Working on “set pieces” · Learning Jazz Violin

Working on “set pieces”

I’ve been practising some more “set pieces” this past few weeks. I have a gig coming up at Ronnie Scott’s in London, a tribute to Venuti, Grappelli and Stuff Smith and I wanted to play some early Venuti tunes to show that side of jazz violin.

His playing is really based on the jazz that was going on around that time, simple riff based melodies that are improvised around but also informed by his pretty flawless classical technique.

I find this type of practise very different to how I practise “jazz”. I am in more of “recreating” mindset, similar to that which you need for classical or folk music.

I’m enjoying the challenge of getting those tunes down and have actually found it has meant I’m playing more cleanly in everything else that I am doing.

It’s helped me realise it’s quite good practice to have a tricky “set pieces” on the go to help you push your technique and musicality.

Check this little rehearsal recording of “Wildcat” with the amazing John Kelly on guitar.

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