The link below is to a live recording of the K-Sharp Quartet performing "Killer Joe". The recorder is the Tascam DR1 or DR7. The Piano is the Kawai ES6 through a Motion Sound KB 500. Any comments are appreciated.


http://soundcloud.com/johnf-1/sets/k-sharp-quartet

Thank you emenelton.

I'm downloading the clip now and will listen to it later (no headphones/speakers here).


Cheers,
James
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The down-loadable file is a 48/24/.wav ~ 14-minute = 230mbs'

The song does not have to be down-loaded at all to listen to it. I posted the 48/24 file to get the best quality play back. The Soundcloud site actually posts for streaming play-back a 128 mp3, and gives the option to download the original.

emenelton, that's a really nice, clean recording - the ES6 cuts through the mix reasonably well too.

If I may be brutally honest, I felt that your playing sounded a little restrained, as if you were holding back a little. What key is the piece in?

Cheers,
James
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Mr. James,

Thank-you for the comment. The piece is in C7 to B7. I have been trying to learn how to solo, so I do appreciate your taking the time to put it so well!

Actually the original changes of Killer Joe are C7 to Bb7 on the first two "A" sections as well as the last "A".

Your Kawai sounds good through the MS 500. I have the Motion Sound KP-200, the newer one definitely sounds better for a DP.

emenelton, I honestly don't know if it's possible to 'learn' how to solo. I mean, certainly one can study all the theory, practising scales and key modulations, however when it comes down to it, I truly believe you've simply got to 'feel' it.

Failing that, just listen to your favourite jazz pianists and pick out a few riffs that you like - that's what I used to do. Not to the extent that you're shamelessly copying entire phrases, but just the opening few notes to a solo to get the juices flowing!

Hmm...I guess I ought to practise a little too, before giving other folks advice, huh? It's not as if I'm about to give Joe Sample a run for his money any time soon!

Anyway, keep it up!

Cheers,
James
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Thank-you both for your comments.
I owned the KP200 before the 500, and there really is no comparison. What I like about the Kawai sound too, is that it has a good internal structure to it's tone that's evident in the recording.
As far as my soloing is concerned, I tried to get a simple bluesy swing feel to my lines. I know they are fairly simple, I used mostly the major pentatonic with the added minor 3rd. I hope Mr. James was using the phrase "failing that" in a more pedagogical rather than a descriptive way!

emenelton, by 'failing that' I meant 'if that does not work' - i.e. if you are unable to 'feel' the groove naturally, you can try to listening to your favourite pianists and allow their work to 'rub off' on your own playing.

Cheers,
James
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Thank you Mr. James for the clarification.
When you predicated your first comment by asking if you may "be brutally honest", I was expecting something a-lot worse than the "little restrained" comment. I actually thought I could take that as a compliment.
I am happy you listened to the track and offered your comments. I thought you would like to hear a recording of the ES6.
The ES6 was set to:
#3 - full range speakers
Heavy 1 - Touch
Normal Voicing

You're most welcome emenelton - keep up with the impro!



Interesting - another Kawai DP owner who prefers the 'Heavy' touch setting.

Cheers,
James
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