Many jazz musicians believe that playing a great solo is a matter of playing melodies that fit over the chords. They learn chordal scales, standard “licks” that fit over them, pentatonics, arpeggios, patterns, etc–and believe that doing this as virtuosically as possible will lead to a … [Read more...] about How to Play a Great Jazz Solo
Jon Burr’s Blog
Jon Burr Quintet doing direct licensing via NFT
We're up on Open Sea with 4 Jon Burr originals available for licensing via NFT. One flat rate grants an unlimited, non-exclusive right for use in media in perpetuity. The bundle is priced at 4 Ethereum (ETH), and individual tracks at 1 ETH each. Collection (all … [Read more...] about Jon Burr Quintet doing direct licensing via NFT
Losing Gut Fat over 65
Some foods trigger the loss of belly fat - also known as visceral fat. The “last 5 pounds” frustrate the hell out of most people, and most people over 65 have given up hope on eliminating it. Despite research claiming there’s a “set point” and reversion to failure is inevitable, I’ve proven to … [Read more...] about Losing Gut Fat over 65
Little Infinities All Around
When I was a little kid, “infinity” meant something really big or really far. It was something “out there,” unreachable and abstract. My head would hurt trying to contemplate it. “So what’s beyond that?” After awhile, I didn’t bother to contemplate it. Beyond my understanding, it became a waste of … [Read more...] about Little Infinities All Around
Strength and Character
Back in 1983 or ’84 I was on a gig with Tony Bennett at Harrah’s in Reno, a double bill with Nancy Wilson and her wonderful band with MD Michael Wolff, John B Williams and Roy McCurdy. (I had played some brunches at Fat Tuesday’s with Michael, so I knew him prior to this gig.) Also on that gig with … [Read more...] about Strength and Character
The True Meaning of Christmas
Driven by the Solstice This year in New York City, the earliest sunset arrived on December 3rd, at 4:28 PM, remaining at that time through December 12th. At the perigee (lowest orbit point) of the sun’s journey through our skies, the slope of decline flattened out during November, leaving the time of … [Read more...] about The True Meaning of Christmas
Video – Beyond the Sunrise
“Beyond The Sunrise,” an original composition by Jon Burr, is a ballad written for jazz Tentet featuring piano, woodwinds, and muted brass, orchestrated in Finale, mixed in Logic Pro X with the Garritan Jazz and Big Band library via the Aria Player, set up and mixed as a Multi. Effects include … [Read more...] about Video – Beyond the Sunrise
Peel Garlic Fast – Video
Fresh garlic is great, but peeling it can take forever - but not any more! Try this simple hack. Video shot by Koko Burr... :) https://youtu.be/cYdd_qc2o14 … [Read more...] about Peel Garlic Fast – Video
Reviews of Jon Burr’s Playing
Performance reviews: "Newcomer Jon Burr...is a technical master, for whom `In a Sentimental Mood' and `Blue Monk' were perfect frameworks."—Leonard Feather, Los Angeles Times "Burr erected solid foundations and filled his accompaniment with clever embellishments as well. His unaccompanied `Makin' … [Read more...] about Reviews of Jon Burr’s Playing
Little Muscles Causing Big Problems
There are so many essential little muscles hidden away controlling our posture and defining our self-concept, we’re usually not aware of them until something goes wrong. Creatures of Habit Every body has different habits, strengths and weaknesses, and different histories of fitness and muscle tone. … [Read more...] about Little Muscles Causing Big Problems
Learn to Run | Improve Metabolism
Dieting is a Mistake ! “Losing weight” is an unhealthy goal to pursue. Using a weight scale as your measure of progress usually leads to muscle loss with fat loss, causing serious damage to your metabolism. Metabolism has to be healthy to maintain healthy weight, and adequate muscle mass is crucial. … [Read more...] about Learn to Run | Improve Metabolism