Miles Davis said the notes are there to frame the space. This video tests the hypothesis that 'less is more' applies to jazz improvisation in the same way it does to many other things in life. The idea is not simply to play fewer notes, but to make your notes more meaningful, both by the composition of the notes you do play and the effect of space created by the notes you don't. Leaving space gives the soloist time to listen and perhaps HEAR something one might not THINK to play. It provides the rhythm section with opportunity to engage and shape the musical conversation. Listeners are given the time and space to absorb and process the music as they hear it. On a physical level, space gives the chops a rest. I could go on...

NOTE TO VIEWERS
This is a re-edited version of one of my very first videos. While my production skills have modestly improved since then, I think it makes the point about as clearly as I am able. Let me know what you think in the comments.

ABOUT THIS SERIES
This is the 32nd video in the Jazz Tactics series, exploring elements of jazz improvisation, based on my book of the same name and a university course that I taught for over thirty years. The sequential videos in this series will provide a solid foundation of understanding of the principles and practices of jazz improvisation, on both aural and intellectual levels. While watching them in order provides the most thorough education, here are a few suggestions from throughout the series.:

Do You Speak Jazz?    • YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO IMPROVISE / J...  
What Makes Jazz Jazz?    • TRADING FOURS WITH FREDDIE HUBBARD (S...  
Why I Can't Teach You Jazz    • WHY I CAN'T TEACH YOU JAZZ (a theoret...  
What's So Great About Chet Baker?    • TRADING FOURS WITH FREDDIE HUBBARD (S...  
Trading Fours With Freddie Hubbard    • TRADING FOURS WITH FREDDIE HUBBARD (S...  
Improvising on Autumn Leaves    • IMPROVISING ON AUTUMN LEAVES Jazz Tac...  
Improvising on Sweet Georgia Brown    • SWEET GEORGIA BROWN Jazz Tactics #28  
Improvising on Rhythm Changes    • IMPROVISING ON RHYTHM CHANGES Jazz Ta...  
Improvising on There Will Never Be Another You    • IMPROVISING ON ANOTHER YOU Jazz Tacti...  
Improvising on All The Things You Are    • IMPROVISING ON ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE...  

ABOUT THIS CHANNEL
On this channel, jazz trumpeter, educator and author Chase Sanborn offers information and advice for musicians and music appreciators.

PLAYLISTS
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MORE INFORMATION
For more in-depth and personal information and instruction, check out Chase's books and online lesson options on his website:

http://www.chasesanborn.com