I adamantly agree that artists have great opportunity to be redeeming and encouraging. I sincerely try to assume responsibility for my repertoire and musical approach. I’m interested to know how other vocalists make choices in choosing repertoire and interpreting lyrics.

This post discusses important vocabulary for improvising vocalists, guidelines improvisors must learn, and the difference between melody-guided improvisation and harmony-guided improvisation. It also includes a video of Jon Hendricks explaining harmony-guided improv.

Concert held at the Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor Michigan. Post includes 2 videos.

Jon discusses listening to chord changes, learning music as a child, Art Tatum & Charlie Parker!

Recently the Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Society threw a party to celebrate Jon Hendricks 91st Birthday. I am so glad I was there! Jon sang beautifully; it was some of the best singing I have ever heard. He has so much jazz language, especially Bebop and Hard Bop melodic and rhythmic ideas – I could listen […]

A review of my experience at the Detroit Jazz festival and videos of Vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant (recent winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Competition) taken at the festival.

Recently a blogger asked about Jon Hendrick’s Lyrics to Benny Golson‘s composition Along Came Betty  so I transcribed the lyrics and music just for you! *Please note, there are a few lyrics I’m not entirely confident I have correct. I have underlined these lyrics in the ‘lyrics only’ section at the bottom of this post. […]

Here’s a list of some of my favorite resources. If you have others that you like please let me know! Online Ken Burns Jazz PBS has put together a variety of resources that support the Ken Burns documentary Jazz, ranging from definitions/overviews of major jazz concepts, eras and performers. The online resources are definitely worth checking […]