ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Reuben

About Reuben

Reuben is a freelance jazz multi-instrumentalist. Having initially trained in classical piano and cello, he moved to London 10 years ago to study jazz, and now performs regularly around the country in a host of bands, including funk band John Motors.

The Origins of Jazz – The Birth of America’s Music

2025-03-17T10:35:38+00:00

Jazz, often hailed as "America’s music," is one of the most influential and distinctive genres of music to emerge in the 20th century. Known for its unique rhythms, improvisational style, and blending of various musical traditions, jazz has evolved into a global phenomenon. Its roots, however, are deeply embedded in the cultural, social, and musical landscapes of late 19th and early 20th-century America. Understanding the origins of jazz requires a look at the interplay of African rhythms, European musical traditions, and the socio-political context of the time. African Musical Traditions The foundations of jazz can be traced back to the African [...]

The Origins of Jazz – The Birth of America’s Music2025-03-17T10:35:38+00:00

The Best Jazz Piano Albums of All Time

2025-02-13T11:00:07+00:00

In the world of jazz, the piano stands as the most versatile instrument, and a key figure in the continuing evolution of the genre. Throughout the history of jazz, the piano has been employed both as a rhythm section member, and as the focal instrument, either in an ensemble or solo setting. As a result, there have been countless albums released in the last 100 years that have explored the piano as a lead instrument, giving aspiring pianists a wealth of material to take inspiration from. Here I will outline the qualities of what I think are the most inspiring and [...]

The Best Jazz Piano Albums of All Time2025-02-13T11:00:07+00:00

Preparing for a Live Gig as a Jazz Pianist

2025-01-17T15:45:13+00:00

Gigs are the source of the most thrill in what we do as musicians. Playing an intimate gig to a small room of people, or a pounding set on a festival stage, can provide lasting memories for us. For jazz pianists, the former is usually the case, but this can come with its own challenges. In this article I’m going to outline some of the things you should be ready for on a live gig, and how to prepare for them. Live gigs can have you playing in numerous line-ups, all of which require different preparation. You may be playing a [...]

Preparing for a Live Gig as a Jazz Pianist2025-01-17T15:45:13+00:00

Playing Piano in a Jazz Band: A Beginner’s Guide

2024-11-13T09:10:12+00:00

Learning jazz piano is a process that takes hundreds of hours of practise. Gaining an affinity with all of the necessary chords, scales, language and tunes can have you marinating in a practise room for a long time before you start feeling like you are playing fluently in your own style. However, there have been countless musicians who have become adept at jamming to backing tracks, or playing solo in a way that they are satisfied with, who have found themselves lost when they reach the bandstand. In reality, no matter how many hours you put into honing your craft alone, [...]

Playing Piano in a Jazz Band: A Beginner’s Guide2024-11-13T09:10:12+00:00

Piano Superpowers: How Playing the Piano Can Boost Your Creativity and Focus

2024-10-12T11:49:38+01:00

The piano, one of the most versatile musical instruments, offers numerous benefits to those who take the time to learn and play it.While most people recognise its ability to develop musical talent and provide emotional expression, playing the piano also nurtures important cognitive functions. In particular, it significantly enhances creativity and focus.These mental faculties are essential for problem-solving, productivity, and emotional well-being, making piano playing not only an artistic endeavour but also a powerful tool for personal and intellectual growth.Stimulating Creativity Through Musical ExplorationOne of the most direct ways that playing the piano enhances creativity is by encouraging self-expression and experimentation.The [...]

Piano Superpowers: How Playing the Piano Can Boost Your Creativity and Focus2024-10-12T11:49:38+01:00

How to Get Started with Blues Piano

2024-09-04T17:02:25+01:00

The blues is one of the most soulful and expressive genres of music, and its rich tradition is deeply rooted in American history. Originating in the deep south of the USA in the late 19th century, the blues has since influenced countless musical styles, from jazz to rock to modern pop. The piano plays a significant role in the blues, offering a dynamic range that can capture the genre's emotional depth, as well as imitating the styles of other blues instruments such as the guitar. If you’re looking to get started with blues piano, you’re embarking on a rewarding journey [...]

How to Get Started with Blues Piano2024-09-04T17:02:25+01:00

How to Compose Your Own Piano Music

2024-07-23T17:19:08+01:00

The piano is an incredibly versatile instrument. For hundreds of years, it has been the primary instrument for composition, giving the composer the ability to play their creations in full on the spot. Writing your own piano music is a rewarding endeavour that allows you to express your creativity and emotions through an intricate and beautiful instrument. While the process might seem daunting at first, breaking it down into manageable steps can make it more approachable. Here I will guide you through the essential stages of composing piano music, from finding inspiration and understanding musical theory to developing your composition [...]

How to Compose Your Own Piano Music2024-07-23T17:19:08+01:00

Is Jazz Piano Harder than Classical Piano?

2024-05-30T16:06:44+01:00

The comparison between jazz and classical piano is often debated among musicians and enthusiasts. Both genres demand a high level of skill, discipline, and creativity to master, yet they differ significantly in their approaches, techniques, and philosophies. Determining whether jazz piano is harder than classical piano is not straightforward, as the answer largely depends on various factors including individual aptitudes, training backgrounds, and personal musical preferences. From the outset it is worth noting that a proficient jazz pianist and a proficient classical pianist can often be the same person, and that the process of becoming a master pianist can often result [...]

Is Jazz Piano Harder than Classical Piano?2024-05-30T16:06:44+01:00

How Long Does It Take To Learn Jazz Piano?

2024-03-28T08:44:49+00:00

Jazz piano is a captivating area of the musical art form, known for its versatility, as well as its affinity with deep improvisation, intricate harmonies, and rhythmic complexity. Learning jazz piano is not merely a task of mastering notes and chords but rather an immersive journey of understanding the language, history, and culture of jazz music. The question of how long it takes to learn jazz piano is multifaceted, influenced by various factors such as individual aptitude, practise regimen, and exposure to the genre. This article explores the intricate path of learning jazz piano, emphasising the dedication and perseverance required [...]

How Long Does It Take To Learn Jazz Piano?2024-03-28T08:44:49+00:00

Five Cool II-V-I Jazz Piano Licks That You Should Know!

2024-03-07T15:06:54+00:00

For most non-jazz musicians and beginners, the assumption is that jazz improvisation is conjured out of thin air, and that improvised phrases are a stream of consciousness. The truth is that jazz musicians are discerning magpies, who always have an ear open to catch a phrase played by another musician, with the intention of using it in their own improvisations. Learning to play jazz is, to me, exactly like learning to speak a foreign language fluently. When learning to speak a language we are usually given stock phrases to use that can be altered to suit different situations. In the exact [...]

Five Cool II-V-I Jazz Piano Licks That You Should Know!2024-03-07T15:06:54+00:00
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