PODCAST · music
Notes on Jazz!
by Keith Davis
Notes on Jazz is for all lovers of this music, musicians, students and listeners. Check out Notes for performance and practice tips, interviews with great musicians and other cool stuff. I’m a jazz pianist, composer and teacher with over 40 years of experience. I'm happy to share my experience of music with you.
Episodes
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Ep 48: Ted Howe Interview-My First Jazz Teacher!
Ted is my first Jazz Piano teacher. Although he and I have been in touch over the years, we haven’t actually talked for quite a while. Recently, we have been communicating more frequently, and I invited him to do an interview with me. I will post it here and on my podcast, Notes on Jazz. As a...
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Ep 47: Alan Hall Interview
Alan Hall is a great drummer and composer who has been living in Asheville, NC for the last few years. Alan and I met through Art Lande. Alan and Art have a years long musical and personal association and have played on several recordings together. Art was staying at Alan's home last year when he...
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Ep 46: Contemplation
This is a spontaneously improvised thing that I thought you might like. Remember, I'm available for performances and I'm available for private instruction online and in-person. Keith Davis Music I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: [email protected] Keith…
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Ep 45: Jim Ridl Interview
Jim Ridl is a great pianist! He's also a composer and bandleader and teacher. I recently had the pleasure of hearing him play at Furman University with the Tim Armacost Quintet. (I just interviewed Tim recently. See Ep 44.) I was particularly struck by Jim's touch and lyricism, by his command of...
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Ep 44: Tim Armacost Interview
Tim Armacost recently brought his quintet to Furman, where I serve as an adjunct instructor. I was blown away! First, the band was great, world class. What brought it all together though, was Tim's wonderful playing and writing, and the conceptual approach he brought to the organization of the...
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Ep 43: Gary Versace Interview
Gary Versace is one of my favorite contemporary Jazz pianists. He's equally adept at playing organ and accordion, and he's a composer. Gary has taken over the piano chair in Maria Schneider's Orchestra, after the sad and sudden passing of our mutual friend, Frank Kimbrough. It's hard to imagine...
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Ep 42: Johnathan Blake Interview
Johnathan Blake is one of the busiest drummers around these days. Besides being an amazingly talented drummer, he is also a composer and educator. He plays with all of the best musicians on today's scene. In this great conversation, we talk about Johnathan's experiences growing up in a musical...
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Ep 41: Teddy Adams: Elder Statesman of Savannah Jazz
Teddy Adams! One of my oldest friends. Teddy is the Elder Statesman of Jazz in Savannah, GA, which is also my birthplace. We've known each other since 1984. I've learned so much from our association, and been given so many great opportunites to play and grow as a musician. Teddy is a fine...
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Ep 40: "I Want to Play Songs I Like, Without Sheet Music"
Potential students often tell me that they just want to learn to play songs that they like. Recently, someone actually said to me, "I want to learn to play the songs that I like without having to read the sheet music". This is a skill that can be learned, and that's what this episode is about....
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Ep 39: Einoe! - New Original Tune
Einoe! is a new tune that I just finished recently. It was first inspired by Art Lande. Art is one of my music heroes whom I had the pleasure of interviewing for this podcast. He was in Asheville a few months ago, and I got to spend the day with him talking about music and hearing him play a gig....
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Ep 38: Live Music - They Say It's Spring
"They Say It's Spring", is a tune composed by Bob Haymes and Marty Clark, and recorded by the great vocalist/pianist Blossom Dearie. My friend Kristen introduced me to this tune, and we are preparing it to play on some upcoming performances. I really like this tune. It's a traditional standard…
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Ep 37: Ron Free Interview
Ron Free is a great drummer! He's another old friend, who I've known for at least 35 years. Ron is from Charleston, SC, and his life story is fascinating. He tells that story in his recently published memoir, The Lamb and the Dove: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer. Ron recounts his story from beginning…
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Ep 36: Al Sergel Interview
Al Sergel is a master drummer/percussionist, composer, bandleader, and educator, among other things. He's also a great friend. I always look forward to the chance to play with Al, and this is a great conversation. He has lots of great things to share here about his experience, learning, teaching,...
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Ep 35: Satoshi Takeishi Interview
Satoshi Takeishi is another old friend, who I'm happy to have here! Satoshi is a great drummer, percussionist, and composer. He has played, toured and recorded with lots of great musicians, including Ray Barretto, Carlos ‘Patato’ Valdes, Eliane Elias, Marc Johnson, Eddie Gomez, Randy Brecker…
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Ep 34: Tune - Some September Sunday
Thought I'd start putting some of my tunes up here for you to check out. This tune, Some September Sunday, I wrote last October...but seriously, I wrote it last September on a beautiful Sunday morning when I was getting ready to play at a memorial concert for a close musician friend who left us…
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Ep 33: Sonny Emory Interview
Sonny Emory is one of my oldest friends. He also happens to be a master drummer! When we were in college together, playing in the Jazz band, his dream was to play with Earth, Wind, and Fire. And he did it! Sonny currently tours with Eric Clapton, and also tours with Bruce Hornsby. His list of...
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Ep 32: Keys to Jazz Bootcamp: The Most Important Thing!
What's the most important thing to learn? I think it's preparing yourself to show up for that first gig, and be totally prepared for it. It means a lot more than just knowing all the bits and pieces, like scales, chords, technique, knowing tunes, etc. It covers all that and a lot more. This will…
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Ep 31: Martin Bejerano Interview
Meet Martin Bejerano! Martin is an amazing pianist, composer and educator. He spent 20 years playing with the great Roy Haynes Trio. This band was nominated for a Grammy Award for the the recording, Fountain of Youth. He also played in Russell Malone's group for eight years. Along with these...
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Ep 30: Keys to Jazz Bootcamp - Who it's For!
Here I talk about some of the students that I've helped to get into the Jazz program at their school. They all come to me from different backgrounds and with different interests. What they share is an interest in learning more about Jazz, but not only that. As you will hear, one student is a...
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Ep 29: Keys to Jazz Bootcamp - Introduction
Hi Parents and Students. I want to tell you about a new online program I will be offering. It's called Keys to Jazz Bootcamp. This program is for anyone who wants to learn to play Jazz! It's particularly designed for kids, middle school and high school age, who want to play in Jazz Band at…
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Ep 28: Bob Moses Interview
Rakalam Bob Moses is one of the most iconic drummers in our music. From his early recordings with Gary Burton (Dreams So Real is still one of my favorite records of all time), to the famous Pat Metheny recording, Bright Size Life, to his own uniquely beautiful recordings (Visit With the Great...
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Ep 27: Is Your Kid Trying Out for Jazz Band?
Hello Parents. Is your kid trying out for Jazz Band in the fall, or going into Jazz program at school? I offer online lessons to kids (and adults) who are learning to play Jazz. I would be happy to help your young student prepare for whatever kind of Jazz program they might be getting involved…
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Ep 26: Marilyn Crispell Interview
Marilyn Crispell is a an amazing pianist. She truly has her own voice in our music as a premiere figure in the Jazz "Avant Garde". Through her long association with legendary saxophonist/pianist/composer Anthony Braxton, and her own career as a leader, she has produced some of the most powerful…
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Ep 25: Why I Teach
Are you a professional musician, or experienced amateur, but still feel like you have gaps in your knowledge that are holding you back? In this episode, I explore this in relation to one of my private students. He's an accomplished musician, but came to me looking for help in taking the next…
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Ep 24: Cool Gigs! Why We Do It
Playing music is a blast! It's a blast for us as musicians, and it's a blast for our listeners. It's why we do it. Learning and practicing is fun, writing music is fun, listening is fun, rehearsing is fun, but actually performing for an audience is why we do it. The energy exchange that happens...
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Ep 23: Dr. Matt Olson - Furman University, Director of Jazz Studies
Dr. Matt Olson is head of our Jazz Studies Program at Furman University, where I serve as Adjunct Instructor. Matt has done a great job organizing and running the program. He is a fine saxophonist as well as being a great teacher and administrator. He has some good insights into all of the roles…
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Ep 22: Kurt Young - Rock 'n Roll Guitar to Jazz Piano
Kurt is a retired scientist and life-long guitarist. He has played mostly by ear. He came to me almost two years ago and wanted to learn to play the piano. Since he has played mostly by ear, he has good ears and has a good understanding of basic harmony. We've been working on reading music, as…
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Ep 21: Elliot Smith - Choral Music and Jazz Piano
Elliott is a friend and colleague who wants to learn Jazz piano. He is a fine classical pianist and choral conductor. He teaches at the Governor's School for the Arts here in Greenville. He is a graduate of Furman University, where I serve as Adjunct Instructor of Jazz Piano. It's always...
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Ep 20: Kristen Collins - Accompanying Yourself as a Vocalist
Kristen is a vocalist who has a degree in Music Education from Winthrop University. She is also an accomplished classical pianist. She came to me for lessons in Jazz Piano. Now she is learning not only how to accompany herself, but getting into singing Jazz. We're having a lot of serious fun...
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Ep 19: David Gross - From Classical to Jazz Piano
In this next series of short interviews, I'll talk with adult students. Then, I will follow up with the Director of Jazz Studies at Furman University. David is a friend and colleague. He is a brilliant classical pianist who serves as Professor of Piano at Furman University. David has a life-long...
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Ep 18: Vee Popat - Fine Arts Center Director
Vee is the Director of our Fine Arts Center here in Greenville. He is also a professional Jazz saxophonist. Vee is both a great player and a great administrator. Everyone I've spoken to about him comments on the great job he is doing. He's enthusiastic and fully engaged with the students and the...
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Ep 18: Ricky - Get Ready to Play Gigs
Ricky wants to start playing gigs. He will do it, because he loves it and he works hard at learning. He has great natural ability and great ears, but what's important is that he wants it. He takes it seriously, listens, practices, writes his own tunes. He's going to go as far as he wants to go…
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Ep 17: Holly - Tori's mom
All of my parents are extremely supportive. It means a lot! Holly and I have had many talks about Tori's progress. I get to know the parents as well as the kids. As parents, we get excited seeing our kids grow and develop. I feel the same way as a teacher. I am available for online or in person...
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Ep 16: Tori - Female Songstress and Recording Artist
Tori is a very talented young woman who is also a student at FAC. Tori has her own home recording studio where she writes and produces her own music. She writes the music, lyrics, plays keyboards and clarinet, sings, adds drum tracks, etc. It's inspiring to watch her grow and to be a part of that...
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Ep 15: Melanie - William's mom
William's parents are very supportive! We've become friends along the way, as well. They bring Will out to my gigs, take him to concerts, etc. It's so important to have that support. I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: [email protected] Keith Davis Music…
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Ep 14: William - Become a Great Jazz Pianist
In this series of interviews, I'll be talking with some of my students. To begin, I'll talk with three of my students who attend the Fine Arts Center. This is a high school for performing arts, with programs in music (including a Jazz program), dance, visual arts, literature, etc. I'll also talk...
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Ep13: Find the RIGHT Teacher!
In whatever field of learning you explore, finding the right teacher is imperative! This is especially true in an art form like Jazz. There are lots of great players, and there are lots of very informnative books and videos, but nothing compares to a great teacher. A great teacher is someone who...
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Ep 12: Why You'll NEVER Learn Jazz From A Book
There are tons of great books, videos, all kinds of stuff about learning to play Jazz. The problem is, most of them don't start at the very beginning. In my experience, students aren't learning the fundamentals of music that they need to begin creating their own music. The other issue is that...
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Ep 11: Art Lande Interview
Art Lande, what a pleasure and an honor to have Art as a guest on Notes on Jazz. Art has been one of my favorite musicians for years. As a pianist, composer, recording artist, educator, and thinker about music, Art occupies a unique and compelling place. I urge you to take the time to listen to...
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Ep 10: Tune Talk - FreeWheeler(for Kenny) Part 2
Tune Talk is a series of videos where I analyze my tunes, discussing the structure, harmony, melody, and suggestions for performance and improvisation. FreeWheeler is a two part composition written for the great trumpeter/flugelhorn player/composer Kenny Wheeler. I am available for online or in...
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Ep 9: Tune Talk - Freewheeler(for Kenny) Part 1
Tune Talk is a series of videos where I analyze my tunes, discussing the structure, harmony, melody, and suggestions for performance and improvisation. FreeWheeler is a two part composition written for the great trumpeter/flugelhorn player/composer Kenny Wheeler. I am available for online or in...
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Ep 8: What does a Jazz Pianist Do?
A pianist can fulfil several roles in Jazz performance. We can perform as a soloist, with no accompaniment. We can accompany singers or other instrumentalists. We can perform in all kinds of ensembles, from duo to Big Bands. Good accompanists are sought after! Accompanying is an indispensable…
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Ep 7: Becoming a GREAT Accompanist
Accompanying singers and other instrumentalists is one of the most valuable skills a Jazz pianist can have. Good accompanists are always in demand. Follow me as we talk about how to develop the skills you need to become a great accompanist! I am available for online or in person study. Reach out…
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Ep 6: Greg Tardy Interview
I'm psyched to have Greg Tardy as my guest on Notes. Greg is a wonderful saxophonist and clarinetist, a composer and recording artist. He has played, toured and recorded with some of the greats, Elvin Jones, Rashied Ali, Andrew Hill, to name just a few. He continues to work and play with a whole...
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Ep 5: David Berkman Interview
David Berkman is well-known in the Jazz world. A prolific pianist and composer, he has many recordings under his own name with many of the finest names in jazz. He is also highly respected as an educator and teaches at Queens College in New York. Also, he has written several influential books on...
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Ep 4: Ron Brendle Interview
Ron Brendle is one of the most well-respected and in-demand bassists in the Western North and South Carolina region. He has played with everybody, including a long list of Jazz greats. Ron and I have been friends and musical colleagues for quite a while. He's on both of my trio recordings: Keith...
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Ep 3: Become a Real Pro Singer
If you are an aspiring vocalist, there are some important things you should know! Listen to my pro tips on preparing for that all important first performance. I often work with vocalists as an accompanist and as a coach. If you are interested in working with me, I offer free consultations here:...
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Ep 2: How to Play Jazz - What do I Have to Know?
In this episode, we discuss basic skills necessary to become proficient at playing Jazz. This is for all instrumentalists, not just pianists. I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: [email protected] Keith Davis Music Check out my new Substack: Sound The Gong:...
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Ep 1: Introduction to Notes on Jazz
Welcome to Notes on Jazz! I thought I should introduce myself and talk about how I discovered Jazz and eventually came to be a professional musician. I'm glad you're here! I hope you find something interesting and useful for your self. I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Notes on Jazz is for all lovers of this music, musicians, students and listeners. Check out Notes for performance and practice tips, interviews with great musicians and other cool stuff. I’m a jazz pianist, composer and teacher with over 40 years of experience. I'm happy to share my experience of music with you.
HOSTED BY
Keith Davis
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Notes on Jazz! have?
Notes on Jazz! currently has 49 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Notes on Jazz! about?
Notes on Jazz is for all lovers of this music, musicians, students and listeners. Check out Notes for performance and practice tips, interviews with great musicians and other cool stuff. I’m a jazz pianist, composer and teacher with over 40 years of experience. I'm happy to share my experience of...
How often does Notes on Jazz! release new episodes?
Notes on Jazz! has 49 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Notes on Jazz!?
You can listen to Notes on Jazz! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Notes on Jazz!?
Notes on Jazz! is created and hosted by Keith Davis.
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