Podcast: Interview with Jazz Guitarist and Educator Rodney Jones
In this episode of the Fret Dojo podcast, Ryan and Vin had the great privilege of talking to the legendary jazz guitarist and educator at The Julliard School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, Professor Rodney Jones.
Rodney has played with a who’s who of the music world, from Dizzy Gillespie to James Brown and has an amazing wealth of tips, lessons to inform and inspire any student of the guitar.
Key Lessons and Tips for Students:
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On playing with greats like Dizzy – Make the bandleader comfortable; it’s not about flashy solos.
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Getting session/TV gigs – Be a great reader; know different styles convincingly.
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Mindset – Get inspired by greatness; uplift each other.
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Practice – Apply what you learn to real tunes and playing.
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Audition tips – Play blues with feeling; connect to your heart.
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On improvement – Invest fully in yourself and your excellence.
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Teachers – Absorb from those with real performing experience.
Where to find out more:
The Infinity of Things
Rodney on Bandcamp: https://rodneyjones.bandcamp.com/album/the-infinity-of-things-2
Rodney’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Soulmanifesto
Rodney’s Instructional Book ‘Hip Guitar Lines’ on Mel Bay: Rodney on Mel Bay
What are your thoughts?
What stood out or gave you something to think about (there’s a lot here!)?
Leave your comments below!
Audio Version:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:55 — 104.2MB)
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Join FretDojo’s online jazz guitar academy here
If you’re keen to have a structured, step-by-step approach to learning jazz guitar, it might be worth checking out my online learning system, the FretDojo Jazz Guitar Academy.
Here’s what you get when you join up:
- Detailed step-by-step video lessons on new classic jazz tunes and essential jazz guitar skills added to the club website each month. Includes listening recommendations, demonstrations of the melody, analysis of the harmony, and detailed explanations on how to solo over the tune.
- Key improvisation concepts and techniques for soloing, and classic licks and example solos that relate to each tune, so you can continue to expand your jazz vocabulary and have more options when it comes to soloing.
- Detailed comping ideas to suit the style of each jazz standard covered
- Lessons on how to make chord melody and solo jazz guitar versions of tunes featured – play a complete jazz standard completely on your own like Joe Pass!
- Members only forum – A worldwide community of jazz guitarists from all around the globe.
- Regular workshops, masterclasses, and Q & A Sessions – get direct answers from me on anything holding you back in the practice room. Replays of all sessions are available to access for all members even if you can’t make it live.
- Massive searchable database of jazz licks and soloing concepts – the ultimate idea “grab bag” for your solos.
- Optional monthly challenges where members participate to get feedback on their playing, reach new milestones and be eligible for cool prizes.
Go here for more info: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer
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