Chasing Frets

Jazz iconoclast Miles Okazaki talks about transforming these stick exercises into pick exercises, and how that process can improve technique while inspiring fresh rhythmic and melodic ideas. 

For more information about Miles Okazaki visit http://www.milesokazaki.com

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Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Miles Okazaki has a special relationship with the music of jazz pianist/composer Thelonious Monk. When he decided to record his own collection of Monk compositions, he didn’t merely select a few tunes: He tackled every known piece the composer ever wrote. Miles talks about Work: The Complete Compositions of Thelonious Monk and how he created utterly original interpretations of so many familiar jazz standards.

For more information about Miles Okazaki visit http://www.milesokazaki.com

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Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Eschewing traditional jazz guitar methods, Okazaki employs visual diagrams and melodic permutations. In this episode, he discusses his unusual approach and how it figures into his own improvisations.

For more information about Miles Okazaki visit http://www.milesokazaki.com

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Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Gretchen Menn’s album Abandon All Hope is an ambitious musical visualization of Dante’s Inferno. She discusses the challenges of creating a large-format project of such musical and conceptual and ambition. 

For more information about Gretchen Menn visit http://gretchenmenn.com

SUBSCRIBE to Chasing Frets: https://chasing-frets.captivate.fm/listen

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Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Gretchen plays the Jimmy Page role in Zepparella, one of today’s leading tribute bands. She recounts her deep dive into a single player’s style and how it expanded her own vocabulary. 

Gretchen Menn is a compelling guitarist with an interesting backstory. She’s best known as a flashy electric guitar virtuoso. But she’s also a university-trained classical guitarist with a deep background in theory and composition. Her style fuses both attitudes—Gretchen is one sophisticated shredder!

For more information about Gretchen Menn visit http://gretchenmenn.com

SUBSCRIBE to Chasing Frets: https://chasing-frets.captivate.fm/listen

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Gretchen Menn is a compelling guitarist with an interesting backstory. She’s best known as a flashy electric guitar virtuoso. But she’s also a university-trained classical guitarist with a deep background in theory and composition. Her style fuses both attitudes—Gretchen is one sophisticated shredder!

Gretchen's classical training is evident in all her playing, even when she’s shredding on electric. She discusses how her years of nylon-string playing inform her style.

For more information about Gretchen Menn visit http://gretchenmenn.com

SUBSCRIBE to Chasing Frets: https://chasing-frets.captivate.fm/listen

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Musical breakthroughs abound when you trust your instincts and follow your curiosity. In this episode, Nir details how he approaches his practice sessions and provides tips we can all use for fostering creative growth on guitar. He also reveals why he's played the same Fender Strat for more than two decades.

For more information about Nir Felder visit http://www.nirfelder.com

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Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

The Strat-wielding jazzbo has performed and recorded with many rock and pop artists. In this episode, Nir explains what a jazz player can bring to other genres and offers advice to jazz musicians hoping to make the leap into rock concert halls and arenas. Even seasoned rock players will come away with new insights into the show-to-show dynamics of a touring ensemble.

For more information about Nir Felder visit http://www.nirfelder.com

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Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

In this week's first episode, Nir describes his non-traditional approach to soloing over changes and how he works out phrases on the neck. He accompanies his tutorial with in-depth playing examples, so if you feel frustrated or stymied by scale patterns, this may be exactly what you need to break free from standard fretboard dogma.

For more information about Nir Felder visit http://www.nirfelder.com

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica

Will lives in Brooklyn, but he has a special relationship with the Crescent City. He remembers his conversations with the late Dr. John and discusses his frequent collaborations with drummer Stanton Moore, today’s leading torchbearer for traditional New Orleans rhythm. 

Will Bernard is one of the most fascinating guitarists of the New York City jazz scene. On one hand, he’s a musical intellectual, with an impressive classical music pedigree. On the other hand, he’s a funky groove player with a particular affinity for New Orleans rhythms. 

For more information about Will Bernard visit https://www.willbernard.com

Visit Premier Guitar: http://premierguitar.com

Hit us up: [email protected]

Special thanks to Rode and Audio-Technica