IOTL S3-E3: The Theme Dream Machine

IOTL S3-E3: The Theme Dream Machine

Musical themes seem to emerge from the sonic abyss almost by their own volition. But where do they come from? Are they elusive attempts to describe the moment? State of musical mind? Emotion translated into sound? Or are they just, as I discussed in the previous...
IOTL S3-E1: Theme is the Theme

IOTL S3-E1: Theme is the Theme

Summary: After an extended layoff, I’ve decided to get back to Improvisations On the Ledge by sticking to the theme—literally. The entire season—including this episode—is devoted to musical theme: how we create, perceive it, and make music out of it. Show Notes...
IOTL S2-E8: Rearview Mirror

IOTL S2-E8: Rearview Mirror

Remember the Theme Using jazz educator David Bloom’s metaphor, musicians need to look in the rearview mirror and remember the theme if they wish to move forward. But when you look back, you are not just remembering what you played at the beginning of an...
IOTL S2-E7: Planned Chance

IOTL S2-E7: Planned Chance

Planned Chance My intent was to dive into Part 2 of my “End of Melody Episode,“ but by planned chance, I rolled the dice and came up with something completely different. Unplanned, but fated to be this way? Possibly. Almost all improvisation is built upon a kind of...