I'm about to reveal the most obvious yet probably most ignored jazz improvisation secret to "successful" jazz improvisation. What do I mean by successful? When you are able to sound like a pro jazz soloist, in that you are building your solo phrase upon phrase to a climax, using an assortment of articulations, intervals, and ideas. In short sounding like, well-- a true jazz musician. Not that you have to have the technique of a Charlie Parker or Wynton Marsalis, or the gorgeous sound of Clifford Brown. Not only is it OK to use what you've got and still sound like a pro, that's the whole point!

When I first started practicing jazz improvisation with Jamey Aebersold play along jazz Cd's many years ago, I would pick my favorite CD (or "LP vinyl record" in those days- for those that don't know what an "LP" is- Google it!). I would begin playing what I thought for the most part were very "tasty" licks and continue playing along with the tune and then go on to the next tune and so on until I was completely tuckered out. One day for some reason I thought I would slap a "cassette" in the tape recorder and record myself whilst playing my "tasty" jazz improvisations. I was in for quite a shock when on play back back I discovered I pretty much sucked! What had happened to the "tasty" stuff? Well, after many painful (yet necessary) playings I discovered in fact that the tasty stuff was still there-- but most of it was bracketed by a lot of random notes at best and noisy crap at worst! So there you have it revealed: one of the greatest "secrets" to the results we are looking for when it comes to jazz improvisation is this simple: musician--record thyself! If you are serious about improving (if you've read this far, you are!) then sooner or later you will come to the same conclusion.

Now there are several methods for accomplishing this that ranges from the mundane to the sophisticated. It really matters little the recording technique you use as long as it's done!

1.) Probably the most mundane yet most economical method would be the "cassette" style analog tape recorder. Records using an external mic and use the "line out" feature to hook up to some decent speakers or use headphones for playback listening. Today's versions are 4 track and are available for under $100.

2.) The next upgrade would be a digital recording unit. These usually come as "8 track" versions and many sell for under $300. For the "gadget" guy/girl there are some very cool battery powered units about the size of an iPod that provide excellent sound quality while on the "go."

3.) Outside of a professional recording studio, the most sophisticated recording technique practical for in home use is a "DAW" (digital audio workstation). These come in a "stand alone" versions (no computer required) or computer based. A few of the most common computer based "DAWS" are Pro tools (Digidesign), Cubase (Steinberg), Logic (Apple) and it's "kid brother" Garage Band--installed on all the latest Macs.

Unless you are going to be pulling out all the stops by using multiple (overdubs), loops, midi, recording more than one instrument at once and things even more exotic-- then category 1 will suit your needs just fine. I happen to have a home computer based studio. I use mainly Protools (M-powered) or Garage Band on my iMac. There are some really cool things that I can do with my setup: for example I can import jazz midi files that I can get for free on the internet or import my favorite Jamey Aebersold tunes into my computer DAW as a stereo track. Then I can play along while recording a "take". I can then record another" take" on a separate track and do this as many times as I want. Then I can listen and pick the solo version I liked the best as a "keeper". Or, I can isolate the best "licks" and phrases and "Frankenstein" them into one terrific solo using cut and paste methods similar to that of a word processor!

So the bottom line is this: if you aspire to improve your jazz improvisation, then consistently recording and listening back to yourself (no matter how awful!) is not an option. Then keep comparing your efforts to that of your favorite jazz great - don't beat yourself up, remember if you can sound even half as good as they do you'll be doing just fine! Stayed tuned for Part 3. Here's to your great playing...Marty.

Marty Lehr is a music educator and performer. Marty believes that starting a study of (jazz) improvisation in combination with "traditional" studies at an early stage in your music career will greatly enhance your abilities over time. One of the best sources for jazz improvisation study is Jamey Aebersold Jazz. For more information visit Jamey Aebersold Jazz Review:

Jamey Aebersold Jazz Review

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