I’d be happy to get to level 2 and stay there. It fits my musical style. When the backing track is going by as fast as it is in this example, and I see the changes written on paper flying by while playing along, I can’t even begin do the work required to get those voice leadings in place at the right moments. Level 2 is almost magic to me, and I can just forget about the other levels.
Thanks Jamie! You fit so much info into 20 minutes! I played "Autumn Leaves" on a gig 2 weeks ago. My solo was a combination between examples 1 & 2, but you've given me lots more to work on.
I honestly find the bar for levels 1 through 3 pretty high. Over the past 18 months, I've spent a lot of time learning and memorizing new songs (mainly jazz standards) with accomanying solos, practicing technique, ear training, chord analysis and some vocabulary. I've chosen to stay focused rather than distracted by too much. Though I know I've grown and others tell me as much, this all seems so distant to me. As a full-time professional, with other social and domestic responsibilities, there is only so much time, each day that I can devote to attaining these lofty sax goals. I'm not sure if this video has motivated or intimidated me.
Don't be disheartened. When Jamie plays Level 1, say, he doesn't play it like a beginner. He has the feel, phrasing and articulation of a professional player. He also has the advantage of having internalised all the scales, arpeggios etc, which takes time.
Enjoying this on the ferry to calais.. As usual @Jamie offers up something for everyone and 40 different lick ideas over one tune in to keep us busy til next Sunday and many more sundays to come.
Thanks for your post, it is very educational for people who do not know jazz or want to play it. In level 4 over E7, Charlie Parker took some rythyms from Klose's exercises, this one is an example
So much to digest, but great ideas everywhere! Have not had time to practise because I have been out nearly every night playing jam sessions, backing up all sorts of musicians from jazz, to folk, to blues, to country rock, and even some punk thrown in the mix!! Does that count as practising? I hope so, because I get home after 2 or 3 hours solid playing and I clean the horn, have a bite to eat, then fall into bed!! Honestly it's been a game changer for me, and its so good when you look across at all these smiling faces, then they come up after and tell you how much they enjoyed the music, and am I going to be playing again next week? LOL the tune I get asked if I can play the most? Careless Whisper!!
Great video and a lot of food for thought. These levels also move through different decades and approaches to playing. I prefer the examples with more rhythmic and melodic interest. Great tone, time and strong melodies trump playing more outside for me, especially on standards.
Great stuff as always! Quite humbling too. There is so much to learn. But that's also inspiring! Great to get to listen to all the different levels over the same chords, together with the explanations of how they differ! Judging from the other comments, I feel like I'm in good company trying to get over the hump to level 2.
❤❤❤❤ Jamie I love this video. I am working into Level 2 to play the changes. But exploring your upper levels has really helped me see what I can to explore into! I love this video!!!! Thank you so much!!! YOu’re the best!!!
Hi Jaime, as always great and inspiring. It might be somehow a sacrilege, but not being a Beboper I like level 1, more melody and expression. Guess I am just simple minded. But you sound massive on everything you play.
Amazing video. I don't even know what i don't know at this point. Level 1 would be an awesome accomplishment for me. Jamie is s freak of nature on the sax.
The playing on levels 3, 4 and especially 5 is incredible, Jamie (at least compared to many of us). Honestly, my ear "likes" the sound of the easier levels much better than the last two. I guess it's more of what I'm used to. While I appreciate the 5th level skill required, I couldn't enjoy listing to the whole song played like that. I suppose accomplished jazz musicians probably could though.
What you said! The first few levels are my preference also. With a song like Autumn Leaves, the higher levels sounded too 'busy' - too many notes - "notiness" can be overwhelming on a beautiful standard like this. Sometimes less is more, but that's my opinion. But thank you Jaime for the video, I always learn something!
Thank you Jamie for the video. The information is really mind blowing. I got lost from level 3 onwards but level 5 sounds really cool. Sounds like what the Big Phat band guys would play
Love the video, really puts my own playing into perspective. I'm barely at level 2 haha! In the thumbnail I wouldn't put Coltrane a level higher than Bird in terms of "GENIUS" but Trane definitely pushed the limits of improvisation to new depths.
Another brilliant video Jamie.. Thanks. I admit, After level 1 things got complicated for me but it’s good to see what I should be aiming for. Can I ask a quick question on a different subject? Do you have a spare sax, in case your first choice develops a fault before a paid gig?
Wow, Jaime - very cool video! You sound ridiculous as always. I think I'm around a level 2 but your use of eighth notes and phyrigan dominant over the V7 go beyond my level. Hopefully one day my "level 2" will sound as good as yours!
Great summary, i've been struggling with the amount of information out there and its good to hear and see them categorised this way...I can now say that level 5 doesn't interest me it's too 'languagified' for my tastes, particularly as a listener, level one is a bit too simplistic but beautiful in a conventional melody kind of way. My aim is level three. Somewhere between the soul and the intellect. Anyway you've saved me possibly years of jamming and searching trying to figure it out. Thanks
@@GetYourSaxTogether if I may ask a question; if we need to play chord tones for example C-E-G-B wouldn't playing Eb (over Cmaj) suggest a different chord such as the minor seventh? Isn't this why it would be considered an avoid note or is it more an issue of timing?
@@TheStarlitfuse to be honest these questions are best answered within my inner circle community. I’m sure you understand! Can’t do it in one short YT comment. 👍🏻
It seems that many of the greatest solos follow a pattern of starting at level 1-2 and then progress to higher levels to build intensity of expression. Just thinking about the levels as devices will be helpful when crafting a solo.
wow. so interesting. question: if you could only study all the important scales or could only study jazz licks/phrases in all keys-- which would you chose and/or what would lead to the best improvisation in the end.
This is fantastic stuff, Jamie. Oh boy, though, the step from level 1 to 2-- been trying to make that for the past decade. How in the world do you internalize all the chord notes and scales and then rip out an improvised melody at this rate? (Playing with the rhythm seems more natural)
Hi Jamie thanks again for your very nice video. I have a question about the notes replace by a cross in the brackets do you play the notes or are they a kind ghost notes ? Also for the notes under brackets to you play them ? Thanks in advance for your feedback Michel
There’s an “ability to execute” factor here. It’s Level 1 based on complexity, but Jamie is a pro and can make Jingle Bells swing because of his tone, groove, articulation, etc. This video is largely, but not exclusively, about WHAT notes you choose to play. I suspect there is a parallel concept of “Levels of Execution” based on HOW you play the notes you choose.
Do people actually think about these things when they’re playing it or they just play what feels right and notice what they did in regards to #9s and whatnot after
Though I enjoy hearing you play these improv phrases, I can only manage playing at Level 1. Got WAY too complicated for me after that. I mostly felt itimidated and lost confidence.
Don’t forget to grab for free PDF▶️ www.getyoursaxtogether.com/5levels
Most generous & appreciated are You Jamie¡ Greetings from Nicaragua>
Thank you kindly 🙏🏻
I’d be happy to get to level 2 and stay there. It fits my musical style. When the backing track is going by as fast as it is in this example, and I see the changes written on paper flying by while playing along, I can’t even begin do the work required to get those voice leadings in place at the right moments. Level 2 is almost magic to me, and I can just forget about the other levels.
Level 2 is great. Just express yourself and have fun!
Thanks Jamie! You fit so much info into 20 minutes! I played "Autumn Leaves" on a gig 2 weeks ago. My solo was a combination between examples 1 & 2, but you've given me lots more to work on.
Glad it helped Rob!
I honestly find the bar for levels 1 through 3 pretty high.
Over the past 18 months, I've spent a lot of time learning and memorizing new songs (mainly jazz standards) with accomanying solos, practicing technique, ear training, chord analysis and some vocabulary. I've chosen to stay focused rather than distracted by too much.
Though I know I've grown and others tell me as much, this all seems so distant to me.
As a full-time professional, with other social and domestic responsibilities, there is only so much time, each day that I can devote to attaining these lofty sax goals.
I'm not sure if this video has motivated or intimidated me.
Believe me, I totally get it. Just enjoy it wherever you are.
Don't be disheartened. When Jamie plays Level 1, say, he doesn't play it like a beginner. He has the feel, phrasing and articulation of a professional player. He also has the advantage of having internalised all the scales, arpeggios etc, which takes time.
@@chriselston7046 yeh this is true!!
Enjoying this on the ferry to calais.. As usual @Jamie offers up something for everyone and 40 different lick ideas over one tune in to keep us busy til next Sunday and many more sundays to come.
Awesome!
Brilliant! Thank you! 🫡
You're so welcome!
Wow so much in this! Looking forward to the inner circle version 🎉 Working hard on level 2 😅
Good stuff Ems!
Thank you, Jamie. Here is where I will dive in, at least from from level 1 to 3, and try to understand why you are doin’ what you are.
You got this!
That was superb. Can’t wait to try it all out! Thanks, as always
Have fun!
Thanks for your post, it is very educational for people who do not know jazz or want to play it. In level 4 over E7, Charlie Parker took some rythyms from Klose's exercises, this one is an example
Cool, there you go!
So much to digest, but great ideas everywhere! Have not had time to practise because I have been out nearly every night playing jam sessions, backing up all sorts of musicians from jazz, to folk, to blues, to country rock, and even some punk thrown in the mix!! Does that count as practising? I hope so, because I get home after 2 or 3 hours solid playing and I clean the horn, have a bite to eat, then fall into bed!! Honestly it's been a game changer for me, and its so good when you look across at all these smiling faces, then they come up after and tell you how much they enjoyed the music, and am I going to be playing again next week? LOL the tune I get asked if I can play the most? Careless Whisper!!
👍🏼
I have been studying for many many years and I can't even play level one like that!!!!!!
Ha! Phrasing is the key then.
His tune is amazing, he can't sound as level 1 , that's the point
Thanks for this outstanding approach!
Thanks. You're welcome 🙏
Great video and a lot of food for thought.
These levels also move through different decades and approaches to playing.
I prefer the examples with more rhythmic and melodic interest. Great tone, time and strong melodies trump playing more outside for me, especially on standards.
Well said!
Great stuff as always! Quite humbling too. There is so much to learn. But that's also inspiring!
Great to get to listen to all the different levels over the same chords, together with the explanations of how they differ!
Judging from the other comments, I feel like I'm in good company trying to get over the hump to level 2.
Thank you so much. If it were easy, everyone would do it! Keep at it
Thank you for your teaching
You are very welcome 😊
Very good video. Could cope with a few more of these breakdowns.
😊
Excellent as always! Thank you for posting!!!
My pleasure!
❤❤❤❤ Jamie I love this video. I am working into Level 2 to play the changes. But exploring your upper levels has really helped me see what I can to explore into! I love this video!!!! Thank you so much!!! YOu’re the best!!!
I'm so glad!
That is absolutely fantastic tutorial, Mr Anderson. Thank you very, very much!
You're welcome. Thanks for the kind comment!
Hi Jaime, as always great and inspiring. It might be somehow a sacrilege, but not being a Beboper I like level 1, more melody and expression. Guess I am just simple minded. But you sound massive on everything you play.
Fair enough! No judgement.
Simple stuff played well beats complex stuff where you're just about hanging on.
Wow !!! incredible stuff
Very interesting thanks a lot for that
You are very welcome!
Amazing video. I don't even know what i don't know at this point. Level 1 would be an awesome accomplishment for me. Jamie is s freak of nature on the sax.
🙏🏻
great stuff, as always!
Thanks again!
Thanks again Jamie! Very tasty!
My pleasure!!
Oh WoW !! This is a really good vid . More like this please !! ? Love the messy screen !!
Thanks! 🙏🏻
Jamie, you are amazing
Shucks 😊
Really useful. Thanks.
🙏
The playing on levels 3, 4 and especially 5 is incredible, Jamie (at least compared to many of us). Honestly, my ear "likes" the sound of the easier levels much better than the last two. I guess it's more of what I'm used to. While I appreciate the 5th level skill required, I couldn't enjoy listing to the whole song played like that. I suppose accomplished jazz musicians probably could though.
What you said! The first few levels are my preference also. With a song like Autumn Leaves, the higher levels sounded too 'busy' - too many notes - "notiness" can be overwhelming on a beautiful standard like this. Sometimes less is more, but that's my opinion. But thank you Jaime for the video, I always learn something!
Yeh, fair enough. 😊
Thank you Jamie for the video. The information is really mind blowing. I got lost from level 3 onwards but level 5 sounds really cool. Sounds like what the Big Phat band guys would play
Nice class. Congratulation.
Thanks so much!
Great stuff. Is there a level 0?😅 Thanks for your teachings!
🤣
Great video thanks!!
Glad you liked it!
Wonderful! But what comes before the first level?
Singing and clapping one note. That’s how my Improvisation Mastery course starts.
Brilliant!
🙏🏻
Love the video, really puts my own playing into perspective. I'm barely at level 2 haha! In the thumbnail I wouldn't put Coltrane a level higher than Bird in terms of "GENIUS" but Trane definitely pushed the limits of improvisation to new depths.
Fair enough!
Another brilliant video Jamie.. Thanks. I admit, After level 1 things got complicated for me but it’s good to see what I should be aiming for. Can I ask a quick question on a different subject? Do you have a spare sax, in case your first choice develops a fault before a paid gig?
Yeh I’ve got a spare alto and tenor but not soprano or bari!
Jamie= Level 6 😀
Thanks 🙏🏻
I was specting to be on level 2, but then I realized that my rythm is far from being as good as yours on level 1. Something to think about... Thanks!
Rhythm and phrasing are key!
Wow, Jaime - very cool video! You sound ridiculous as always. I think I'm around a level 2 but your use of eighth notes and phyrigan dominant over the V7 go beyond my level. Hopefully one day my "level 2" will sound as good as yours!
You can do it! It’s just a scale. Use it.
@@GetYourSaxTogether Yes, I'll have to try it!
Great summary, i've been struggling with the amount of information out there and its good to hear and see them categorised this way...I can now say that level 5 doesn't interest me it's too 'languagified' for my tastes, particularly as a listener, level one is a bit too simplistic but beautiful in a conventional melody kind of way. My aim is level three. Somewhere between the soul and the intellect. Anyway you've saved me possibly years of jamming and searching trying to figure it out. Thanks
Thanks for the great comment. Glad to help!
@@GetYourSaxTogether if I may ask a question; if we need to play chord tones for example C-E-G-B wouldn't playing Eb (over Cmaj) suggest a different chord such as the minor seventh? Isn't this why it would be considered an avoid note or is it more an issue of timing?
@@TheStarlitfuse to be honest these questions are best answered within my inner circle community. I’m sure you understand! Can’t do it in one short YT comment. 👍🏻
@@GetYourSaxTogether that's an answer in itself, great thanks
It seems that many of the greatest solos follow a pattern of starting at level 1-2 and then progress to higher levels to build intensity of expression. Just thinking about the levels as devices will be helpful when crafting a solo.
👍🏻
wow. so interesting. question: if you could only study all the important scales or could only study jazz licks/phrases in all keys-- which would you chose and/or what would lead to the best improvisation in the end.
Jazz licks anyday. Because that’s the actual THING not the theory.
This is fantastic stuff, Jamie. Oh boy, though, the step from level 1 to 2-- been trying to make that for the past decade. How in the world do you internalize all the chord notes and scales and then rip out an improvised melody at this rate? (Playing with the rhythm seems more natural)
You practice a lot and you transcribe solos. 👍🏻
Hi Jamie thanks again for your very nice video. I have a question about the notes replace by a cross in the brackets do you play the notes or are they a kind ghost notes ?
Also for the notes under brackets to you play them ?
Thanks in advance for your feedback
Michel
Ghost notes just barely there.
Level 5 reminds me of Joe Henderson’s
👍
Wait. You did say the first improv was LEVEL 1, Right! Level 01. Level one for who?🎷
There’s an “ability to execute” factor here. It’s Level 1 based on complexity, but Jamie is a pro and can make Jingle Bells swing because of his tone, groove, articulation, etc. This video is largely, but not exclusively, about WHAT notes you choose to play. I suspect there is a parallel concept of “Levels of Execution” based on HOW you play the notes you choose.
Very intelligent comment @gregorydanielscpa
Level 1 for anyone, but so much is also in the phrasing, groove and sound I guess!
Do people actually think about these things when they’re playing it or they just play what feels right and notice what they did in regards to #9s and whatnot after
Great question with many different answers depending on the experience of the player. For me, a mix I guess.
Though I enjoy hearing you play these improv phrases, I can only manage playing at Level 1. Got WAY too complicated for me after that. I mostly felt itimidated and lost confidence.
That’s cool. Who cares?
I'm blocked between levels 1 and 2 for 20 years ... 😪
Nothing wrong with those! Just keep playing and enjoy wherever you're at
At best I can play level 3 with alot of practice
That’s awesome!
@@GetYourSaxTogether Thanks! Keep them video’s coming. I get to learn a lot
Hmm I think I'm level 2 at best.
That’s great!
@GetYourSaxTogether a lesson on Bud Freeman The Eel would be great! I've been working it out but be great to hear your take on it!
Sorry - never had any theory so it is all Greek to me.
It’s the end result that matters not the theory so if you can do it all by ear, great!
-1
🤣