Hello all aspiring jazz players:

Check out www.playlikeme.com

I have purchased two of their DVDs and really like the approach. It's a great product for a very, very reasonable price.

Bob

Which DVD's did you get?

Is each DVD bascially just instructions on learning that one song?

yes, which dvd's.....I'd consider I've got Rhythm or summertime...I gather it helps to know your dominant/diminished 7th chords really well

I might consider giving this a try ?
Any other info on these dvd's

The first DVD I bought is for one song - Manha de Carnaval (theme from "Black Orpheus"). The second one is a Holiday Collection which includes 4 songs (2 DVDs).

The idea is not just to learn the songs, but to learn the jazz chords and ways of voicing them together with the melody.

If you don't know your chords really well, the DVD will teach you.

I'm still working on Level 1 (out of 3) of the Carnevale DVD. It's a great learning tool for a beginning jazz player.

Bob

I like the idea of playing open chords. I have Sudnow, but his process felt very cumbersome to me; however, it really seems to work for many people. I'm wondering how Playlikeme might differ.

Does your piano have to be right next to the DVD player, like a play-along, or can you get away with watching a segment and then going to the piano in a different room?

It's helpful to have the DVD player in the same room as the piano. If you have a laptop computer with a DVD drive, you can plunk that down on the piano.

But if that's not your situation, it's still OK since the program does one measure at a time, and keeps repeating that measure until you stop it. So you watch the measure 4 or 5X, take some notes, and then go into the piano room.

I really think this is worth a try. I'm learning a lot and having fun. I'm not a big fan of the songs on the Holiday DVD, but I bought it anyway because there's lots to learn.

Bob

I see you can buy the Chord Tutorial separately, and that it's also included when you order the songs. Can you apply the Tutorial immediately to any sheet music/fake book, or is there a specific benefit to using it, at least initially, in conjunction with one of the Playlikeme songs?

So many questions...

Sorry for the late reply - I just saw your message.

It's been a while since I looked at the Chord tutorial. I think it has independent value, but it is easier to learn the principles when used in conjunction with a DVD. And it's free when you purchase a DVD.

Bob