ABOUT
'Guides to Improvisation'
HK on sax
The books listed on the left were written over a number of years. They reflect my interest in improvisation: what I know and what I'm working on.
The books introduce various ideas/techniques and develop them in a logical way- that is, familiar ideas are presented first followed by various alterations to the basic concept/ chord or scale, thereby introducing an unfamiliar element but not an unfamiliar sound.
Nothing is presented without an explanation about why it's on the page. All discussions are backed up/ illustraterd with notation or sound clips.
The shorter books take an idea and pull in various bits of technique to support and develop the main concept.
Braishfield Social Club
My book 'The Diminished Scale' looks at the two dim chords that make up the scale. Awareness of these two chords enables the player to easily negotiate the diminished scales and the various patterns formed with the scale.
Langstone Sailing ClubSatin Doll
I love You and Don't You Forget It
'Enclosures' is about approach notes which, when combined, form enclosures. Enclosures themselves are approached by approach notes. Various enclosure configurations are discussed. Enclosures can sound a bit outside- a great way to introduce a bit of chromaticism. If stuck, think of an enclosure!
Hankley Golf ClubTiin Roof Blues HK on clarinet
'251' is a great book about using the 251 sequence over a single chord. Great for chords that hang on for a couple of bars or more. I've not come across this idea before. Use the 251 over major, minor and dom chords.
Lickfold InnSweet Georgia Brown wav