"Stella By Starlight"- Jazz Piano - Playing w/ Backing Tracks

[@joejazz67]

If you were swinging any harder you'd be in a tarzan movie

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Ha! Flattery and humor will get you Alice B. Toklas brownie points in Jazz Heaven!

[@FrankDeruyck]

Kent IS a Tarzan movie....and you haven't seen Jane yet ;-)

[@JudyK1]

A year later and it's still the best ever Stella rendition--love it!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Much apprecaited!

[@irajames8113]

Great solo, Kent! You most definitely are swinging; love your lines.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you so much!

[@thomassawicki2065]

Thank you Brother Man. Jazz Guitarist here , but i was paying along against your voicings and with the guitar chord melody style, it sounds fantastic You are very generous to share your hip know how on the ivories.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the great comment...swing on!

[@JudyK1]

Best ever Stella rendition--love it!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

A million Thanks!

[@irajames8113]

I commented on this video before, but I have to say again it is the BEST Stella on YT. Actually, one of the best ive heard, period; and I have albums and cd’ that I have collected since I’ve been in my twenties by all the greats. There is so much “information” in your soloing; all tasteful and swinging, I would love to hear you explain/ breakdown more then you already have. And, the comping is a class of instruction all by itself! In this one tune you can hear elements of your years of experience that is invaluable. Please consider more detail on this video. There is so much information and knowledge that can be gleaned from just this one tune when it is dissected thoroughly. I listen to it regularly and learn, a bit at a time.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

This is a great comment and very helpful to me. It's letting me know that my playing and teaching style resonates and is working the way I want it to. A million thanks!

[@paxwallacejazz]

Kent many know you've paid your dues old school and most of us hear it. Thanks for what you do brother. p.s.Those who don't know failure know nothing. G.B. Shaw (I think) Phoenix rising we resurrect ourselves better than before that's being a mature artist in the real world man.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the words of wisdom....always appreciate your sharing.

[@glen7695]

Very nice. This has a bit of a George Shearing feel to it on the head. The solo develops really well, and then the tutorial is excellent.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Nice comment...particularily because George Shearing is one of my heroes.

[@guitargod6997]

My favorite jazz song of all time, and you just wrung every cool harmony out of it! Just great insights into modern jazz that remains lyrical.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Jay, you always leave the best comments...thanks!

[@1950francesca]

Love what you do with this tune! Fantastic solo with so much variety in the improvisation. Transcribing this would be a complete jazz course in itself!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad you think so. Cheers and thanks! KH

[@brucejeric6701]

Boy! I was revisiting Stella this morning, and figured I go find real book backing tracks A-Z and also look at one of my favorites= Kent Tarzan Hewitt- and listen to his version. So Good!!!! I get so much inspiration from you! Thanks so much!!! Happy new year to you. I hope it’s as wonderful as it gets for you.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Dear Bruce....you will always be one of my favorite fellows. May you flourish and find much joy in the new year. God bless you, my bro!

[@stuartmarks8844]

This should be called "Time to Tear it Up In a Serious Way". Incredible jam .....these lessons have been amazing,too thnx Ken,

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's very cool...keeps me going, thanks!

[@henriquealejandro7247]

I think that using the whole tone scale over the G7+5 chord is one of the coolest things one could do for this tune

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a cool idea, I agree.

[@ZauberTocc]

Thanks Kent, you really are shining in this tune!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Nice compliment, thanks, Zauber!

[@tommyschiffermusic8910]

I love your videos, and your humor. Not to mention your music lessons. Thank you!

[@jaccowolhoff8852]

Fantastic - Great explanation - thanks so much

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You're very welcome!

[@jackmeginniss6327]

Very nice arrangement and solo. Used a lot of good ideas.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the compliments!

[@jackmeginniss6327]

Kent Hewitt My pleasure. Great stuff!

[@michaelsclafanimd1844]

Kent. Thanks so much for such a quick response to my request. This had it all-great intro by ADEM,beautiful lesson incorporating your book,and new twist playing with backing track. These videos are so helpful and inspiring. Keep em coming

[@KentHewittpiano88]

This is one of my all-time great favorite tunes and composers. The backing tracks are fun and challenging (but in some ways easier to play to than live musicians.) sorry, guys...

[@jaked.8388]

Kent when I see Barry Harris's - Stella by StarLight also on here, it is such an extra bag of tricks he really drills the oddest fills as i am sure you know - just a nice addition to your lesson! cheers

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's exactly right. But for me to be included in the same sentence as a legendary pianist like Barry Harris is a great honor.Nevertheless... I do have a "history". Thanks!

[@baribarium]

Fantasy and a lot of swing.Compliments.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the compliments!

[@michaeldestefano7831]

Genius! Your version swings to the quintessential degree. Style, depth, dexterity, creativity, beauty and slick dissonant resolving chords abound. Have your book and will try and upgrade my playing on this classic tune from your vision. Michael DeStefano

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Wow, thank you!

[@mauriciodelima569]

Hi, Kent! I would love to see your rendition of "An Affair to Remember". I´m a fan of your playing!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a beautiful song...thanks for the request!

[@cesaribarramusic]

You may want to look into a recording interface, recording headphones to listen to your tracks and a pair of small diaphragm condenser microphones. That would improve the audio quality a lot. That piano sounds nice on the videos when I listen in headphones even with just the camera.

[@flober1970]

www.soundonsound.com/techniques/piano-recording

[@timothyhurn7590]

God damn Kent!

[@jazzerson7087]

Awesome lesson once again, you really seem to know what people are looking for, you da man KH!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great comment...thanks!

[@37thousand]

Fire!!!

[@myNameisSanford]

Hot damn Kent. I'm stopping whatever I was just doing and transcribing this.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, transcribing takes a special talent.

[@tomthorley4222]

Such an inspiration. I would love to hear a Norwegian wood tutorial

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment and request!

[@JudyK1]

Terrific solo.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks!

[@rayadolphus6601]

You were swinging pretty hard daddy o the a/c came on. Awesome stuff

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Super cool, man...swing loose!

[@bsykesbeats]

man ur a beast on the piano

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Compliments are greatly appreciated!

[@Robert-ts2ef]

To play like you Kent would be one of my three wishes if that genie eve appeared. Cheers!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm always wishing I could play better than I do....all relative.

[@TheFredismShow]

These videos are so valuable. Thank you Dr. Kent!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad you like them!

[@danielcoriatt1967]

i wish i could swing like you , englishman in jazz !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm with you.....all relatives are originally from UK.

[@neilbryanclosa462]

Thank you Kent!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I appreciate all your comments, Neil!

[@dardarfisher]

I like the knowledge u share. Forget the haters.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the support!

[@MaxTooney]

Great Job! I hope you'll do more lessons with backing tracks. (I second the suggestion for 'Band in a Box' if you're running a PC.)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the tips....I will be trying that out!

[@teflo2]

Love it! Swing on!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Swing loose always!

[@JoeCea]

Really like the last chorus

[@adamglinka1]

Ken..... You;'re # 1 !!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I appreciate it, Adam!

[@hezekiahdaggett2179]

I love your channel very entertaining

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I try to entertain and instruct. As long as you don't say I'm showing off...then I'm happy!

[@marblemanda]

Looking forward to Summer Keys Kent. As always, great stuff.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

2 year break from Summerkeys...sadly!

[@marblemanda]

@@KentHewittpiano88 would love to make it up there some day ☺️

[@mikedavino2400]

very good

[@mfurman]

Kent, I might have missed that but is there a download for this available on your Web site? I could not find it. Really great performance. Thank you, Michael

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Sorry, Michael. I don't have a download, but you'll find a lead sheet in Real Book 1.

[@howardhewitt1797]

Hey Cuz, it's great to have a cool dude in the family! Lol!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Always good to meet another cousin!

[@Vicnsi]

Hi Kent, your "Stella By Starlight" w/ Backing Tracks - so, so cool! Your playing on its own is already truly amazing, but to hear it in the context of a 'band' made your playing sound even much more phenomenal! Rather than downloading and using backing-tracks made by someone else, have you considered making your own backing-tracks using something like Band-in-a-Box by PG Music?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for a great comment, Vic. As a matter of fact. I'll be ordering that disc when we get back from vacation. That way I can create intro and outros. I have to figure out how to mix the tracks and piano. I'm trying it with a digital keyboard next. Is Band in the Box real instruments that sound good?

[@Vicnsi]

Yes various versions of Band-in-a-box come bundled with 'RealTracks' (which are parts that have been recorded by actual musicians playing real instruments). You just type in the chords for any song using standard chord symbols, like C, Fm7, or Em7b5, etc., choose the Style you want, and Band-in-a-Box automatically generates a complete very professional-quality arrangement within a few seconds. Quite simple to use, actually. Just remember that within Band-in-a-box, under 'Opt.>MIDI/Audio Drivers Setup...' make sure to use the VSTi/DXi Synth, and in 'Audio Settings' also select the ASIO Audio Driver Type so that you get the lowest possible latency from your digital keyboard.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I appreciate the tips, Vic!

[@michaeldestefano7831]

Smokin' 🔥 hot! Michael DeStefano

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much!

[@bluntonaut]

Excellent video! Do you have a video on how to keep it interesting when staying on a single chord for some measures? Like some modal diatonic exercise...

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes..I do! Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a32tZYqpob6FiJI

[@bluntonaut]

Thanks alot! Very nice! What about when you have no particular melody to harmonize? For example when comping on a modal tune...

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a good request. Check out So What, also Milestones by Miles Davis, and Impressions by John Coltrane.

[@marilynharris4118]

"Hey, Man! You GOT the GIG!!" Seriously - really nice playing! BRAVO!! ♥♫SWEET!!!♫♥ XO - M

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm so glad I passed the audition! Swing loose!

[@marilynharris4118]

yeah - but Altered Dominant Ego Man has to stay home! :-) XO - M

[@absolute-doink]

named my dog after this song, thanks for sharing!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Stella...a lady dog I expect?

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Sorry haven't touched base lately .. been struggling with video editing and doing some classical guitar by Bach. Kent, you pulled out all the stops.. nice sequencing of notes. Loved the parallel movements and the altered chords. Good point about putting as many notes as you can before it turns ridiculous. I've noticed that after playing something outside.that when played no frills,a piece sounds fresh. As I said before to you, I've done things the wrong way ..so now I know what doesn't work and do the opposite. I emailed you awhile back and suggested Quist backing tracks..they have a guy.. plays a quick improv on guitar first..Good stuff.. fresh. I play some things on a grand and third so powerful they are hard to record without distortion. All music could be ran though a equalizer..I really heard nothing wrong with your sound. The best.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I need some better equipment for this...just compare the sound to the opening...which was recorded in a studio with bassist and drummer. Thanks for the tips.

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Kent Hewitt Did some research. I found a recording engineer with a business location. I sent you the link. Recording Revolution is the name. I'll bet you have everything you need to put some super stuff together. He says you can get some good results with a Sure mike 57. He does suggest a Condenser mike, (which was just suggested already). He says you need a DAW.. Digital Audio Workstation. They have many on line that are free. Apparently all you need is a computer and a digital interface.. also suggested in this post..He said the total cost of this would be around 300 dollars. The cost of the interface is very reasonable. That's included in the $300. The link should be in your hot mail.

[@JudyK1]

Great tutorial. Btw, I tried to buy your book, but couldn't.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

We're on vacation. But you can buy my book on website (download only). Hard copy comes directly from me and we're away until next month. Write to me at email.

[@jazzmanrp]

Kent, you crack me up, man! Love your videos (and your voicings ;-). What are you using for the backing track? I really like the drums. I'm just using iReal Pro on the iPad, but those drums sounded a little more hip than iReal.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That backing track is free on KZbin under the title Backing Tracks. You have to follow their progression,etc. With band in a Box on my more recent vids, you create the arrangement you want. Thanks for the comment!

[@allinthemind2006]

hey ken! love the content are you on steemit yet?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I don't know what it is...can you hip me?

[@joshzing3937]

Could tell me what the song in the intro was

[@jazura2]

It is called My Romance.

[@patrickbcox]

Awesome! Well done! Great info here. Thanks!

[@JoeCea]

What do need help with?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hi Joe, All I'm using is a Canon Powershot s-95. I wanted to set up a recording unit where I could balance the piano and backing track in separate mixes.

[@JoeCea]

Think you need a video editing software with 2 tracks Put the background on one track Add your voice demo track and balancw

[@kamakirinoko]

Kent, that is a fucking AWESOME goombah suit. If you lost the beret and whipped on a black fedora you would be DA MAN! Listen, I've been meaning to ask you . . . my piano playing is second only to my guitar playing in being pretty lousy. But maybe you would be able to help me in my quest . . . I want to be the *finest failed lounge pianist* ever to have lived. In other words, I want to *appear* to be able to play lounge piano, but to be discovered and called out by the first real musician to walk in the place. In that manner I will earn my "failed" moniker. How should I go about starting in this quest?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Seriously, Mr. S, I think first you need get a great 40's style zoot suit and pork pie hat...that would be a good start. Then all you need to do is learn a few popular lounge-style tunes and about 20,000 arpeggios and you will have nailed it.

[@JoeCea]

Joe cea here - what do need help with?

[@CarltonMoxley]

sounds right sounds perfect to me I would like it if anythingWe are Actually turning a little bitAs it is a back rackI'm always complaining I don't believe I've been playing everything in my vision for years That was the hardest thing Robby knows bad habits Coming along naturally nowSo much to remember I will get myself to April every year I told my father I'm willing to take aWhole yearOr at least until Thanksgiving Thanks again for everythingDo video for the last fourYearsIFROM now

[@BlowtheTrump9683]

I like your suit but you can borrow one of my ties. You will even look better. lol Just playing You are sharp in the suit and on the piano as well.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm always looking for cool tie...thanks!

[@jaimesolorza4186]

Copacetic

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Is a good term.

[@FrankDeruyck]

Nice and easy to understand... but Kent, what do you make of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3TWqGOEn72MZ7c He is practically diminishing every chord, or what??

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I don't know why he's doing that...to make some kind of point I guess.

[@FrankDeruyck]

throwing in an out of place diminished chord has a very cool effect sometimes!

[@CarltonMoxley]

Turn down just a little smidge I'm always complaining

[@petertarsio7168]

All said and done a good tutorial but too much material. How people going to follow this and get it in fast motion. Slow it down step by step. I know you want to sell your book.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

This video is probably intended for more advanced players. Please watch this video...it will help you to slow down the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zmi0nZualJKjZtU

[@KomotsukiDZoro]

Jesus Christ loves everyone.Repent of all sin and turn to Him.He is real and wants to be apart of your lives.He died.so that we may inherit eternal life.There is much more to life than the things this world promotes,we can be filled with the things more valuable than this world can offer if we trust in Christ.These things will not pass away one day like money or fame.God bless : )