Guitar DVD & Video Jazz Reviews
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Listen to a fireside chat from George Benson, or get the "No Nonsense" talk from Jimmy Bruno. There are some great jazz guitar videos to help anyone on a quest to play jazz. Enjoy! John Chamley Netflix - Only $4.99 a month. Over
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DVD Title & Amazon.com link. |
Review Date |
Review |
Other products from featured artist(s) |
Legends
of Jazz Guitar: Vol 1 |
Sep 07 | Here is great footage of jazz guitar legends playing in their own unique ways. Wes Montgomery displays his "magic thumb" technique along with his patented octave style. Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis show their flair for "pick" playing both in seperate clips and together, while Joe Pass play fingers and thumb. You get some closeup views of the players and can enjoy the interaction between the other band musicians in this DVD compilation. There is a bonus section of Wes playing Belgium in 1965. The DVD contains only footage but no other information. That's not a problem because there is a lot you can find on the internet for those interested. This is time-well-spent viewing. | Best
of Wes Montgomery: Guitar (signature licks) (book w/CD) Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery Herb Ellis Jazz Guitar Method Ellis in Wonderland |
| Joe
Pass: Blues Side of Jazz |
Sep 07 | I like this instruction DVD from jazz great, Joe Pass, based around the 12 bar blues progression. Pass starts with the basic 12 bar then adds substitutions explaining as he goes. Things move along quickly but you can stop and start the DVD to catch up. Part of Joe's philosophy can be summed up in a couple of "one liners" that he gives during the video: "Never play anything if it's hard." "Don't play anything with four fingers if your can play it with two." We are fortunate to have Joe's instruction recorded and accessible like this and there is a good amount of information here. You need to have some experience to gain from this DVD, but if you are a competent rhythm player and know 12 bar cycle, this DVD can help take your playing up a notch or two with practice. | Joe
Pass: Chops - CD |
| Frank
Gambale: Monster Licks & Speed Picking |
Mar 07 | Some reviewers say, " too much showing off," but I disagree. Frank IS a showman, but he also has a very clear manner of explaining his sweep picking technique. You cannot deny, he is a master of his instrument and validates what he teaches through demonstration. I rented this but assume that the bought version has a printed booklet with scale diagrams that Frank uses. I had no trouble picking up the fingering from the DVD because the examples are played nice and slow. However, a booklet would be advantageous. You will need a LOT of practice to get up to Frank's speed but if you are determined you can do it! | Frank
Gambale Technique Book I |
| Joe
Pass: Solo Jazz Guitar |
April 07 | Joe begins by explains ways to play chord substitutions around the common 1, 6, 2, 5 progression. For example, playing a common tone or a chromatic line in every chord, or using melodic bass lines. As Joe says, "always have a melody in mind." This DVD is a great source of ideas to add style to your playing and he also shows a better way of practicing scales. The DVD has a section for playing at half speed and is nicely diagrammed throughout with a seperate chord section. That makes this material easily learned by anyone willing to put in the time. This DVD is excellent and currently my favorite in this catagory. | Joe
Pass: Virtuoso (Remastered) |
| Feb 07 |
This one is a "keeper" for anyone learning jazz guitar. If that's you, just buy it! You will not be dissappointed. You'll also get the accompanying text that Bruno refere to that doesn't come with the Netfix dvd. Jimmy Bruno is not only a guitarist's guitarist, but a great teacher. He breaks down the mystery of modes, recognizing that all you need to learn are the fingering for major scales that the other scales are derived from. Once you know those and the arpeggios of the chords within them, you can introduce some of the other five notes into your playing to make it more interesting. He explains his simplified way of looking at chords too. I didn't have chance to go through the whole video yet where he explains his sweeping technique but I'm looking forward to being able to. The slow motion works well and you can loop each lesson. Excellent! |
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| Feb 07 |
This is not for beginners. It's a fireside chat with George in his home playing a classical and an acoustic guitar. The is great for the jazz guitar enthusiast to gain insite into the creative style of George Benson direct from the man himself. I plan to watch this again when I have time. |
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| Feb 07 |
Johnson explains and demonstrates important points of his playing style and admits that he is still learning. Not for beginners, but even if you are, watch it anyway. Johnson's playing is very lyrical and creative Watching this DVD can show you concepts behind his playing and the possibilities. The explanations of what he is doing are not enough, but if you really want to know and are a dedicated guitar student you can find out. Slow motion clips are there so that you can try to copy his playing. |
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