I find that Jazz has recently been the subject of much musical snobbery, especially since educational institutions have been trying to make it the new classical. You’d be surprised at the number of people who have asked me what school i studied jazz at or which jazz school is the best.
This has always puzzled me, because in my opinion, jazz is a folk art form. This seems strange to say considering that jazz has always been connected to the urban environment, but nevertheless, so are other art forms such as rap and def poetry.
To me, jazz is simply playing the melody and playing with melody. The techniques to do this are more from the ear than from the textbook, though textbooks can analyze and codify them. But then you have to ask yourself if you want your jazz to sound ” analyzed and codified”. Spare me.
Herein lies the problem with trying to make jazz the new classical. Yes there are jazz theories and approaches. At this stage in my life, I know them all. I can tell you that none of them beat time spent on the fretboard, learning the melody then bending it in various ways that are discovered spontaneously and organically, then honed through conscious practice until they become second nature.
One can only do this if he or she spends a lot of time listening to jazz until something sticks that you really want to play. Finding good jazz to listen to is key.
I for one love smooth jazz. I don’t apologize for it no matter what the jazz snobs think of me. Smooth jazz is the best way to get into jazz playing. Then move up to cool jazz with Miles Davis. Then go on to Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane.
Take it step by step, listening to what these masters are doing with the melody. Be able to sing what they’re doing before you try to play it. This will make everything you do spontaneous.
Get to work.
randy lin guitar 