says, "is intended to clarify the basic concepts involved in jazz improvisation and give you the tools to be an effective improviser in the 21st century."

And clarify it does. Even if you think you already know a lot about the vocabulary of improv, these basics are presented in such a way that can both inform a beginner and reinspire a pro.

"There is an awful lot of stuff to learn," McNeil admits. "But if you organize it properly, it need not be overwhelming."

Chords and scales are the thrust of Volume 1 (Volumes 2 and 3 are scheduled for late fall release), with an emphasis on modes derived from both major and melodic-minor (or minor-major 7) scales. All scales and the chords they go with are superimposed on the screen as McNeil describes them and as the group puts everything into a musical context. It doesn't get much clearer than that.

There is also a liberal amount of McNeil's dry wit sprinkled throughout the video. Regarding the fourth degree of a major scale as a prominent melody note, McNeil says, "You can get used to it... but who wants to?!" Or, about the many modes to retain, "If you can't (remember all the names of the modes), just make up your own! (Like) the Corinthian mode... or the Augmented Lithuanian Mode... or the Pedestrian Mode, which only has two notes..."

The volume concludes with some interesting comments about the value of being able to sing what you play. "If you don't hear the stuff you improvise," McNeil says, "then what you're doing is just intellectual chess-playing."

And there's more, both in the form of well-articulated nomenclature and excellent playing. JAZZ SERIES (Vol. 1) is now available and is recommended. To order, contact International Production Group, Inc. at 1261 Broadway, Suite 1108, New York, NY 10001 or phone 212-725-4200. And visit the IPG web site at www.ipgmusic.com.

-- Mike Metheny


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