Posts by Richard Kahn

If you’ve been following this series, you know the philosophy behind the music. You understand the architecture of the repertoire, and you know that jazz is, at its core, a conversation. But when you finally step onto the bandstand and the rhythm section looks at you for direction, theory takes a backseat to instinct. You…

Jazz standards didn’t emerge in isolation—they were built and transformed across generations. The Original Composers (The Architects) These songwriters created the foundation: They wrote songs for Broadway and film—but jazz gave them new life. Jazz Composers Some standards came directly from jazz artists: These works were designed specifically for improvisation. The Great Interpreters These artists…

Playing a jazz standard isn’t about performing a song—it’s about navigating a framework. Step 1: Internalization (“The Head”) Before improvising: Many musicians learn by ear before reading any sheet music. Step 2: Harmonic Analysis Understand the structure: This creates a mental map of the tune. Step 3: Improvisation Strategies Common approaches include: Step 4: Performance…

If you’re new to jazz, where do you start? With the standards. Must-Know Tunes for Beginners Why These Tunes Matter These songs appear everywhere: They’re the shared repertoire that connects musicians globally. Expanding the List As you grow, your repertoire expands to include: The Goal You don’t just memorize these tunes—you internalize them. Eventually, hearing…

Why do musicians still play songs written 50–100 years ago? Because in jazz, standards aren’t “oldies”—they’re blueprints. The Perfect Harmonic Lab Standards from the Great American Songbook are harmonic masterpieces. Learning “Autumn Leaves” teaches concepts you’ll use everywhere. A Universal Handshake Jazz is a conversation. At a jam session, musicians don’t rehearse—they communicate: “All the…

Have you ever walked into a jazz club and watched a group of musicians—who have clearly never met—get on stage, exchange a few brief words, and then launch into a flawless, complex musical performance? To the uninitiated, it looks like magic. But to a jazz musician, it’s simply the power of the jazz “standard.” Jazz…