Soloing - It Isn't What You Think It Is

[@tyrmorris8155]

1) I signed up to Nebula IMMEDIATELY upon viewing your video. Your motifs were SICK yet beautifully simple, and I want to be able to solo with that combination of creativity and simplicity, almost Miles Davis-like. I can't believe they were all off the cuff, but I know that they were. All tasty! 2) Is it me, or is your son getting BIG?! 3) I would have loved to have met you in person- Come back to New York! 4) I hope not to see your epitaph for a looooooooooooong time- but that is a great one! 5) You've been teaching for a while now, congrats on doing it via this new platform. You've got MY support. ****EDIT**** I just applied your motif in choosing five notes and played over the chords of 'My One and Only Love' on flugelhorn. No scales and no licks. I played the first pure improvised solo in my life and it was simple and BEAUTIFUL, and it was all mine, from my brain. THANK YOU for giving me an AHA moment with your video!

[@AimeeNolte]

I can’t thank you enough for that. I’m so glad.

[@tyrmorris8155]

@@AimeeNolte I can’t thank YOU enough! I’ve learned much from your videos, but this one REALLY resonated with me and I hope will be a seminal moment in my development as a jazz musician. I’m indebted to you.

[@NimeuMusic]

That's why I love George Benson so much. He's basically just scatting all the time while soloing and then you gotta breathe at some point, way more natural way to create lines.

[@psi.jacquescohen1411]

"Find a motive, see it trough till the end" - Aimee Nolte. That's so brilliant, love the two meanings that derive from this. Existencial e musical.

[@sustainablelife1st]

motif. But motive works too.

[@ApartmentKing66]

see it *through* but trough works too

[@psi.jacquescohen1411]

Im brazilian. Motif spells motivo in portuguese. Thanks for the correction

[@Julia29853]

@@psi.jacquescohen1411dont you love the spelling police! So helpful! 🤓😉

[@erymellmateo2449]

@@ApartmentKing66 say it in Portuguese now... jeez, give bilinguals some slack.

[@jackharriet4814]

This video is so true. So many improvisers need to learn to stop their fingers running around scales etc - just to fill in the gaps (as impressive as this skill is) - and instead concentrate on finding notes and phrases that mean something on a human/artistic level rather than just what our shared understanding of the geometry of music theory points to, and as Aimee stresses, bring it together into a sort of narrative that has its own internal sense - eg seeing it through to the end.

[@jameslockhart2223]

Kenny Burrell is a master of playing simple thematic solos, using lots of space and well-timed phrasing. You don't have to be a guitarist to learn from him. Check out his album Midnight Blue. Stanley Turrentine plays great bluesy solos on the record too. And you can hear the changes even though there's no piano (sorry Aimee!).

[@adde65]

Hands down one of the best music educators on KZbin.

[@lightbluedev]

“Draw your audience into what you’re doing..” Difference between watching someone soloing versus being on a musical journey with them. Actually feeling, even if unconsciously, that you are a part of the musically creative experience. Thanks for this. This was very enlightening.

[@schelsullivan]

I noticed a long time ago that jazz piano players are often humming along quietly with their solos. I was like "why are they doing that?" I started to figure it when I tried the same. My solos became more lyrical, less mechanical. Muscle memory is important but it makes solos sound like they come from the fingers only.

[@lonniemoseley]

I'm halfway through Aimee's course at Nebula on improvising. Really wonderful and so accessible. The instruction comes from HER HEART and flows effortlessly into the listener--whether the listener (me) wants it to be that easy or not. Why? Because of how clear Aimee is that I can do improve, I now can't have my favorite pity-party about not being able to improvise. Seriously, Aimee, I've been following you for the moment you came onto KZbin and severe rheumatoid arthritis has prevented me from playing piano like I want. But using the same song of "Take The "A" Train through each teaching technique and showing simple voicings that I can manage on the piano, made it so clear that great improvisation is within my capability. I'm very grateful.

[@AimeeNolte]

I’m so glad it’s working for you Lonnie! Thank you so much for coming up over to KZbin and leaving this comment. Big high-fives from California!

[@aria3443]

You *have* been in music classes for over 11 years

[@lisahansen6014]

What is it called? I’m on Nebula but not finding her courses. I see some posts on things but not lessons.

[@AimeeNolte]

@lisahansen6014 click the “classes” tab! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@lisahansen6014]

@@AimeeNolte thank you!

[@barbaraleequez4054]

I love your tenderness, thats the most meaningful thing for me in a teacher

[@NeilKohlen]

Probably the best lesspn on entire youtube

[@Aio-Project]

"with the courage to hold onto it" rings true in the classical world too. Play a note and let it settle into the ensemble. Musical truth!

[@mikegordon1504]

Thank goodness for someone who so deeply understands the difference between just being skilled and being truly musical. Thank goodness for Aimee.

[@CristinaSerafy]

How did I learn more about improvising in this video than in my entire jazz degree!? 🥳😮

[@AimeeNolte]

🙏🏼🙌🏼♥️

[@halfcookedtorrilla3094]

That’s why those degrees are worthless

[@donaldthompson7766]

Not entirely worthless. Those degrees provides opportunities for networking and playing in a band.

[@derekhummerston757]

Such wise words. The bit with Charlie nearly made me cry it was so beautiful. 😥.

[@rachelsmename6]

Aimee, this is so helpful. I used to think that I didn't like jazz and it was because the solos sounded much like your first examples of using modes and scales where you could not hum or sing back what the soloist played. The melodic solos are my favorite and once I knew that they could be played that way, I found that I love jazz after all. Thank you for verifying that they can be played this way too.

[@AimeeNolte]

I’m so glad it resonated, Rachel. Thanks for your continued support. ♥️

[@robertnewell5057]

I loved what Aimee showed in this super video, but in fairness, you can cite people like Oscar Peterson, Pat Martino, Joe Pass, Clarence White, where you would struggle to hum, etc what they did because the music is just so notey; but the soul and development are in there, even in a very linear approach. That's because those people have something to say. If they play a long scale passage in 16th notes, it MEANS something. It's not just running a scale. Listening to Aimee's examples. I'm afraid she can't keep the meaning out of her scale running examples, no matter how hard she tries, because she can't stop saying something. Regretably this is not true of a lot of people who adopt that approach.

[@evanloday]

​@@robertnewell5057 This. This exactly. And I love your choice of words, you didn't just say it's because Aimee is "just that good" (which she is). When you are so finely attuned to what you like, how it makes you feel, and how to convey it effortlessly through something like the piano as Aimee can, it's hard to purposefully "mess up" or play in a way that is not as satisfying to you. From a pedagogical perspective, this is the tiniest of tiny criticisms, Aimee. I still got your point, it just took a bit. Still wonderfully done. Your channel helps me make sense of the influx of info I receive and channel it into improvisation that is relaxed and natural, if a bit simple for now. At first, my problem with improvisation was threefold: 1. lack of confidence. 2. teacher who dumped scary-looking charts in front of me without explaining how to approach them 3. an overwhelming dichotomy between how good of a listener and how bad of a doer I am. And after a couple years of jazzing (mostly drumset), I have quite nearly conquered the first one (will any of us truly overcome this?), I am making steady progress on the second one (with the help of people like Aimee and our fellow KZbin commenter Robert), and I frequently stagnate on the third point. I watch awesome guides, take the best notes I can take, and listen with my full attention to every slice of good music I can get my hands on, but the one thing I lack is the initiative and discipline to apply what I learn and really get it under my fingers, Consistently! And this is an ADHD thing (in part), but the more daunting the task or expansive the possibilities (ahem, it's jazz we're talking about), the more overwhelmed I get and the less likely I am to make progress. It's my own mental roadblock to truly developing. I have the knowledge in my head brain noggin thing. At least, all I feel I need to know for now. My fingers just need reps. Patient, steady, true, intentional, exercises that can be broken into manageable chunks. I'd love more advice on this. Or more videos. Or a solo I should go transcribe and arrange into some tasty big band chart or something. Best, a college student

[@Julia29853]

Exactly! My husband says he doesnt like “ modern jazz”, but that’s what he’s thinking of. They are just a academic “jazz Hanon studies”, …. abstract, non melodic, not beautiful or meaningful. Just a technical excercise , blech

[@TrombaSolo]

Hi Aimee. I love your approach to improvisation. As a 40 year career classical trumpet player who played "jazz" in college (my idol - Clark Terry), this really speaks to me. I'm tired of hearing jazz solos that, first they go up, then they go down, then they go up, etc etc etc. As you say, there's a time and place for that but.... I once told Warren Vaché that I loved his solos because he didn't just play scales up and down ad nauseum. He appreciated the compliment and the observation. Anyway, I'm gonna sign up for your Nebula thing. Can't wait to get started.

[@chrisfazio9934]

The bit with your son was so beautiful. And what a quick learner he is - caught on to that modulation in All The Things You Are right away! Anyway, I have always instinctively played what I hear in the moment as beautiful, even if it’s not technically impressive. Still, as I’ve been becoming more competent in jazz and bebop, I’ve felt a pressure to get flashy. At a certain point I realize that whatever happens to be expressive and organic is what matters.. if flashiness happens, then wonderful! If not, then wonderful! it’s best not to let one’s ego push oneself around. The best music comes from somewhere other than the one who wants to look impressive. :)

[@yougianfir]

He remembered me young Chet Baker voice and expression. Thanks for this great lesson. Cheers

[@robertnewell5057]

Really interesting, Chris. Your comments are so true, but instantly made me whistle the first solo on Miles's 'So What'. OK, I've heard it many times, but there's hardly any notes in it and it's recognisable after a couple of notes and memorable forever. No pressure, as they say.

[@AimeeNolte]

That’s a moment I cover in the nebula class, ironically enough. One of the greatest solos of all time! Good call. :)

[@rorshack23]

Yep, epic cameo, Charlie :)

[@samferguson9171]

ornette coleman and don cherry were masters of this melodic, motivic approach, and they don't get enough credit for it!

[@bluemoon6579]

Don Cherry?

[@ACMusic]

What a lesson. The best theory teacher on YT!

[@welliamism]

1:20 is such a profound and beautiful truth to me, and i come back to the video since watching it the first time just to remind myself. of course the greater lesson of the video is something a little beyond this anecdote, but "they always do" is really the root of it i think. i don't think i'll ever forget this lesson for the rest of my life!

[@donschneider7953]

WOW! Just WOW...speaking Truth and spreading Beauty in a world that needs it...melting hearts, opening minds, building character...all as an expression of your most authentic self. Go you!

[@parkourchrispk]

i always watch your vids when im having a difficult time staying motivated to practice. it never fails to renew my urge to get on the piano again!

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks Parkour Chris!

[@russkalen2337]

I love your motif idea. I have been wondering why I rebelled against so much jazz and it's because the solos I heard were often mere gymnastics and not for the listener. The motif idea is why Miles Davis is sooooo cool. Thank you for making music so accessible.

[@bebopisthetruth]

Thank you. Your approach goes a long way toward undoing the damage done in jazz education for the last 50 years. Lovely motifs!

[@fredssaxes]

This old sax player thinks that this video has the best advice I've heard in years! Thanks, Aimee.

[@AimeeNolte]

Thank you, Fred

[@saxd0ct0r]

Aimee, your son blends so perfectly and naturally with your singing! A delight for that alone, and then we get some great jazz on top of that!

[@Dericulus]

The best part about this is that it's literally one of the chapters in the first half of a classical theory textbook I have from when i first learned theory in colleges. This is why Bach and Beethoven are great, but modernized and jazzed up. But everyone already knows this without realizing they know it. Love it.

[@bendanielspercussion]

Charlie killed it!

[@ZeugmaP]

This might be the best improvising lesson I've ever seen

[@arxaaron]

Hearts. Lots of hearts. FEELING outside the box! Wonderful observations on how emotion of Jazz so often gets lost in the technical presentation and displays of virtuosity.

[@Muzikfreak37]

This is perfect timing. Whenever it’s time for me to solo I tend to get anxiety and my mind is no longer at ease but starts to run a million miles a minute. So much so that I can’t even think of what I want to play. More often than not I feel most of my solos aren’t me but just the skill and talent if that makes sense. So listening to your approach on soloing seems like something I can definitely use to help me start my solos and go from there and even solo from a authentic place vs a place of nerves and anxiety.

[@idiavworeefetoborejeremiah2618]

Find a motif, and see it through to the end. This is an endless possibility of melodies and originality. Thanks Aimee!❤

[@alanhowell3646]

I agree with everything you said Aimee. The improvisation I hear from students coming out of one of the best Jazz colleges in UK is very technical and over engineered. They seem to struggle to be able to play anything relatable to a listening audience as their studied knowledge has gone way beyond most people’s appreciation and understanding.

[@adriancosta4664]

Thank you algorithm.... I can learn many things from her. Loving the intuitive vibe

[@bubbajoe72]

This is such great information!

[@LaurentMelnyk]

That is passion . Cheers from Belgium

[@pteddie6965]

I loved watching and listening to Charlie. That was fun and touching. Thanks for sharing this video and for featuring Charlie again.

[@warrenwilson7836]

Wonderful - it’s awesome that you can play that scalar, arpeggiated style (that admittedly always sounds bookish to me) to put your more melodic, musical motifs into context. It seems some folks are compelled to fill every bar with as many notes as they can stuff in there - your more gracious and elegant shapes are so much more pleasing to me that I am glad you are making the point of legitimizing lyrical play.

[@lrowlands53]

Aimee, I love you! You have just allowed me to let go of the guilt that I don’t have a savant’s ability with ripping out scales/modes/arpeggios, etc. My composition style is very much like the heartfelt generation of melody/harmony that arises rather than drawing on my theoretical knowledge. In my improv settings I am really just doing it by instinct - and mostly it works well. Celebrating my own voice rather than trying to sound like someone else is liberating and affirming. Thank you, thank you (tearing up).

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

This is real music.. Beautiful lesson,..kind of reminds me of what Scott Henderson has said and Kenny Werner is doing...thank you for this Aimee.. GREAT

[@rawkzilla2319]

I am a long time guitar player finally dipping my toe into learning the piano. The artists that always grabbed my attention early on were Nat King Cole, Vince Guaraldi & Dave Brubeck. I subbed to your channel a few months ago & really love your easy to understand explanations & teaching style. Thank you! ❤🎹🎶

[@AllIn1Studio]

The note your Charlie landed on first time was EXACTLY what Chet Baker would have done. Sounded just like him too. Thank you Amy - for everything!!

[@BloodyCatastrophee]

He certainly did sound like him, funny to hear wasn't alone in what I heard, haha! Sounded lovely :0)

[@justthefacts4965]

In my experience, jazz was all about athletic performance (how fast...) and I never heard the word "beauty" in 5 years. I left it behind me but then came back with the harmonic and chordal knowledge, and started playing as if I were singing it and visa versa and suddenly it all changed for me. Excited to see Aimee going this direction.

[@TherealShabbadang]

Very clever that you actually played these examples of scale-based vs. melodic or motif-based improvisation. It is one thing to talk about it and a whole other thing to actually show the difference. I also believe that the scale-based approach is just a shortcut to be able to sound like the pros. However, pros like Rollins or Coltrane always play melodically in a sense, even if they play fast. Never scales up and down, always intricate stuff.

[@armandovillegas7937]

Thank you sooo much for your comment. It’s so overwhelming and disheartening to hear all these great musicians on KZbin and be intimidated by their solos and try to catch up. Now I’ll play what I can and what I feel without feeling the need for so many notes. I do admire musicians like you that can do it all though. Thanks.👍

[@pavjazzy]

This is so valuable! I’ve practiced scales and chords for days to add to soloing. This approach is so helpful for actually developing some beauty in my soloing and my students as well! Thanks also to your son😆

[@bobpremecz5429]

You hit on one of the big reasons some folks don't enjoy some (jazz or improvised) performances, they failed to provide: "ideas from the heart." While tour-de-force acrobatic performances show off technical prowess, they also can easily become a mind-numbing cacophony that lacks artistry.

[@RTGrimmer]

Aimee, you just gave me the secret access code to soloing. I went to a private jazz college and you just answered the question I had when I arrived, and I'm faintly ashamed to say I left without any of my instructors ever showing me how. I had some great teachers and peers, but this lesson really blew my mind. In less than 15 minutes I have a more complete understanding of soloing than ever before. And of course, the wisdom is just so simple and pure and from the heart... how was I missing it?! Thank you for this amazing micro lesson. Please keep producing brilliant content like this!

[@AimeeNolte]

Oh thx for the comment and I’m stoked for you

[@morefiction3264]

This might be the best thing I've seen on improvising.

[@kakesapanemporium1747]

Winner winner...like all things great and beautiful; simplicity!

[@msld_sound]

This is so good! I feel confident doing pop and rock keyboard solos, but I've always had trouble with jazz piano. Thank you for rekindling my enthusiasm for soloing in jazz contexts! "Find a motif; see it through 'til the end." I love it.

[@johnkotches8320]

You used great examples of songs which are well suited to a melodic approach. I need to remember that there's *always* a place to create a melody as opposed to running changes!

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

Aimee, thank you, thank you. Best video yet! Epitaph: Play the Motif. Don't Stop.

[@garyprestonpianist]

Thank you for brightening my mood today. And how fantastic to have your son drop in like that!! You're the first musician to say out loud what I've thought for years. Everyone always gives scales FAR too much importance. It's surely all about listening, isn't it!! Following your ear, being melodic. Yes, scales are important, but knowing 'which ones to use over certain chords' is not going to make you create a good melody. I didn't think I would smile again today. Thank you.

[@MagicGamer117]

This actually helps alot! I always get so stuck on voicings and scatting over chords and trying to do the same runs and motions. As helpful as knowing how jazz voicings are played and sound, your process of thinking of improv as melodies is amazing! Love this vid and hope to see you at Mt. Sac again next year!

[@AnnaPrzebudzona]

6:04 - this short and simple impro gave me goosebumps. Maybe it's your voice but I think that part of this effect was the predictability of which you spoke earlier. It was as if you were singing what I was thinking ☺️

[@jakehendriksen2841]

I was already loving this video, but that moment with Charlie was *beautiful*. That was so special. Cheers to you both!

[@jamesewanchook2276]

Excellent, thanks from Vancouver!

[@harrygreenfeld4964]

Brilliant! So glad to catch your video, you've summed up something that's been whizzing around just above my head for years now, and seeing someone present a video like this has brought that idea down to within my grasp. It's so blummin' simple yet so, so important. Talk about engaging the audience! Excellent stuff, you're an inspiration.

[@PianoWithJonny]

Love this Aimee! Really solid advice, and I love the way you demonstrate so many motifs over the tunes. Keep up the great work 👍

[@fabiancosster8848]

hi for me its a pleasure to follow your classes because at this moment i following your class of the secret of quartal voicings and sometime i am a little confused over this topic but now you are showing me if i rearrange the notes its called a quartal voicing i am very grateful with your class god bless you for ever long i am comimn from the lovely island curacao

[@jazznw]

Thank you so much

[@randommuiscchannel1049]

Just wonderful….. thanks.

[@projetocaoskako]

this video! I absolutely love this philosophy. whenever I'm soloing or teaching somebody how, I always try to break all of the walls and gates to demystify the idea that you HAVE to know scale X or Y to start playing and making music. For music, instinct and ear is king. The rest comes later.

[@alainvosselman9960]

I very much agree with your approach, it's easier, more specific than playing just a whole bunch of note AND having to waste cerebral energy on scales and chords. Chords are there to support a melody not the other way around i think... It also allows more time for your brain to really give shape to what you are trying to say musically. Just love it.

[@Josh-ii8ix]

I smiled so many times watching this lesson. Wow, Aimee! This is so helpful.

[@amrum01]

Surely one of the most profound and encouraging videos on the essence of music and one‘s own playing.

[@TonyThomas10000]

Love this....concentrate on emotion (motifs) rather than intellect (scales)!

[@ISuperTed]

Wonderful video especially the interaction with Charlie! I take the same approach with my son who s learning Trumpet (I play myself) - his technique is limited but he creates great little solos and motifs without any regard to technical things - it just flows from his imagination and copying what he’s humming. It’s so tempting on any instrument to ‘show off’ that you can play fast (or high on Trumpet) but it’s melody and emotion that people listen to.

[@larsbeyer4916]

wonderfull.. teacher.. playing :-)

[@EricGoetzMusic]

This is hands down, the best video, lesson, masterclass on solo improv that I have ever seen, Aimee. Truly fantastic!

[@davegarski1548]

Aimee, this helps so much. I have been trying to come up with new ideas on how to teach improvisation to my guitar students who are interested in jazz, without overloading them with modes. It's a relatively easy thing for seasoned musicians to do this on the fly, but much more difficult for newer students of music. I am going to try your method with my students to see how well it works. Thank-you! Dave

[@OriginNowSound]

Wow you and your family are beautiful. Bless you so much. Keep shining ✨️ love to you and your family. That was lovely to see you and your son Interact like that. There is goodness in the world and music helps spread it

[@JAYDUBYAH29]

First time seeing anything of yours. What an inspiring and touching teacher you are.

[@salmonella4u]

At 1:25 in the video when you mention, playing somebody a chord, that chord shot me right to the first chord in "Aja" by Steely Dan! Talk about a song that puts one in transient moods of being in certain places and happenings. Anyway, that chord is almost identical to that one! Makes being open to a whole story and mood. Love it.

[@nathanb4424]

One of my favorite songs as well, and often underratedly jazzy

[@Gottenhimfella]

I think the first song I ever noticed how memorable a strong opening chord could be (and I was a young child at the time) was the first chord of "Hard Day's Night"

[@salmonella4u]

@@Gottenhimfella Yeah. You're right on that too. If I sat and listened longer, being if I hadn't automatically thought of "Aja", then "Hard Days Night" probably would have been next to come to mind.

[@danwaldis4553]

This is a superb lesson, and it applies not only to beginning improvisers but advanced ones as well! Aimee, you deserve to be in a position where you only teach and don't have to think about the production. You're a great teacher.

[@AimeeNolte]

So nice of you, Dan. Thank you.

[@siddotkeys]

Gosh that moment you had with Charlie there

[@erikhenchal2088]

Those of us who took classical music lesson first - now need this kind of therapy.

[@chrissimpson3122]

Great lesson and insight Aimee!

[@thatlovejones]

Enjoying your new course, congratulations are in order!

[@BirdYoumans]

Oh my. I had forgotten how much I enjoy you. I subscribed to you on my wood channel 2 or 3 years ago, but then my music channel took off and I had to spend time on it and without realizing it, I was not getting your notifications because I had not yet subscribed on this channel. So I was busy creating vids for my music channel and not listening as much. Now today, a couple of years later, you were on my recommendation page for this channel and I'm so glad! So I subbed on this channel as well. You are special!

[@bluescanfly1981]

Amazing stuff - that's something has been on my mind for a while - If I could play anything at all, if the instrument was not a limiting factor - would it truly be easier to express myself? - If I could say anything, would I have anything interesting to say? I think motive development is one heck of a valuable investment in that regard - Find the 4 notes that actually tell a meaningful story, a phrase that the audience can relate to. I think it's similar to any other form of communication , say public speaking - it's tempting to use big words (scales, runs), but the most effective communicators are always very deliberate about the "words " they use.

[@saz123ful]

What a beautiful leson!!

[@matteofranchetti6000]

Thank you so much! I am a guitar player trying to learn how to solo, but was having a hard time. I also, on the side, was a composer for videogames. Somehow I couldnt explain myself why while composing for videogames I always found good (for my ears, at least) melodies in such a short time but not when soloing. This video just changed completely my point of view, yesterday and today I tried soloing and managed to play at least decent if not good (always, for my ears) solos. So thank you thank you thank you so much!

[@thesaxplace]

Love this. This is the reason I play - the motifs. And I forget that for great periods of time.

[@mncheng]

Aimee you are such a treasure thank you these incredible videos

[@VexylObby]

Jazz and Soundtrack music can definitely learn from each other. It is a signature trait of soundtrack music to create heavy experiences with motifs. And to use them in unexpected contexts to remind the audience of the important messages through music is so satisfying. Whatever we can do to promote learning and philosophies with better, accessible communication!

[@ericlamont1302]

Thanks so much

[@edzielinski]

What a great technique! How could I have never heard of this? Charlie is a good sport.😊 Thanks!

[@TheDanicoTV]

yeaaaasss. I'm so happy with your new class. I've already signed nebula to watch your other videos, but now I'm happier than ever

[@chrisbirdsall6055]

This is why Miles will probably always be my favorite Jazz musician. Make s statement; say something. If when you speak, you never take a pause, who wants to listen to that? It lessens the impact of what you say. I think Bebop and displays of musical prowess have had a lot to do with this ego-driven need to play never-ending lines over changes. I like to in terms of intervals and playing off of triads.

[@adam872]

This is probably my favourite video of yours Aimee. I don't solo much, but I've always thought that solo sections are little songs within songs. And what do songs require? Melodies. Most of my favourite solos in any genre usually have a new melody as at least a jumping off point. One of my favourite cases in point is the prog/fusion band UK and their track In The Dead of Night. Allan Holdsworth, a jazz guitarist of considerable renown, plays this gorgeous melody over some equally beautiful chord changes. The solo gets fierier, faster and more scale based, but its core it's just a beautiful melody.

[@plumbawl5977]

Expressing melodic conversation with tonal moods is listening. Inspiring!

[@DojoOfCool]

Because young players today think going back to the year 2000 they are getting into history of improv. They need to go back to the beginning and listen to Louis Armstrong who improv was basically embellishing the melody of song. One of Coltrane's greatest albums is Ballads that he made during his most progressive time. On the album Ballads Coltrane solos he is just embellishing the melodies and with them most soulful phrasing ever.

[@robertnewell5057]

Great points. My Favourite Things is basically the melody over and over and over, but adapted and changed with great beauty and feeling.

[@lorevault]

Hey, wow this possibly one of the best lessons out there, thanks a ton 👌👏👏👏

[@russelltimmins1870]

All this made perfect sense

[@New_in_jazz]

Thank you very much.

[@piocastellano8221]

As a classical pianist who wants to learn jazz, this is so helpful. Thank you Aimee!

[@weily-why-lee]

Your tutorials always do it for me