IMPROVISATION: A REALLY good place to start
“Chords, not scales” (Better Sax)
“Beginner Blues Lesson” (Better Sax)
Wynton Marsalis on practicing improv
Learn tunes! Get THE REAL BOOK
Learn both the melody and chord changes to hundreds of songs played at jam sessions and gigs
LISTENING
Mr. Wright’s Favorites: Big Band
“Take the A Train” (1941) – “T.O.” (1982) – “Time Check” – “Sing, Sing, Sing” “Jive at Five” – “Garaje Gato” (2015)
Mr. Wright’s Favorites: Classic Small Group
“So What” – “Confirmation” – “Giant Steps” – “Moanin” – “Soy Califa” – “El Barrio” – “Bemsha Swing” – “Stars Fell on Alabama” – “Strode Rode” – “Cornbread” – “Joy Spring” – “Nomad”
Mr. Wright’s Favorites: More Recent
“The Lonely Ones” – “Bye Bye Blackbird” – “Strasbourg St. Denis“ – “Mike The Cat” – “Appointment In Milano” – “Speak Low”
MORE LISTENING
Classic small group jazz: “Sophomore Jury List”
Worland General Music and Band Programs 