Swingin' on Melodica

[jazzman1945]

Yes, the rhythmic "tricks" on melodica in end of recording prove that the drummer plays.This just proves the benefit of this instrument to develop good rhythm.
By the way, when You play melodica, You don't have to leave the drum kit, for example with one hand playing on melodica, the other - on the h.h.
Here on the forum there is a huge amount of valuable information about improvisation questions : not only rhythm, but also about harmony, building melodic lines, strategies for successful improvisation.Especially pay attention to
suggestions for horn players. You can also look here: http://jazzadvice.com/ Highly recommended!

[Kevin Murray]

Originally Posted by jazzman1945

By the way, when You play melodica, You don't have to leave the drum kit, for example with one hand playing on melodica, the other - on the h.h.

This is a great point. I have actually done an arrangement of "St. Thomas" where I played the head on melodica, on top of the floor tom, and then played the original Max Roach drum solo. It worked quite well, and the people who saw the performance loved it.

A small, lightweight instrument has infinite possibilities.

[jazzman1945]

Very good, Kevin! You can divide your solos between the drums and melodica into 4- 4 or 8 - 8 bars. For example, try to present melodically the 4 bars of drums solo and play it on melodica as follows:

original - http://www.charlieheim.com/documents/joy%20spring.pdf

rearranging for melodica- http://freejazzinstitute.com/showpos...30_jazzman1945

As for the instrument itself - is beyond doubt that its potential has not been exhausted at all, and that's what I discovered (and much more than that described on the website Melodicas) is only part of potential. Only serious attitude to melodica allow that this potential will be realized!

[Kevin Murray]

Originally Posted by jazzman1945

Only serious attitude to melodica allow that this potential will be realized!

All great points, but this one stood out the most to me. Like anything in life, a lot of people take the melodica as a joke, which is an extreme shame. It can be used for just as much as a trumpet, for example. And being serious towards anything gets you instantly ahead.

Great point.

[jazzman1945]

The main advantage of melodica for learning jazz: the ability to solve relative ease chronic problems of rhythm and swing feel not only for children but also for adults.
After 43 years of teaching jazz and research melodica can be stated quite seriously: the fact that melodica not introduced methodically into existing jazz institutions in different countries, can not be called anything other than absurd!

[jazzman1945]

Maybe this clip will bring to someone some thoughts(besides the fact that the instrument should be tuned ) ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLYt2Yn6s-M

To see the translation, click Annotations.

[jazzman1945]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ADch...eature=related

Group nailing with a microscope?

[Kevin Murray]

Originally Posted by jazzman1945

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ADch...eature=related

Group nailing with a microscope?

This is great, to see how kids can use the instrument to learn and to appreciate music in general. Great job, Japan.

[Mike A]

Melodica at 1:44 ...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BE52oSiYKo

[jazzman1945]

Originally Posted by Mike A

Melodica at 1:44 ...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BE52oSiYKo

Highly talented guy! I personally prefer on melodica style of soprano sax , not
accordion ...

[Kevin Murray]

Originally Posted by jazzman1945

Highly talented guy! I personally prefer on melodica style of soprano sax , not
accordion ...

I agree with Soprano Sax over Accordion, but even so, the melodica is very unique – it should not be dumped in a group with more "common" instruments, or any other group for that matter. It is extremely individual, and has its own sound, which needs to be respected. Soprano over Accordion yes, but again, it the melodica should not be used as a substitute for something else.

[jazzman1945]

You're right, Kevin - melodica as a new instrument didn't get his repertoire, and in 52 years of existence, has not formed the original concept for it . Therefore, each performer pulls her aside of a traditional musical instrument.