In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to practice ii-V7-I Licks. In this particular episode, you will learn; What a ii-V7-I lick is Why they are important How to practice ii-V7-I licks An easy ii-V7-I lick to play in all 12 keys Download the Easy ii-V7-I Lick here; My favorite ii-V7-I books for practicing licks in all 12 keys; Jamey Aebersold, Volume 3, The ii-V7-I Chord Progression Melodic Shapes for the Modern Improvisor Hip Licks for Trumpet by Greg Fishman DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the produ ..read more

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to improvise on the Henry Mancini classic “Pink Panther”. This is the solo section only.  It can be found in the second trumpet part in the Big Band composition and arrangement by Henry Mancini.  Be sure to stick around to the end, grab your horn, and let’s trade 2 and 4-measure phrases. Download the companion PDF “cheat sheet”  with the color-coded scales and chords here; “Pink Panther” color-coded PDF YouTube play-along/backing track for “Pink Panther” I use the Jo-Ral copper bubble Harmon mute for this recording ..read more

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about my thoughts on the jaw position when playing the trumpet and how the Cat Anderson “whisper G” may help with jaw awareness, endurance, range, and overall sound.  In this particular episode, you will learn; The importance of jaw position when playing the trumpet and how it affects range and sound. My take on the Cat Anderson whisper G. An example of me playing the whisper G. Common problems when trying to play the whisper G when first starting out. How practicing the whisper G may increase jaw awareness, embouchure placement ..read more

In this episode of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about my embouchure change journey, the resources I used, and a few tips on how to physically and mentally prepare yourself for what to expect. In this episode you will learn; The difference between an embouchure change and an embouchure adjustment How to mentally prepare for a change Resources to help you unlock the key to your best embouchure Items mentioned in this podcast; “The Art of Brass Playing” by Phillip Farkas The Encyclopedia of the Pivot System by Dr. Donald Reinhardt The Pivot System by Donald Reinhardt The Balanced Emb ..read more

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over an easy way to improvise over the Miles Davis jazz classic “Four”. Items mentioned in this podcast (click the descriptions for access); “Major Scale Patterns for Jazz Improvisation” (Free version in C only) “Major Scale Patterns for Jazz Improvisation” (In all 12 keys) My jazz play-along/backing track for “Four” on YouTube In this particular episode, you will learn; The form The key centers An easy way to navigate the chord changes Which 4 major scales to use for improvising over the tune           ..read more

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over what to practice and how long to practice each topic in order to improve your improvisational skills. In this episode, you will learn; What types of scales to practice for maximum improvement. 4 things to practice to improve your improvisational skills. Multiple jazz resources. Items mentioned in this podcast; Jamey Aebersold Volume 3 The ii V I progression Melodic Shapes for The Modern Improviser The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine Items mentioned in this podcast from my website; Jazz Trumpet transcriptions Jazz Licks in 12 Key ..read more

In this episode of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over the “Kansas City” blues scale, how to use it, and how it differs from the regular blues scale. The Blues Shuffle in Bb Concert play-along used in this podcast is available on YouTube here. In this particular episode, you will learn; What a Kansas City Blues scale is 10 short phrases, or “licks”, you can play over a blues How the Kansas City differs from the “regular” blues scale Listen till the end, then grab your horn and play along using all of these “riffs” to create your own melodies.  Use the two blue scales and 10 “licks ..read more

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over different ways of adjusting your embouchure for maximum sound and efficiency, how to be your own best trumpet teacher and a list of suggested books for embouchure development. In this podcast you will learn; Different ways to adjust your embouchure for better sound and efficiency through self-analysis and micro-adjusting List of potentially helpful books, methods,  and systems for improving range, endurance, and sound. Links and suggested books mentioned in this podcast; “The Balanced Embouchure by Jeff Smiley” trumpetteacher ..read more

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about how using major scale modes to improvise can be an easy way to navigate through many different chord types. In this episode you will learn; What the seven major scale modes are An easy way to remember all seven modes How to apply the major scale modes to multiple types of chords Why using modes to improvise is an easy way to start “playing the changes” like a pro Items mentioned in this podcast; “The Jazz Theory Book” by Mark Levine (the best jazz theory book in my opinion) Use my YouTube backing track for all 12 minor seven ch ..read more

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over Chet Baker’s jazz lick on his rendition of “I’ll Remember April”. Download the free PDF of Chet Baker’s jazz lick in all 12 keys here In this particular episode, you will learn; How to swing like Chet Baker How to analyze this solo How to approach practicing jazz licks in all 12 keys Why this solo sounds so great I use software called “Transcribe” (not free) on my laptop and “Anytune” (free version) on my iPhone to transcribe solos and tunes.   ..read more