Product Description
by Lynn Baker (Author)
The Shape Method for Jazz Improvisation offers a unique approach to learning improvisation. By focusing on the underlying concepts of rhythmic and melodic shape it offers students a framework to unlock the secrets of the phrasing of master improvisers. This approach liberates the learner from scale/chord relationships and "lick" playing and enables them to create their individual jazz voice within the tradition. Each chapter includes a discussion of a rhythmic and pitch-based melodic shape concept, examples of these concepts from master improvisers, suggested listening relevant to the concepts, and composition and performance exercises.
Author Biography
Lynn is an active performer and clinician, performing on Soprano and Tenor Saxophones, and Percussion in Lynn Baker Quartet, the free-improvisation trio Rhythmic_Void, performing with and directing the Rocky Mountain Jazz Repertoire Orchestra. His clinician appearances at colleges, universities, high schools, and festivals have taken him across North American and to Asia. He is a Origin Records recording artist and his debut release Azure Intention, was released September 2010 and appears on many "Best Jazz CD" of 2010 lists. His recent release, LectroCoustic, is an anthology of compositions inspired by African-American dance grooves Lynn Baker is also the Director of the Jazz Studies and Commercial Music Program at the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver, where he directs the Lamont Jazz Orchestra, coaches combos, and teaches Jazz Improvisation and Composition, Jazz History, and Jazz Techniques classes. Lynn holds degrees from the University of Oregon and Western Oregon University and has also studied at Mt Hood Community College with Larry McVeigh and at Indiana University with David Baker, Dominic Spera and Eugene Robinson. Before coming to Denver in 1993 Lynn taught at Indiana University and before that Carleton College, and universities in Oregon. Lynn is an award-winning composer, performer, and educator winning the 1987 Westside Composer Award (Minneapolis, MN), the 1995 COVisions Award for Jazz Composition, the 1980 Ruth Loraine Close award in performance (University of Oregon), and the 2005 Downbeat Magazine award for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz Education - College Level and students and ensembles from Lamont are frequent Downbeat Student Music Award winners.
