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Roy Hargrove

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“...Every note you play is important! No filler. Respect the rhythm section. If you can't say it in two or three choruses...keep it in the case.”

Higher learning:

By Roy Hargrove

Big Band humility 

From 2009 interview with Ted Panken. Click here for full interview. 

Ted Panken: "Playing in big bands was a rite of passage for many of the older musicians who were your heroes, who came up before 1955-1960."  

Roy Hargrove: "That’s why I think the music needs this. It creates some kind of humility. It’s very needed. Excuse me, but a lot of times, especially now, when I got to the jam sessions, people are so ego! I’ll give you an example. We’ll play an F-blues, and everybody with an instrument will get up and play, and it goes on for three hours. Each musician will play 100 choruses. There’s no humility there. Big bands, large ensembles create an environment where you don’t have to play for two hours and stretch out. Everybody can’t be John Coltrane! Sometimes you can just play half a chorus. Charlie Parker will play a half chorus and blow your mind! There’s something to be said about being able to trim it down—say less but have it have more meaning."

05/09/2022

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Dress code 

“Musicians should always look their best when performing. It shows respect. Also, professionalism. You never know who’s watching.”

- Roy Hargrove

04/25/2022

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Jam session  

“We would have better rhythm section players during jam sessions if horn owners were a bit more courteous. No more than three per song and fewer choruses. This will give the congregation room to breathe and thrive with positive energy.”

- Roy Hargrove

01/24/2022

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Knowing songs 

"Knowing songs helps us to understand the fabric of the music both melodically and lyrically. If you know the words you can interpret the feeling or mood of the song. Knowing melodies extends your improvisational tools from academic to memorable."

- Roy Hargrove

11/11/2021

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Playlist VI 

Jackie McLean - Jacknife

Blue Mitchell - Blue's moods

Charlie Parker - Bird with strings

Charlie Rouse - Unsung hero

Clifford Jordan - Glass bead games

09/13/2021

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Playlist V 

Midnight star - No parking on the dance floor

Parliament - Trombipulation

LTD - Devotion

Prince - For you

Run DMC - Raising hell

09/13/2021

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Rhythm and melody 

"Rhythm and melody! Everybody understands that. There is always that phrase that sticks in your head. Or that beat that makes you dance." - Roy Hargrove

06/22/2021

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Composing 

"I was told by an elder: Composing is important. This is how you find your identity in music." - Roy Hargrove

05/31/2021

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Playlist IV 

Clifford Jordan - Mosaic 

Kenny Dorham - Live at the Cafe Bohemia

Eric Dolphy - Out to lunch!

Art Blakey - Soul finger

Duke Pearson - Honeybuns

04/02/2021

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Words of wisdom 

"If it’s not swinging then what’s the point?"

01/11/2021

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