GREATEST STANDARDS, for jazz improvisation: "The Song Is You". - w/ brief tutorial

GREATEST STANDARDS, (series)- for jazz improvisation: "The Song Is You". - w/ brief tutorial. Jazz piano performance w/ backing track. "The Song Is You", written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. Talks about chord reharmonization and short improvisation segment. Links to lead sheet score on website. See website for Jazz Piano Book, Methods and Songbook for professional playing. hpps://www.kenthewitt.com/

[@TheZigzag1949]

Off to a fabulous start, KH. Tremendous lesson on my all time fave tune. I get goosebumps every time I come out of that bridge. Possibly the greatest moment in jazz. or swing or tin pan alley history. The other Tin Pan Alley folks considered Kern God, with good reason. Thanks hugely for this one.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a great comment, Zigzag. I haven't played this song in some time...like everything else ...go back to the woodshed!

[@sylviechauvin6833]

Thank you very much, great tutorial. It is helping a lot

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You are welcome!

[@sauxphilippe]

Great , without reading the keys as a saxophonist it makes it much more easy to me to progress merci merci merci !one more time love your teaching !and you as well !lol

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Wonderful! Thanks so much!

[@JudyK1]

Thank you, Kent!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment!

[@DrJonesJazzMore]

you are amazing, thank you so much for this tutorial

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me!

[@Mojorider622]

You are great!!

[@dreadnaught3894]

Heard this number firsttime from D.Brubeck 4' s "Jazz goes to College" LP, courtesy of USAF Bandsman, Bill Dotie (alto sax) in Tripoli, Libya. 1954. Have marvelled ever since at the incredible breadth of the melody(ies) and the unique choice of chords - it's almost as if JK is wrily saying, "Beat that, fellas . . .if you can . . . tee hee!!". And your goodself, Kent, giving us your own customarily singular modulation/bridges, ever delicious . . . lovely! Am up and down R.8 twice a year and always give you a thumbs-up at your off-ramp . . . . thought you'd like to know!! Thanks yet again, Kent . . . . couldn't wish for a better music opener for the New Year!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Wonderful comment...thanks so much, Dreadnaught. Yes, JK was a master, even if he only wrote this one and " All the Things"... We're are so fortunate to have him and the other great composers, to inspire our lives.

[@ArtRodent]

3.51 to 3.55 chord changes left me smiling, in awe. You just make me want to learn. Thank you Kent for your dedication to explaining how to aspire to great playing.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Didn't I p[lay a 1-6-2-5- with the 1 chord altered to dominant 7#9... so that I could play a blues scale in the melody? I guess that was a surprise switch for the song ending.

[@andersbirddogjonasson3088]

Great reL onspiring even though I am a guitarplayer,sounds wonderful even on the guitar thanks

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I love it when guitarists write to me. I play with guitarists and admire that talent big time!

[@boogiejed5485]

Me too, learning this on guitar, this video is very inspiring

[@armandogan350]

Thank you very much for the tutorial, it a means a lot to me. This piece always plays in my head since i discovered Al Haig. I’ve been trying to get more ideas about this song from professional jazz players like you. Thanks again!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much, for the comment Arman. Yes, it really is a great jazz standard. How these composers wrote these songs for Broadway, and yet underlying it, is a song that is great for a jazz interpretation, and improvisation. Who knows how?!

[@177sark]

We are also grateful you are here. Great song, great tutorial. Mahalo

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Richard!

[@luisjoseromerocastellanos890]

very nice!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you!

[@richardquaresimo5089]

Love the chord progression substitute from single chord. That is something I lacked in my playing, to make the music more interesting. You have taken me to the next level, a place I never thought I would achieve. Great teaching videos, also your Jazz piano methods book. Thanks for all you do!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks to Fred Hersch for that descending line...I learned a few tricks from him. Thanks!

[@TheJohnMak]

Great to see you bursting into the new year with such vigor Kent. I love your playing style, your teaching style, your amazing generosity in the way you share your knowledge .... and it has to be said ..... I love your friend the altered dominant man.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That puts you immediately into the "elite club" ...with all members privileges. Thanks and Happy New Year, John!!

[@marcwastingtime7815]

It’s always a joy listening to you play! What a nice song to start the new year with.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I have to check out the words again, but it's Hammerstein, so they must be really great!

[@omnijack]

Happy New Year, Kent! Thank you for all you have shared on your channel: here's to another swingin' year!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I hope it's a swinging' year for you too!

[@jakemf1]

Such a great tune

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I agree, thanks!

[@bjornkennethholmstrom7224]

Those are some ruthlessly rootless chords.. I might be too restless to learn them all, but I am still taking in a lot of inspiration, thank you! ;D

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I appreciate your telling me about the inspiration. Stay w/ it and I'll keep at it!

[@phyllishesford428]

This is a super video Kent...you explained everything so perfectly ..love the chord changes and the knowledge of not being repetitive.. Watching your fingers smoothly hit those keys in such rapid fashion is unbelievable -- I'm so glad your past has brought you to the present where my listening ears can be musically satisfied and at the same time learn from such a scholar!!! You must tell more stories about your past thru Mr Ego Man!! I'm sure you have quite a few interesting ones!!! Grateful for this terrific learning video....

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes. Phyllis, I have a lot of stories about my past, many of which ADEM has told already. Did you hear the one about how I got into the jazz profession.?..playing in a strip bar. You laugh..... but the replacement saxophonist gave my number to a bass player in Hartford, he called me for a gig, and then I found myself playing in a house trio backing up Chet Baker, Kenny Burrell , Jimmy Heath, Zoot Sims, and many others who came up from NYC to play in Hartford. (before I really knew what I was doing). Sending you blessings for all your great comments! xoxox

[@phyllishesford428]

Yes Kent I heard that hilarious story from the ADEM and loved it! I'm sure you impressed all those big shots!!

[@tommywoodard690]

thank you Kent! You make me go and practice!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me!

[@Itboy1196]

Happy New Year Kent !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Same to you, thanks!

[@daveadams5]

Kent buddy this really swings man! 2019 is really gonna be a great year for all of us subscribers with videos of this standard! Just marvellous to watch, listen to and learn from. Full of useful advice, tips and tricks too. You really swing man over the back track, thankyou.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

If this cat can swing, as you say, then your words and compliments will keep me going. I'm grateful for the encouragement, it means a lot to me , so humble thanks, Dave!

[@fredrickmendelsohn606]

This is a great lesson!😀😀😀😀

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much!

[@stevekellar1403]

HEY KENT ! HAPPY NEW YEAR ! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE MEMORIES AND ALL OF THE GREAT KNOWLEDGE ! BEST, MAN!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

HAVE A FABULOUS YEAR- 2019, STEVE. LOVE YA, BROTHER!

[@stevekellar1403]

@@KentHewittpiano88 LOVE YA RIGHT BACK MY GREAT FRIEND !

[@MaxTooney]

Great lesson, Kent! Looking forward to all of 2019's lessons. :::glass clink:::

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, we saw in the New Year w/ a big jam session at our pad on New Years Day. Thanks for the support!

[@williamlarson2759]

Happy New Year! Thanks for this posting!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Happy New Year and thanks for the comment!

[@deborahharmon2077]

Beautiful song! Thanks so much for sharing your musical gift with the world. Looking forward to your 2019 videos. Happy new year!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Happy New Year, Deborah...I'm always open to suggestion and requests!

[@usifobarnabas5008]

Happy new year Mr Kent God bless God with More great ideas in the history Jazz.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Happy New Year, Usifo. Thank you for your generous wishes, which I hope to live up to.

[@sam_widges]

happy new year, kent. thank you yet again for another incredible video.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Much appreciated, Sam. All the best for 2019.

[@drorschwartz1850]

I feel it is an honor, to receive lessons and explanations from a pianist on your I feel it is an honor, to receive lessons and explanations from a pianist on your league. Thanks. I would love to hear your version on "pensive miss" by Neal Hefti

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I haven't heard that tune, do you have a link...thanks!

[@drorschwartz1850]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIDTZWyHrppprM0

[@luisjoseromerocastellanos890]

hi master, happy new year, big hugs

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you and hugs to you, Luis!

[@benzen78]

Damn this is gold again! For this year I wish I could free more time to study all your videos... Happy new year Kent!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I hope you'll have more time to watch them this year. Here's my playlist: Some of the older ones are good...wish I could revive them. kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists

[@Spektrob]

Happy New Year to you and the Altered Dominant Ego Man! ;) Thank you for all the good stuff here!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

ADEM will be pleased that you thought of him. He always tells me that when he gets a notice or compliment that that person should be voted immediately into the "elite club."!! Thanks!

[@cmusic1877]

Inspirational, Happy new year ,Kent,

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Happy New Year, and thanks for the comment!

[@Matt-nv2qg]

Was always shown this tune with an Ab-7 Eb7/Bb Ab-7/Cb Db7 as the changes after the Bb half dim Eb7 in the bridge, just thought I'd share. Makes a nice gospel feel, especially if the bass is treated chromaticaly

[@drewroberts139]

You're the best Kent? Ever thought about doing a video just about different turnarounds?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hi Andrew. I have talked about turnarounds in different videos, but maybe not a video exclusively on the subject. Thanks for the request.

[@tyluv.]

How do you approaching improvising over the diminished chord in measure 2? Is IMaj7-Idim7 a common device?

[@ewokmoses5909]

haahhaha u opening speech abt the time sounded abit like TERMINATOR!!! ahahahahh

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You'll have to hip me on that one!

[@eternalrainbow-cj3iu]

Is it nice to play the first bar, underneeth the same melodie: Cdim Cmaj7 IDm7, as variation? Maybe because the maj7 Chord+Tonic is often being altered by Idiminished: example: Bridge of Chega de saudade...is it possible to as well put in Gm7b5 as anticpating the G7? as an echo? maybe places where the melodie has either an F an A or a C on The Dominant, but sometimes clashes work just as good because of the surprise...But still i am interested if You kent would like such an Idea? The Funny thing is, recntly i head a dream about thos kind of substituing...maybe because of your Bill Evans tutorial about My Foolish heart, i wrote that one out in three keys...Gmb5-G7 is possible on any dominant I guess, when we look to the octatnoci or half-hole scale...and in minor it will sound more shocking, i guess because 13b9(with secundarye dominants) are also associated going to the II degree?

[@TheMrSpaceghost]

Awesome, your music brightens my day. Where do you get your cool threads? Also, request...jazzed up moonlight in Vermont...

[@KentHewittpiano88]

My zoot suit jacket is authentic 1940's I found in an antique place in Wilmington, NC. It's good to check out vintage shops. Most of my hats I have to order on line. I deal w/ a number of hat companies. I did a version of Moonlight in Vt. here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3aviKCpm76ri7s Please leave a comment, ….thanks!

[@davidgerber9317]

Excellent lesson. Just the right level for me. Did you actually study with Fred Hersch, or simply lift those ideas from his recordings? Thanks for the years of informative videos and inspirational playing you've generously shared with us!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I did study w/ Fred for a while back when I lived in New York. He has always been an inspiration to me. This below is a must see video if you dig Fred. www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fred+heasch+speech+about+what+happened+to+him+&view=detail&mid=289532E575F736BA4B40289532E575F736BA4B40&FORM=VIRE

[@JulianLambert]

Wonderful Kent! What a great start to the year - thank you! Are you able to share with us where you get your backing tracks. Are they off the peg or a Kent Hewitt production?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

It's just Band In A Box. I wish there was a better one or easier one to figure out. I haven't learned how to write an arrangement with special hits or involved rhythm passages. However the real sounds are actual musicians... so the sound quality is good. Terry Clarke is the drummer on most of my tracks and I did gigs with him years ago. He's Canadian, and he was Jim Hall's drummer for years.

[@JulianLambert]

Thanks Kent. Well it certainly sounds great and, as you say, very real as opposed to synthesised. You ought perhaps edit the wikipedia entry on Terry Clarke to include 'played with Kent Hewitt ...' Would it go before or after his international tour with Oscar Peterson? You're in good company!! I've used an app called Session Band for creating backing tracks (example here kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2HCq2pua9OCq80) which is certainly easy to use, and the drummer within Logic is pretty incredible too. Take care, keep 'em coming.

[@nhuhuan66]

Hi Mr. Kent, this might be an irrelevant question, but I keep questioning what the song name of the introduction is. Could you tell me? Thanks.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Not irrelevant,, because I try to pick intro and exit songs that fit in with the tutorial in a way. This is my trio playing the song My Romance (Rodgers and Hart) from my album: Time On MY Hands. Thanks for asking.

[@Bookssful]

Sometimes I like to use roothless chords and use few bass notes. I think that if you use really few bass notes they give an interesting contrast. What do you think? Also, what is this backingtrack you are using? I like that!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Playing rootless voicings and adding upper extensions will definitely give the sound a different texture, especially if you are playing solo. That sound will contrast with the sound of full spread voicing harmonization. Bass notes give the harmonic flavor more depth. A bass player using the lower register combined with the pianist using rootless chords in the left hand, will give the music a deep and rich sound. I'm using Band In A Box, but you have to program it yourself and find what are called "real players". These are samples of actual musicians like Terry Clarke on drums. It is different than midi instruments so you can't write a bass line. You write the chords and the bass player interprets it to his own style. I don't use mixer so the sound is coming straight from an amplifier...so there's limitations on the mix.

[@Bookssful]

@@KentHewittpiano88 Thanks for the explanation and advice. Have a blessed 2019 and success in all!!!

[@monsieur171]

whats the song in the beginning?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

My Romance (Rodgers and Hart) from my trio recording: Time On My Hands.

[@tharyt-one6304]

Hey Kent, u got any ear training videos? I need help.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Here's a beginner level ear training video I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faTThoeLgZp5Y9E Please tell me if it helps!

[@tharyt-one6304]

I will try this method and let u know how it goes. I’ve been primarily drilling intervals. Having a tough time with minor sixth and sevenths. Also, harmonic intervals feel impossible to get.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Sing scales, then intervals starting w/ easy ones. Sing root, minor third, five to start,... then just sing one whole step up... for m6. Then once it's in your ears sing root -6th.

[@pakiaoo7]

I dont know a jazz musician that cant read

[@pakiaoo7]

I mean who would try to play jazz if cant even read, doesnt make any sense

[@cns7139]

Erroll Garner?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Right, Erroll Garner, one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time couldn't read music. You'd be surprised...many people play by ear or have very limited music reading abilities.

[@davideichler5105]

Errol Garner and Django Reinhardt couldn't read. Reputedly, Chet Baker couldn't read, but I think he could some, but not very well, and he couldn't improvise off of chords symbols. Oh, and Bix Beiderbeck couldn't read either.