Freeform Jazz (improvised everything)

[@chrisallen5855]

YEAH!!! GET IT MOM!!! Grammy nominated and you could tell she was trying to be humble and not take the spotlight from her son. Very heartwarming.

[@xacapulcox]

I noticed that too. Great mom!

[@TheNathanJasper]

Yeah you know she doesn't have anything to prove.

[@Maplefoxx-vl2ew]

yea she just played something simple he could jam over. she knew what she was doing

[@tymstewart]

I'm going to go listen to her albums! ❤

[@ethanmiller3649]

Future Grammy award winning mother son duo?

[@JahariStampley]

Honored to be a part 🙌🏿❤️ but the real questions: is this a sign for DJazz 2? is this a sign for a guitar & piano duo show in the future? 👀

[@robscallon]

Such an amazing time to play with you Jahari! And Djazz 2… With your piano on it… Hmm… Not a bad idea…

[@tomwhitcombe7621]

Waiting for the full Djazz album

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

All the jams in this video were so good. Please more of that.

[@bronsoncarder2491]

Jahari Stampley.... First official guest on Sonic Boom? Just sayin...

[@tres913]

@@robscallon Do it!

[@YY-lv1fg]

Mom enters, improvises a song. Refuses to explain. Leaves.

[@proxorr]

"I'm just trusting my hands to touch notes" - that's the most JAZZ thing I've ever heard

[@Thing.Appreciator]

Literal jazz hands

[@spiritnone2818]

It's not. Ideally you should be able to sing your line before you play it. And it's not particular to jazz, I can't think of a single genre of music aside from really experimental types of noise music where you'd value playing through your muscular reflexes and habits over playing something that makes cognitive sense. The great, famous jazz players all played very in a thought out, intelligent way. It's much harder than playing as fast, as many notes as you can, while trusting that staying in key and going through patterns you're used to will make it sound good. I'll probably get shit for saying this because you'll think I'm attacking this guy but I'm not. What I'm describing as ideal is hard to do. I'm perfectly incapable of it, and I'm sure he's better at it (i.e. he can do complex, interesting stuff in a thought out, conscious manner) than I am. But I think this video is giving people the wrong idea about what a good improvisation should be. It's not about your hands, you're only training so they can follow your mind.

[@BrunoNeureiter]

​@@spiritnone2818 Agreed

[@markaprill6501]

This guy has the coolest mom. I said it last time I saw him and I am saying it again. Talent for improv has more to do with mom than any other factor.

[@skronk8575]

@@spiritnone2818 You make good points, but ultimately I have to disagree. While the jazz greats definitely were intelligent, they were not intellectualizing. Jazz improvisation is a fundamentally intuitive and emotionally-driven process; mastery of technique and theoretical concepts is simply the means to achieve fluidity of emotional expression within the boundaries of the specific musical context (the form and chord progression). With sufficient mastery, the theoretical concepts that make phrases make "cognitive sense" will be so thoroughly internalized that the improviser no longer needs to actively keep them in mind. This internalization cannot be "turned off", and will therefore also influence musical decisions even in the absence of predetermined form and chord changes, as is the case in freeform jazz. My interpretation of Jahari's quote is that he knows very well what sound/feeling he wants to evoke, to the point where he does not need to think about the specifics of how to make it. He just trusts his hands to touch the right notes to make the sound, and they do. I think he says something to that effect at around 9:30. I would also like to add that most of the jazz greats had signature phrases that they repeated many, many times while improvising. In my opinion this does not detract from the quality of the improvisation, it just highlights that even the greatest improvisers of all time relied on muscle memory and learned patterns. Sorry if I come across as harsh or if my wording is confusing, English is not my first language.

[@stingpingking4040]

amazing to see rob continuing to get on with his youtube career despite the adversity he’s facing. i wish you the best man we’re all here to support you

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

Improvising is my meditation. No wonder Rob seems so thrilled.

[@Sharklops]

I'm out of the loop.. what's going on with him?

[@Albert_Camuk]

Which is hard, depression ruined my music career in 5 years

[@GT2OOO]

@@Sharklops He uploaded a video talking about his health issues 4 weeks ago on this channel. He explains everything there

[@easytherecowboy6978]

​@@Sharklops Watch vid from four weeks ago. Found out he was bipolar the hard way

[@QQyoko]

Some of this reminds me of something Victor Wooten said: "If you hit a wrong note, you're only a half step from hitting the right note. People respond to the movement, not the key, so if you can move the wrong note to a note in key and keep the time, it'll sound good." Loosely paraphrased, but the point stands.

[@lloydgush]

"If you know everything and can do anything then you can never make a mistake" basically.

[@predeterminedmeat5024]

​@@lloydgushNo? It's about playing with confidence. If you clam it up usually it screws with your timing and your flow. So, if you screw up, twist into something right. Because it'll sound a whole lot better

[@lloydgush]

@predeterminedmeat5024 it's not simply about "claiming" with confidence, you need to know a lot of rhytimc, harmonic, melodic and cadance exits, and then execute an avaliable one well.

[@kraanialepsy]

Yeah, I mean, those "playing by feel" is coming from you just know everything to the heart after yeeaarrs of practise and didn't have to think about it anymore. At that point it just come out naturally.

[@erikavery1105]

When I hit a wrong note, I make sure to repeat it. 😁

[@FXJunky]

This has turned into Mister Rogers for music dorks and I am here for it. Like if all this channel ever does is show me how much musicians of all stripes fall in love with what they do, I’m here for it

[@ringsystemmusic]

You’re not wrong.

[@TheDeadPirateBob]

If you like that I also wanna recommend Ben Maton, the Salisbury Organist on KZbin. He has a similar vibe.

[@drpibisback7680]

Damn, not even thirty seconds in and you know this guy can _Jazz._

[@chimpwithagun]

He's jazzing alright. All up and down those piano buttons.

[@Dave1507]

Yeah, even if you haven't read the video title ;)

[@teagsz]

bro i see you on all the music i like

[@Dave1507]

@@teagsz to which bro are you referring, because there's two of us ;)

[@lurmirari]

darn the saxophone and piano duo moment, that's great, making music together is such a great way to bond, and growing up with that? amazing

[@kaitlyn__L]

Yeah jamming in person is something else special. A couple weeks ago I got to play sax while a partner played bass and it was magical!

[@blockstewrat3780]

Eventually we need a symphony of every Musician you’ve worked with in these types of videos

[@zaadworks]

that would be insane!!

[@thegoodguy44]

Cringe

[@darksecret965]

That would be impossible, do it Rob

[@debaucheryscenes]

@@thegoodguy44more like thebadguy44

[@skittyzed]

Gonna be a challenge to get all the churches and tower bells all together in the same studio

[@HSithis]

10 solid minutes of Rob being so amazed he cant stop saying "and now do this". incredible

[@TheSilent333]

I was already enthralled completely, but then mom came in with the saxophone and I was done for. Watching them flow effortlessly back and forth was absolutely breathtaking!

[@chrisberg5964]

I could listen to Jahari improv for hours

[@dbeast03]

The video gives the vibe that Rob DID listen to him for hours, not that I blame him, shit slaps in a very unique way.

[@aggonzalezdc]

I love that Rob instinctually recognized the concept of the similarities between language and improvisation, the difference between a prepared speech and a conversation. It's why we often talk about group improvisation being a conversation between instruments, and the concept of "fluency" with an instrument. I'm fluent in percussion, I can just "talk", however or whatever I like, I can't do that with piano even if I can speak a lot of the "language."

[@CloudStrife243]

The flamenco style bass percussion Rob lays down @14:35 is pretty nuts and the way Jahari can pick up on it immediately and riff is crazy. Mad props.

[@iheartswinub]

Dude that section where he was playing with his mom was absolutely magical, that was insanely impressive I’m mind blown

[@harryberman4320]

What I love: Rob is a true music aficionado - and it is clear he is feeling the vibe of great musicians improvising. And how cool to see mum and son having fun.

[@Esteinb89]

Tbh I could just watch 3 hours of "play this song but make it jazzy and sad, now take this song and make it jazzy and happy"

[@Overlycomplicatedswede]

“Just explore” *proceeds to lay down the smoothest technical improv lines I’ve heard in awhile*

[@ArcienPlaysGames]

I love jazz when it has that perfect blend of melodic, fun and complex without taking itself too seriously. So not overly complex in signature and beat structure so that an idiot like myself can actually keep up, but also not overly complex in terms of the melodic progressions, so it doesn't sound too sophisticated and/or stressful - which is the kind of jazz I can't stand. What Jahari does is not just a perfect example of the former, it's also feels like such a unique form of improv jazz. I can't explain it, I feel like I could listen to it forever. Absolutely stunning.

[@TheSoundFXGuy]

I'm slowly developing a new found appreciation for freeform jazz. Typically I listen to music from an engineer standpoint and try to pick apart structure, tempo, key, mode, ect. and since all of that is constantly changing, it seems to let me disengage from that mentality and just enjoy the emotion. I'm a metal head at heart but I found Adam Neely's channel a while back (specifically the "Band Practice" videos) and I was blown away by the musicianship. Seeing what Jahari (and his talented mother) are able to do just increases that appreciation.

[@erik4d952]

Metal to Jazz is the natural Evolution...Mark my words

[@jonathanmitchell9473]

Try 70s fusion.

[@MaybeAnnatar]

I'm sure you'll never see this Rob, but thank you for not only sharing your diagnosis with us but also showing us you can continue on. Your video caused me to realize that a lot of what you described were things I was also experiencing and it inspired me to talk to a professional about it...and it turns out I also had BP1. You sharing your struggles made me feel properly seen for the first time in my entire life and this week I started medication. I'm still not balanced out, but you may have helped me more than you'll ever know.

[@robscallon]

🙏

[@mr.tryhardguitarguy2842]

The mom and son playing is so pure and wholesome!

[@jacobzarosa]

As a classically trained musician starting college in a few days, this video has filled me with a renewed love for music. I've been playing violin for 8 years now, yet I feel is though I've experienced music for the first time again. I feel inspired, refreshed, and my perspective has been broadened by leaps and bounds. To play by feeling is to play with soul. It's why we do what we do. Thank you.

[@jsdoddy]

The piano/sax moment. Wow. Goosebumps.

[@jeffreyorzell]

Sonny Sharrock is the artist that got me into jazz / bop music big time. His ‘91 album “Ask the Ages” is so underrated as far as guitar based jazz music goes

[@cartervames3296]

Hell yeah that record is killin

[@italosoares7161]

He's learnin Jazz, boys TIME FOR A SECOND DJAZZ

[@eatingtrees9077]

This guy is absolutely amazing! He is so in tune with music as a language.

[@antman7673]

Completely blown away by him painting different emotions into a song. - I haven’t really experienced that yet and it was so obvious, what he was going for.

[@MellowJelly]

dude this is one of the most impactful vids ive seen on this channel, it just was so inspiring. when he said it's not about the theory i resonated with that, it made me really want to just get to know my instrument myself without getting stuck in a box of rules

[@chrisberg5964]

This is so sick. It was so cool when Rob randomly found out Jahari's mom is a Grammy nominated musician lol

[@overtonesnteatime198]

I think it's important to point out as much as it seems like Jahari is playing like he can just do it naturally, It does stem from man years or study and practice and that major foundation is what gives the ability to freeflow and freeform when you play. As well he knows his instrument very well and from there he can just express what he feels and thinks, It's so beautiful and I strive each day to be more like Jahari.

[@cooperreed1709]

This guy and his mom definitely deserve more praise and attention! What amazing music and talent!!!

[@Frollicking_Gurnard]

Hearing Jahari explain about there being no wrong notes reminds me of Victor Wooten referring to there being no wrong notes it's just how you use them within the context of the song.

[@tillgen]

rob, i just want you to know u are killing it. i like that you are the bridge to these artists. it is sometimes hard to relate to people you bring on, but you do a great job. its ok you may not be as good as them at their instrument. dont feel less than.

[@donvnielsen]

It's amazing how a good jazz musician can elevate the sound of another musician.

[@jonssonkristoffer]

That little lead-up run he does at around 0:27, OMG so good!

[@YinOfYangEnlighten]

Very soulful. Had to run it back a few times.

[@russellzauner]

I like how he uses the word "template" instead of "pattern"; it's more open and more accurate.

[@yamplum]

13:55 new Plini single going crazy

[@davidsteinhour5562]

Lmao

[@trebmaster]

And then it gets to Animals As Leaders thumpa thumpa action.

[@ASqdrnDA]

The piano itself already sounds like something tosin would play lol ​@@trebmaster

[@oestrek]

Probably one of the most enjoyable shows I have seen in a while. There SERIOUSLY needs to be MORE of this. It was obvious you were having fun and learning things and so were we... what could be more important in life?

[@edhartwell8036]

Genuinely the most talented musician I've ever heard

[@marcofabro]

One of those videos I just didn't want to end. I could listen to this all day. Well done gentlemen

[@BeamTheChao]

Jahari + Momma are AMAZING, this episode felt like Peace and Love on planet Earth...when Rob came in with guitar it was giving Weather Report it was giving King Crimson. Awesome to see both ends of music showcased on the channel from the technical stuff to stuff like this that is pure emotion and vibes.

[@christopherpottinger-p5s]

8:40 Fav part of this vid. Been following this guy online for a few years. I once said that I thought Quennel Gaskin was the free musician-no real limitations just able to express accordingly. Unfortunately he recently passed. I see this kid as that kind of musician. Literally feels like he has no limitations. You feel the genius when he plays.

[@blistergeist]

This entire comment section is so wholesome and I love it ❤

[@smallshrimpin6939]

The piano in this video is unbelievable, jahari is a wizard

[@PatrickBoberg]

Rob just chilling in the back.

[@sirborges]

Thank you Rob. I'm going through a really harsh time and your video reminded me thar there's still beauty and joy in the world. Thank you very much.

[@dspannplayspiano]

So cool to find other pianists that play in this "manifested" free-form style. Glad I'm not alone! For me, there is no greater feeling then sitting down to play and not knowing what you're about to play, but just letting it flow out of you...

[@eduardoleiva7155]

Wow this man plays so well. I do this to some extent, but it really takes YEARS of practice to make it look this effortless. Thank you so much for making these videos.

[@brain_drops]

This is what I come to youtube for. People with a deep appreciation of a given topic sharing that love with others.

[@jonagill]

This is so amazing literally brought tears to my eyes listening to how amazing it is🥺🥺🥺

[@joshuadelaughter]

Jazz musicians are just a whole different breed.

[@alexrichie2953]

Not me tearing up at the mother - son duet!! That was one of the warmest ways to start a day, and watch that unfold.

[@ddude1212]

Anyone can get lost in the sauce. This man has the special ability to not only get lost in the sauce, but take everyone else within listening distance down into the sauce with him. I'm making the EXACT same face Rob is. Even the producer in the back has fallen victim to this man's playing! It feels sacrilegious to even think when this man is near a set of ivories!!

[@danver3197]

This is genuinely the most excited I've ever been about something i dont understand AT ALL. The only other time i've felt this weird sensation was listening to Jacob Collier improvising harmonies. Jahari is a BEAST!

[@kbibeast]

This guy is able to paint emotions in the air using an instrument, what a skill to have been able to build!

[@MattLuceen]

This guy is my spirit animal! Freeform jazz piano is how my soul speaks.

[@notaregard]

I played piano from 4-14 but since then have played guitar for the past 14 years. Honestly.. after this I’m buying one again. Absolutely incredible.

[@cloudwalker2807]

For some reason (while not even liking most Jazz) I feel like I needed this today. Thanks for the video, it was inspiring!

[@beatsado6529]

this guy is so incredibly talented and seems so humble about it all too, top tier human being right here

[@N00BleSouP24]

The percussive guitar & piano mix was insaaaane

[@korieklion]

So much to learn from this video. I’m gonna save this to watch later if lose my love for music. I’m going back here. Philosophy and the essence of music is found here!!

[@zxkredo]

This man got sucha calm voice

[@gazvlogs7459]

I've got goosebumps and I'm only at 4 minutes! WOW!

[@belZaah]

That collaboration part of jazz is what I find the most enjoyable. Not just one or two people, but say, four guitarists on stage. They start a song and by just looking at each other go off on a massive tangent. Together. And then look at each other again and get back to the song on the exact same spot.

[@thomengel9720]

I've never been much of a jazz fan, but I could listen to this man all day!

[@nickleal3649]

My dad got me into music around the age of 8 to now when i am 15 and hes told me so much about focusing more on exploring freedom and understanding of music, not to stick to on genre and be creative. I've also been told by so many musicians commonly at this point that "jazz artists" are the best artists, ive always tried to dispute it but how can you with people like this, he playing stuff that would take me days to learn in seconds and MAKING IT UP IN HIS HEAD truly incredible musician ship what an absolute wonder.

[@bretalsop3055]

I love seeing someone this talented and having so much fun. I've worked with some really talented people in my local scene and they just suck the fun out of music.

[@leomahmet7555]

as someone fighting with depression for years now, mostly pill-less, jazz and freeform especially helped me form some really healthy perspectives about myself and the world. kinda makes the bitterness of life a bit more sweet to swallow.

[@MaDiViL696]

You can feel he is talking with his piano ... The way he moves his head ... He is feeling it and just expresses it with his fingers. Even when Rob's playing, you can tell he doesn't just hear notes. Just so impressive ... Also 3:52 love how he catches this small accent and just plays it. Pure Jazz Magic happening there

[@reme7903]

Love how he is practically dancing with the piano when he plays!

[@vintagethings9187]

This is the best enquiry into, and demonstration of, free improvised jazz I have ever seen, and I’ve been an improviser all my life. I didn’t know of Jahari, but I do now. He is the very best level of freeform Jazz players for me. He improvises in a communicative way, to take the listener with him. That must be why there are so many positive comments here. I was expecting the usual ‘oh it’s all just lots of notes’ or ‘it’s just a made up craziness’ but there wasn’t that. Now, there can be a crankier, more discordant side to free impro which is more challenging, but the story is the same. If the player is truly expressing themselves and taking the listener with them, it can still be a compelling, enjoyable experience. Edit: Btw, to all those listening thinking ‘I wish I could play like that’, I’ve always believed that you can. Maybe not with the complexity and fluency of Jahari (me neither😕) but in impro, if you can play one note at the right time in a duo or more, you can have a devastating musical impact. Playing with others is best because you can share the load, and as long as you can listen, it becomes, as they mentioned, a natural conversation but in sound and music.

[@jacobbalensiefer3846]

Turns out I'm a grown up because I enjoyed every second of this.

[@Weusneus]

I can listen to their renditions of Für Elise for the rest of my days. Incredible, so beautiful.

[@bindodundid]

Dude is a weapon, seriously talented at piano and vibe creating. More videos like this Rob, love em.

[@terrywisniewski3349]

Hey Rob! I enjoyed this episode very much! What a great experience to have for yourself and to share with us. More please. LOL Wishing you the best.

[@ADurXD]

Jahari talks so unbelievably chilled out. I feel free and safe just *listening* to them talk like they are...

[@mike_loweryjr]

The synchronized "woo" and "wow" at 4:22 😂🔥

[@The_Phantom_Rainbow]

...Just wow. Absolutely amazing experience, thank you so much Job and Jahari!

[@wiseman1219]

Im listening to this with headphones and get goosebumps continuously. Crazy good

[@andrewgosh6987]

Magical moments made musically. I'm speechless thst was fantastic thank you Rob and Jahari.

[@Charrbonic]

I started playing freeform guitar because I'm really bad at and don't particularly enjoy regular songs and tabs. It makes me so happy that the art is so vibrant, diverse, and celebrated, even by those who found themselves here for different reasons.

[@freethis222]

I could watch the two of you playing and talking for hours. Witnessing your mind expanding live on camera and watching you being moved by what your hear, it's so goddamn wonderful to see. I hope you guys collaborate more in the future!

[@joeyparker2528]

It's adorable watching Jahari be so starstruck given how incredible he is. Already a Chicago legend at such a young age, yet so humble

[@Nick-Cain]

Im mainly a metal musician but freeform playing like this is mindblowing, insanely taleted family

[@Majester01]

Wow ! Jahari Stampley is really speaking music ! That's always good to . Thank you Rob for this super cool video. A Djazz Jam Session would be incredible ! :D

[@Krazychase]

That's the best part about playing with really talented Jazz players, they can listen to whatever you're doing and elevate to make it sound even better. It really is a musical conversation and it's so fun and freeing

[@gruggerduggerhoose]

I wish i had this dude as a neighbour, just hearing some beautful tunes through the wall and bringing some coffee and cakes through to be in the front row. Elite maneuvers from all involved ❤

[@davidlake7963]

God I’d love a podcast of rob talking to these people about music for like 45 minutes or an hour at a time. I feel like rob asks such amazing questions and it’s a shame we only get about 15-20 minutes to listen to them chat.

[@VoidMaker407]

Yes! This hits the spot man exactly on the point

[@whanowa]

What an admirable skill and talent to have, making the instrument the extension of your body.

[@tres913]

Rob, you're such a treasure! I've been following you for years and love everything you've done. This was fascinating. Also your frankness and honesty re: your health issues was particularly inspirational to me for... reasons. Thank you for everything.

[@illusionvii]

Free Jazz by Ornette Coleman was the first thing that came to mind when I watched this. Everybody in the band completely untethered from any preconceived notions about time, key, tempo, etc. Jahari and his mom are a fantastic duo!

[@mondoexpedition]

Incredible musicianship from the both of you in those jams, so cool!

[@MLoerAudio]

Love you, Rob. Wishing you peace and good health!

[@davidduker4441]

His explanation of his thought process to make music was so clear and well put. That was an amazing performance and great video! Please bring Jahari in whenever possible!

[@Cleared_To_Land]

The most enjoyment I get watching your videos Rob is the facial expressions you make when getting into someone else’s musical world. It’s such a joy to watch! As a professional musician myself, I can certainly relate. But you are famous enough to show this beauty to the world. Keep doing what you’re doing. You are amazing. 😊 And just remember, “There are no wrong notes in jazz: only notes in the wrong places.” -Miles Davis.

[@rawrimaoctopus5715]

This was so worth the wait from march Jahari is definitely a virtuoso where it be in confidence when improvising, note and tempo choice and just originality truly a brilliant collab please have him back Rob the duel piano bit was actually so cool!!!!!!

[@DJDEREKHOC]

30yrs+ making fun as well, I love this❤

[@skunkdub760]

10:18 i felt thaaat!!! in my heart Rob! Blessings my brotha.