[Lgcjqxlw]

Thanks Mike,

Sounds like you got a lot out of that workshop! I've often noticed that if I improvise completely openly (or, as you've suggested here, with some constraint to lead you into unexplored teritory in an organized way) I often feel I can carry that sense of 'freedom' back into my straight-ahead playing.

[teridbruse]

I find playing standard material in unusual keys really shakes things up. Taking this concept too far can just be an annoyance (like,say, playing 'Cherokee' in b major, which puts you in c# on tenor, a key that's probably a snap for George Coleman but ties my fingers in knots), but playing say, Ab rhythm changes instead of the usual Bb can be a kick.

I find one of two things happen. Either I resort to default vocabulary in the new key, but find that maybe I don't have quite the flexibility I might like with it outside of the 'normal' key that the tune is played in (which gives me something to work on in the practice room) or I surprise myself with new, fresh licks.

It's a 'win win' situation.


Although Mike I do remember a rather amusing demonstration you gave once on transposing phrases in halfsteps on the guitar. Seems like you guitar types might be getting a bit of a break in that area.