"Good improvisation communicates harmonic progression melodically. Effective melodies manipulate harmonic content through the use of guide tones and preparatory gravity notes, masterfully woven in systematic tension, release, and transparent harmonic definition."
October 26, 2015 | Aaron Weinstein: Mandolin Chord Melody System
For the last six years, we've been marveling at the Chord Melody prowess of east coast US string magician Aaron Weinstein. The video clips from his YouTube Channel have stunned us with their concise but expert brilliance, breaking new aesthetic ground with incredible solo mandolin interpretations of classics from the Great American Songbook.
Aaron has taken this gift to the instrument one step further, cataloging his approach and taking us behind the wizard's curtain and exposing shareable components of his amazing compositional process with his new 52 page Mel Bay book, Mandolin Chord Melody System. It's immediately available for preorders (we've heard November for hard copies), and we couldn't recommend it any stronger.
We've read through it and hear us, there are tips here that will not only teach you some jazz tricks, but a new way of thinking the mandolin fretboard itself. His straightforward language and wry sense of humor will make this a pleasure to absorb and learn.
October 22, 2015 | Paul Glasse; The Tilt circa 1990
It's 25 years old, but this blast from the past Texas Connection video of jazz mandolin legend Paul Glasse remains golden. From his "One More Night" CD, this live recording of "The Tilt" is pure virtuosity. The original tune is a great demonstration not only of Paul's chops but the amazing musicians he's always surrounded himself with.
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October 26, 2015 | Aaron Weinstein: Mandolin Chord Melody System
