Listen

Download the tracks and check out how it was originally recorded. (I like to spend 2 weeks just listening to new music before I attempt to play it. That's not always possible but preferable)

Isn't She Lovely

This is a review of what we have worked on in the previous 3 lessons. 

Long Train Running

In this lesson we will dive into producing a complete track with your playing as part of the ensemble.  

The Trouble With

Drummers play the bass drum on beats 1 in and the and of 3. Bass players do the same. Guitar players on 1 and the a of 2.

Thinking Out Loud

In this lesson we will work on record your part to the song "Thinking Out Loud," in Bandlab.  

Sir Duke (4 on the Floor)

This is the Stevie Wonder tune Sir Duke. We will do an analysis of the tune based on the phrases and parts.There is an accompanying play along track is available in bandlab at a slower tempo than the original.

Beautiful Love

This is the standard "Beautiful Love" from the Great American Songbook as play by Anita O'Day. https://youtu.be/VjLYoTR8cDE Written by Wayne King, Victor Young and Egbert Van Alstyne with lyrics by Haven Gillespie. Listen to many versions and get to know the melody.  I can make recommendations if need be.  What kind of song structure is it? What's the form?The key is D minor, the tempo is medium 78 = the half note. Have fun and let me know if you have any questions.  

I Don’t Need No Doctor

Practice playing the song, "I Don't Need No Doctor," with multiple styles. Rock (Ray Charles), Funk (John Mayer, Jon Schofield) and Bossa Nova (I'll post an example)

8 Guitar Grooves

Practice and play to these 8 guitar grooves. 1. Play with a minimalistic and approach. 2. Play with a maximum approach. (what is the minimum and maximum you can play and still support the groove).

What’d I Say

"What'd I Say" by Ray Charles is a classic R&B tune that was released in 1959. The song is known for its catchy, repetitive piano riff and Charles' soulful vocals.

Simplified Grooves for Cory Henry's "Switch"

Practicing with limitations will enhance your ability to play dynamically and groove tightly. Use the Bandlab multi-track to play along and refine your parts.

Collective Recording Project 1

Tracks, Mix, Complete?

When is a project actually done to completion? After recording, editing, and mixing is your project actually done? In this lesson, we will delve into the process of preparing tracks and mixing a complete project. While the project in BandLab is mostly finished, it's important to understand that altering even a single track can have a profound impact on the entire project's shape. Our goal is to explore these possibilities each set of the way.

Exploring Musical Textures

This exercise is a creative exploration of music textures and will help you develop a deeper understanding of how to manipulate musical elements to achieve different expressive effects in your compositions. Have fun experimenting!

Top 10 Grooves of all time.

This is a list of the top 10 grooves of all time. Each person has their own idea of what that will be. There is no wrong answer.

A lesson brought to you by Steve Smith

Steve gets into the details of practicing and where to find the "skip beat." Bonus materials include a listening list and a reading list. 

I Don't Need No Doctor

Practicing vs Playing: Advanced Deliberate Practice: Blend intuition and complex training routines. Challenge Mindset: Refine goal setting, self-evaluation, and plateaus. Time Feel: Beyond the Click: Internalize rhythm through movement, voice, and freestyle. Genre Time Feel: Explore and apply nuances of swing, funk, Latin, etc. Comping Mastery: Create and play supportive rhythmic backgrounds. How to Groove: Rhythm & Melody Play: Analyze and create grooves shaped by melody. Ghost Notes & More: Master subtle rhythmic techniques for depth. Dynamics & Articulation: Sculpt groove with dynamics and articulation variations.

Long Train Running / 2024

Here is a high-energy version of "Long Train Running." Add your own part to the existing tracks. Understanding the song's structure, dynamics, and solo sections.

What do I need to do to improve?

While you might identify several areas you'd like to improve, it's helpful to narrow down your focus to one or two specific goals through careful consideration and setting simple objectives. By doing so, you can concentrate your efforts more effectively and make tangible progress toward achieving those goals.

Sade "Sweetest Taboo"

In this lesson, students will explore the power of simplicity by focusing on Sade's "Sweetest Taboo." Each student will first learn and record the simple part played by their instrument, analyzing how minimalism enhances the groove. Then, they will apply the "Less is More" approach by composing their own parts, emphasizing space, dynamics, and intentional note choice. Finally, they will record these parts in Bandlab, integrating them into the full track to experience how less can indeed be more in a musical context.

The Sermon

This lesson explores the foundational role of the quarter note in swing music. While the concept of the quarter note might seem simple, its application is deeply intricate, making it an essential part of the "Less is More" module. Students will develop an understanding of how the quarter note becomes the bedrock of a swing groove by focusing on instrument-specific techniques and playing along with classic repertoire.

Foundational Practice

Maintaining a high level of musicianship requires daily practice, even if it's just for a few minutes. Like athletes, rhythm section players (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards) need to work on essential exercises to keep their skills sharp. Enclosed in this lesson is a structured practice routine that focuses on time, feel, technique, and musicality.