SOLO PIANO MASTER: Dave McKenna: A Jazz Piano Tutorial
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- SOLO PIANO MASTER: Dave McKenna: A Jazz Piano Tutorial.
An interpretation of Dave McKenna's solo piano style and techniques, as played on the song 'Have You Met Miss Jones', By Rodgers and Hart. Techniques include spread voicings, walking bass lines, walking 10ths, and Stride. Link to article on Dave McKenna
www.nytimes.co...
Link to Dave's recordings: www.amazon.com...
Link to videos on techniques used (see Playlists):
/ @kenthewittpiano88
Link to book and website:
www.kenthewitt...
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OMG, this is what I've been waiting for. Best RUclips channel for music ever.
True
It's great to know that you people... and YOU are out there...blessings!
Thanks for the Video clip! Sorry for the intrusion, I would love your opinion. Have you researched - Riddleagan Smart Hands Remedy (do a google search)? It is a smashing one of a kind guide for learning piano fast minus the hard work. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my work buddy after a lifetime of fighting got great results with it.
Yes, this is what we are ALL waiting for...and maybe even those who don't know it
yet. There were a couple of times during KH solo that I could just barely surpress a shout.
And I don't know why I did. And of course, Dave McKenna can have that effect too.
Seemingly effortlessly, while being via hia hands, at least 2 people.
There's no jazz piano site on the internet who could cover this subject apart from you. This is 'old school', pure gold for us McKenna fans. Also lovely to hear your reminiscences of meeting Dave.
Thank you for this Kent.
That's a very affirming comment for me, Ian. He's a man you can learn a lot from if you study his playing. Thanks!
Turns out one of Dave's sons lives around where I live - we were just talking the other day about the bass lines , "you know those bass lines were just rumbling along in the left hand , I never saw Dad look to the left too much , that stuff was on automatic " so that's what you were saying - and that independence is remarkable and easy to notice whether you are watching a performance by Dave McKenna , or even just listening to a recording
He was a great piano master...eloquent playing...I even subbed for him a few times because I was playing in Boston and the Cape...an awesome honor.
Yeah , the East Bay Lodge was one place he played , in Osterville - in addition to Asa Bearse - his son recalls the assiduous work he would do on a song list on the way to a gig - his medleys of three songs containing the word Spring, or 'Roses', or 'Evelyn' - were legendary from what I understand . Listeners at the Copley would play the game of trying to puzzle out what the common theme in a medley - yes , having Mr. McKenna listen to your playing on your gig on that one occasion must have put you in your toes 😀
Great work Kent. I'm a professional pianist in Palm Beach, FL for last 45 years and enjoy your work and knowledge. Keep up the great work and videos.
Great to hear from a pro. Thanks so much for the affirmation! I had a stint in Palm Beach some years back and got to play with the Dorsey band and record with Phyllis Hyman. Stay cool, man!
Kent, you never fail to amaze me. You are the most fantastic teacher I’ve been watching your videos for almost two years and am now a PROUD OWNER OF YOUR BOOK! I not only aspire to play the piano like you but also wish to be as analytical a
and thoughtful as you are. Thanks, Kent. -Tuck
That comment is one of the best I've heard...ever!! I love being analytical so to meet a compadre, is totally awesome. I only wish we could hang out and have a deep conversation.
@@KentHewittpiano88 Thanks for the reply! If you are ever in the Northeast near Boston or NYC I would love to buy you lunch!
Dave McKenna is so underrated! Glad to see you appreciate him too.
I'm glad you've heard him play....he was unique and one of the all time greats!
I have quite a few fond memories of watching Dave play. One night Dave let Joe Reposo sit in, he played his compositions, 'it's not easy being green,' and 'You will be my Music.' Dave shouts while sitting at the bar, "yeah , this guy knows how to Read music." This was modesty because Dave's first piano teacher was his mother, and in order to read the charts when he went abroad with the Artie Shaw band, he had to read, at least fairly well.
Thanks for telling that story about Dave. I'm actually surprised at the number of people who have commented on this video I made inspired by Dave. Goes to show that he was appreciated and loved, at least in New England.
Thanks Ken. Dave is THE Pianist. Always hoped you would do something on him. GREAT
I was fortunate to hear him live numerous times...he was one of the Greats!
Just about 11 years ago, I did a search on Dave McKenna on You Tube. I remember only one solid hit. Now You Tube is all about Dave McKenna. Something I read once, two young college guys went to see Dave perform at the Copley Hotel in Boston. Dave was a large man and had large hands. When Dave entered the room one guy said to the other, "That's the piano player, he looks like the piano mover." Thanks Kent on offering this Ms Jones.
Yes, that's right Dave didn't really look like a musician. He should have worn a zoot suit and a beret and talked jive. I saw him shake hands with someone who came up to him while he was playing and he never lost a beat!
Wow, you never cease to amaze me Kent. That arrangement and solo was really strong. Your style of playing is very satisfying.
Oh Jay, you are definitely the best cat out there....be well, . love you, bro!
You're one cool generous person and a great educator Kent and you break down what is to many the complicated concepts in jazz quite well. I'm pleased and honored to follow your channel and will definitely get your book soon. Thank you for everything.
That's a very affirming and generous compliment...many thanks!
This is emotional for me, I have to admit. The owner at Asa Bearse also came in and sang occasionally. Thinking about that rumbly bass sound that Dave produced. Alas, I was younger, and didn't know what I heard . 😀
At least you were there, Doug. His playing was historic, and you have that in your memories. God bless!
(ps: I played there but never met the owner...you have one up on me!)
Dave could combine 3 things in a solo: bass, chord (midrange comping) and top note melody. Thank you for the lesson sir, soloing is a mastery technique when playing jazz piano.
I'm so glad to hear from you and anyone who knows and appreciates Dave's amazing artistry. Blessings, brother!
I love Dave McKenna. He could really make the piano sing and that rumbling base, absolutely his signature!
That's exactly right...no body played like him...he was so unique.
@@KentHewittpiano88 You heard him live which l envy, but I have his Maybeck Hall recital recording which is incredible. Thanks for the tutorial.
Kent!!! As always a constant inspiration!! Thank you so much!!! Greetings from Argentina!
Thank you, Herman from Argentina. I would like to visit some day, there is great music there. I appreciate your kindness and compliment.
Amazing performance and very kind tutorial!!!😄🌹🎶Thank you for sharing!😊
Thanks for another fabulous comment, Mackie!
Your Dave Mc Kenna review was extraordinary..your explanations are always flawless ..you make it so easy to get it !! Dave certainly plays beautifully ..just checked him out! K.H. you also are in his leaque...no doubt about it... Welcome back Mr.ego man..you are such a joy!!! 😉😀
Another fabulous comment by Phyllis...no one compares, and you cover it all. xox, Kent
He played once, I suspect for a free glass of wine..., at my relative's bar in Marion (Gilda's Stone Rooster). Gilda loved music but didn't have enough revenue to pay musicians. Regardless, some musicians would play there about once a month knowing they could play whatever they wanted to and enjoyed the atmosphere. Wish I had gotten to see McKenna play.
Thanks for the story. Genius player. I had the privilege to hear him live many times and played his gig on his night off at the Cape.
Dave McKenna, Earl Hines,Oscar Peterson,Kent the KH,Art Tatum,Barry Harris,Nat King,Ray Byrant,Erroll Garner, so many more . Man these cats can play. One man band style
You named some of my heroes, sans KH. They all brought me joy... which only music can do it, in it's unique way.
It makes me so happy when I see a new video from you!
Much appreciated!
When George Shearing says 'Dave's the best', I think he means best of the proletariat, cheesy pianists. Not the college-trained guys, but the one's with the pizza and red wine stains on their cigarette-butt burnt jackets. God bless this real character of jazz.
Nice comment......but I must say: not to diminish his genius, Dave played eloquently.
Thanks for the reply. As an outsider who doesn't play piano himself I'd like to say how much I admire jazz pianists; you guys and gals have such a rich music language there on the keyboard. I'm a guitarist, but to me even blues sounds better on the piano than anything else; my favorite guitarists like Albert King, Robert Cray or George Benson etc. rely so heavily on keyboard backing for their sound. I'm surprised that a bigger fuss isn't made over the idiom and that it is taken for granted.
The word cheesy doesn't really fit
Hi Kent. While you were playing I couldn't help but think of Hank Jones. He seemed to favor tenths and spread voicings. Love your channel! You are a gem!
I apprecaite the compliments, Glenn. Hank Jones is one of my heroes, off course, perhaps not as well appreciated as others, but still considered one of the jazz piano legends. He did favor 10ths and spread voicings. Keep in touch and keep watching!
Mr. Hewitt, I love you.
Love you too, my brother.
Thanks KH, another beauty, and a big hello to ADEM!
Both he and I appreciate that!
Love the rhythm of the bass line combined with the forward motion of the right hand.
Dave was the master of that feel!
Dave is the master
Absolutely, ...no one compares. He wasn't better that Tatum, just different.
When will you be playing in New York brother? Would be great to hear.you live. Great channel.Excellent tutorials.i m actually beginning to pick up on some of the tunes my dad loved from watching your vids.Thank you Kent! 😎😎
That's so cool Warren. Most of the songs Dave played are the Great American Standards,.... did your dad listen to recordings of those songs? I'm not playing in New York anymore...I lived there and played there numerous times years ago. Nowadays, because we live in CT we go there once a year for a few days to take in the culture. thanks!
Great lesson! Thankyou, also got a big kick out of the altered ego man (Peter Polyester) 😂
Thanks for telling me...you get the reward for best comment of the week!
Hi Kent! Is your book (hard copy) available to be delivered to the Philippines? Your website says USA only but I’m wondering maybe there’s a way I haven’t found on your site? Otherwise I’ll just buy the download, but I really like the way you bound the real book. Please give my regards to the altered dominant man ♥️
I print and ship the book from my home...there's no other way you can get the book. I don't ship over seas unless you are willing to pay the price of shipping which is around $35. You save by downloading the book from my website and printing on your end. Write to me on my website.
Ok! Will download =) have a great day sir 🙏🏽
I can hear Dave McKenna took a lot of influence from Hank Jones. Great stuff Kent
I never thought of comparing them...but they both were great masters.
Excellent Kent! I was not familiar with Dave McKenna. Thanks for posting and sharing that. Incidentally, I started listening to Zawinul when Weather Report emerged, but I had no idea that he used to be big in soul jazz.
Definitely check out Dave on You Tube. Right.... there are videos of Zawinul when he played with Cannonball and Nat Adderley. Their music was rooted in soul jazz and Z wrote one of their biggest hits: "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy".
He also wrote: In A Silent Way for Miles and Birdland for Weather Report.
Kent Hewitt Wow! What a legacy! Thanks for the tips Kent. I will check out all the above.
Kent Hewitt Kent, I am streaming several Dave McKenna’s albums. That guy is truly amazing! It took me awhile to get through the “Solo” album. The piano had to sit up and smoke a cigarette after every song.
Ha Ha, nice!! Dave was a smoker.
Kent Hewitt Yeah! So is Mr. Hewitt!
He seemed like a very shy person. His playing often sounded like he had three hands.
Yes...you are right!
What people listen to is the beginning and the ending.
What you do between doesn't matter,
Cuz they're like a
horse hibernating. Lol😎👍🏽
Ha Ha, you like my jokes!? Conductor Sir Thomas Beecham told that to his orchestra.
When you said "Cotton", well, the only one I know of is Cotton Mather and I don't think you meant him ;-)
Cool video, Kent ! Thanks, as always.
Thanks for telling me...was Cotton Mather an Afro-American who lived inn CT?
Well, Kent Hewitt, you have the most interesting piano channel on RUclips. It just makes me feel hopeless, though. But you're an amiable fellow, so I forgive you. I love Dave McKenna, and thank you for this.
I'm glad you dig Dave, Bob....but when I first heard Oscar Peterson live, I wanted to quit.
♡ - and here I thought I was already pretty well acquainted with Ms. Jones!?! :-) ♡
I met her once too!
Kent do you work on commission ? I need a Tea For Two in F# with a key change up and back. in an easy stride style. My dad used to play it and I don't have a recording of it.
Regretfully at the present time, I'm involved in a few projects which take up all my time, but I would otherwise love to take on your assignment, I'm flattered that you ask and wish I could help...but thanks so much for your comment and please keep watching!
The song at the beginning (presentation) is from Ken or belongs to Dave Mckenna?
That's me playing the song "Isn't It Romantic" from my solo album. Thanks for acknowledging it.
*Bass*
Bass essence!
Interesting that people have always told me to learn "Dave McKenna Bass lines" but I really don't see anything out of the ordinary in this example aside from the fact that it sounds like something an upright player would actually play. The ghosted swung triplet is so crucial and people just don't play their bass lines like that.. Pianists only play the quarter note
As I wrote in the beginning of this video, it's not a transcription or imitation of Dave. I play bass lines differently than Dave....(He's better). Also I do use a grace note or maybe what you're calling a ghost note. It emphasizes the 2 and 4, so I think it swings harder.
Was he related to Terrence McKenna?
Now there's someone, I've never heard of. But I'll be checking him out, for sure.
First
Congrats!