The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I discuss an easy way to develop your sound by using rhythmic variety in your solos. In this particular episode, you will learn; * How to play 2, 3, and 4 note phrases * How to create rhythmic variety using short phrases * How to use chord tones to build harmonic clarity Items mentioned in this podcast; Blue Mitchell’s solo on “I’ll Close My Eyes” [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/blue-mitchells-solo-on-ill-close-my-eyes/] [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ill-Close-My-Eyes.jpg]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/blue-mitchells-solo-on-ill-close-my-eyes/Parts 1 and 2 from this Basic Improv series [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JLTP-054-Jazz-Improv-Basics-Scales1-1.png]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/jltp-054-the-jazz-improv-workshop-mastering-the-basics-scales/ [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JLTP-056-mastering-jazz-improv-beginners-guide-part-two-.png]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/jltp-056-mastering-jazz-improv-basics-beginners-guide-part-2/ Louis Armstrong’s version of Dinah on YouTube, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhVdLd43bDI]where he uses a two-note “theme” to develop an entire solo; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhVdLd43bDI My Descending Dominant 7 chord play-along track on YouTube; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH7SjaYlOUg] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH7SjaYlOUg

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I review the importance of the ii V I chord progression, how to apply scales to that progression, and an easy ii V I lick in all 12 keys. Stick around until the end of the podcast, grab your horn, and let’s trade 4’s in the Key of C! In this particular episode, you will learn; * The notes in a ii V I chord progression in C Major and the scales that go with the chords * Dorian and Mixolydian modes in C * An easy “short” ii V I lick in C * What a digital pattern is An easy ii V I lick in all 12 keys [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ii-V7-I-Lick-3-short-12.pdf][https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ii-V7-I-Lick-3-short-12.jpg]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ii-V7-I-Lick-3-short-12.pdf   Patreon; https://www.patreon.com/JeffLewisTrumpet Website; https://www.JeffLewisTrumpet.com Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/JeffLewisTrumpet/ Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jefflewis6519/ Podcast on iTunes; https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-lewis-trumpet-podcast/id1333984769?mt=2&at=1000lHQ6

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to improvise over the jazz classic “Blue Bossa” for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. In this episode you will learn; * Three different levels of improvisation from beginning to advanced * Which scales to use over all of the chords from easy to difficult * Melodic minor, harmonic minor, diminished, and altered scale harmony DOWNLOAD THE FREE COLOR-CODED PDFS FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS BELOW AND FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE PODCAST. [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Blues-Bossa-Bb.pdf [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1-1.png]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Blue-Bossa-Eb.pdf [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1-2.png]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Blue-Bossa-Concert.pdf [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1-3.png]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Blue-Bossa-Bass.pdf

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I break down the essentials of jazz improvisation starting with the foundation, learning scales. Part 1: The Foundation – Learning Scales To start with jazz improvisation, you must first be comfortable with your scales. Jazz relies heavily on modes, especially the **Major Scale**, **Natural Minor Scale (Aeolian mode)**, and the **Blues Scale**. If you’re just starting, the **C major scale** is a great place to begin, as it has no sharps or flats. Pick up your trumpet and play the C major scale. Here’s the pattern:  **C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C** Be sure to practice independently with the backing tracks I have provided for all my podcast listeners. Here are all the scales used in this podcast [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Jazz-Improv-Basics-scales.png] C Major play-along https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/C-Major-Play-Along.wav [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/C-Major-Play-Along.wav] Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to the **C minor scale**: **C, D, E-flat, F, G, A-flat, B-flat, C** This is an E flat, major scale starting from C, otherwise known as the C natural minor scale or the Aeolian mode. Now practice improvising in C minor. C minor play-along https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/C-Minor-Play-Along.wav [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/C-Minor-Play-Along.wav] Now let’s trade fours in the key of C Minor And finally, try the **C blues scale**, which is very important in jazz: – **C, E-flat, F, G-flat, G, B-flat, C** Practice improvising only using the blues scale over this 12-bar blues. 12-bar blues in C https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blues-Simple.wav [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blues-Simple.wav]   These scales provide the groundwork for your improvisation, so practice them slowly at first, then increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

In this episode of “The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast”, I review the benefits of a 10-minute practice session. In this particular episode, you will learn; * The benefits of practicing short 10-minute sessions at a time * What and how to practice for 10 minutes * Why resting as much as you play is important Download the free PDF of the “10 Minute Practice Session” here [https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-10-Minute-Practice-Session.jpg];[https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-10-Minute-Practice-Session.jpg]https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-10-Minute-Practice-Session.jpg You can also use my YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKeXa8mAobg] video in your warm-up session for mouthpiece buzzing and free lip buzzing here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKeXa8mAobg]; Trumpet lip and mouthpiece buzzing exercise #1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKeXa8mAobg] Other books mentioned in this podcast that you can use to practice your fundamentals during your 10-minute practice session; * “27 Groups of Exercises” by Earl Irons [https://amzn.to/4fR1qrS] * “Advanced Lip Flexibilities” by Charles Colin [https://amzn.to/3yM9F7L] * “Arbans Complete Method for Trumpet” by John Baptiste Arban [https://amzn.to/3MbBY2D] * “Daily Drills for Trumpet” by Max Schlossberg [https://amzn.to/3WOUDX0] DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a small commission if you click on one of the product links. It will not cost you more money, but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!