Jiggs, Bromberg and Smokey Fingers

I was fortunate enough this week to get a lesson from jazz trombone legend Jiggs Whigham. For those who don't know who it is, this guy is the daddy -> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiggs_Whigham). He's played with the Count, Kenton, Miller, you name them he's played with them. Now, I'm a huge jazz enthusiast, and I've done a lot of big-band playing, but as far as my improvising goes, I'm not really that great... if I'm honest. Which is a shame, considering how much of a dream it is for me!

My attitude was always that you had to be born with it. Take Miles Davis for example, I'm not entirely sure that he had to work hard at his scales and changes. But, after discussing at length with Jiggs, very few are born with the natural improvising ability. The rest of us mere mortals have to work at it, and develop the skills ourselves in the practise room. I've ordered a book or 2, including Jiggs' own book and a Jamey Aebersold book! I'll keep you posted on how I'm getting on, but at the minute I'm snailing it along with my ii-V-Is and my Dorian scales...

Discovered 2 phenomenal albums the past few days, check them out:

Firstly, here is Brian Bromberg with "Downright Upright" -> Brian Bromberg – Cantaloupe Island. This is an amazing album, just kickass standards with some jean-melting solos. Bromberg is on fire in his solos, check out the first track! Like I might have said before, I don't get 'contemporary' jazz, with crazy keys and changes and time signatures. Most of all I hate the lack of structure. Okay, yes, you can say, "But DUUUDE, without keys and structure, you can TRULY improvise WHATEVER YOU WANT!" Yeah, but is it nice to listen to? Does it make you tap your toe? Narp, it's guff. Nothing wrong with structure, keys or melody. This album is classic improv jazz, the best kind in my opinion.

The second is Jiggs Whigham with the Herbolzheimer Orchestra, which I assume is German, in "Toots Suite" -> (Bart van Lier – After You've Gone). This is a kickass album, I'm not gonna say anything about it, just listen!

Lastly, I just wanna give a shout-out to my brother Matt Houston, aka Smokey Fingers! He's sent me 2 of his tracks he's been doing in college on his music course, ripping it up on baritone sax to bass guitar and everything in between. I was really moved today when he sent me a track of his solo piano work, purely improvised from a bunch of chords. We were 2 of the only jazz enthusiasts in school, listening to Jaco, Buddy Rich, whatever, just to get our fix of jazz! He's gonna be a kickass musician soon, and I wish him all the best :)

'til next time...

Thanks ~ The Jazzbone