JAZZ 101
Here is a good lesson for the beginner Jazz musician or beginning improviser. It is a one bar line that begins on the tonic. It’s very simple and acts as a springboard into any tonal direction. Sure, the line is great and it’s a Charlie Parker’ism at its simplest. What is important to understand is [...]
Bartok the Brave
Another lovely day here at J. Smith Studios. I have been working on a Bartok piece from his 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs for Piano. I have decided to go with the Trio format although another voice on the movement would be easier for capturing all the notes. At the moment I am working on the [...]
Staying Busy
The J. Smith Ensemble has been staying busy with all types of events. From the Great Big Flea Market to the Stonehenge Golf and Country Club to the Berkeley Hotel, folks from all areas have been able to check out our music. The Berkeley Hotel was especially interesting because of the history lesson on wine [...]
First Lesson on Guitar
Guitar is a great instrument to for anyone that is new to playing music. It is not very difficult to begin playing right away if you have the proper instruction. It is by far one of the more popular instruments to start out on, and because of that there is a wealth of material out [...]