Jon Shields

  Unpacking the Mystery of “Solar” on Solo Guitar What makes a jazz standard truly timeless? Is it the melody, the harmony, or the stories behind the music? Today, I’m diving into Solar , a tune often attributed to Miles Davis but with a backstory that adds layers of intrigue to its legacy. For this month’s solo guitar challenge, I’ve taken on Solar , a tune I’ve always loved playing. As part of this series, I create arrangements that balance melody and harmony—no backing tracks, no looping pedals, just me and the guitar. It’s been a rewarding challenge, and this tune is the perfect fit for exploring the beauty of simplicity. Most of us know Solar as part of Miles Davis’ 1954 album, Miles Davis Quintet . This recording became the definitive version, with its clean lines and compelling modal vibe. Another famous rendition is Bill Evans’ live recording from the Village Vanguard in 1961, which showcases his signature interplay of harmonies and rhythm. But here’s where the story takes...

  Why Context Matters in Music: A Lesson for Guitarists Good morning, musicians! If you’re a guitarist, or anyone who’s ever been on a musical journey, you've likely learned that first batch of essential chords: G, D, E minor, and C. You’ve probably played these chords in a variety of songs, particularly in the key of G. They’ve become second nature, and when you hit a G chord, you likely feel like you've arrived home. But what happens when the context changes? Does G still feel like home? This is the crux of today’s discussion: how the context around a chord shapes its role, and how understanding this concept will take your musicality to the next level. The Foundation: Chords and Their Contexts When we first start learning guitar, we're taught chords like G, D, and C—open chords, often in the key of G. At this early stage, you’ll play these chords and your ear learns to associate G with the tonic (or home base). But here's the kicker: a single chord can take on differe...

  Tune Tuesday: Thou Swell – A Timeless Classic from Rodgers and Hart Good morning and welcome to another Tune Tuesday ! Today, we’re taking a trip back to 1927 to explore a charming tune that perfectly blends the old and the new. Thou Swell was written by the legendary songwriting duo Rodgers and Hart for their musical A Connecticut Yankee . While this song may seem like a classic jazz standard, its origins are rooted in an entirely unique story—a story that mixes ancient tales with contemporary flair. A Musical Journey Through Time Thou Swell was written for A Connecticut Yankee , a musical that tells the tale of a man from modern times who ends up in King Arthur’s Court. The lyrics, as the title suggests, are a playful blend of archaic English and modern slang, reflecting the show’s unique premise. The juxtaposition of these two worlds—the contemporary and the medieval—creates a fascinating and whimsical backdrop for the tune. The song itself was part of a broader cultural mo...

  Unlocking the Power of the Capo: A Game-Changer for Guitarists Ever found yourself struggling with a chord that’s just too hard to reach, or trying to find a way to change the key without learning a new set of chords? Enter the capo—one of the most essential yet often underappreciated tools in a guitarist's arsenal. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, mastering the capo can open up a world of musical possibilities. Let’s break down why the capo works, how it works, and why it's a must-have for any guitarist. What is a Capo and Why Does It Work? At its core, a capo is a clamp that holds down the strings on your guitar’s neck, effectively raising the pitch of the strings. It's like having a new “nut” for your guitar, but one that’s adjustable. The beauty of the capo is that it allows you to play the same chord shapes you already know, but in a different key. This transposition happens seamlessly without having to learn new chord voicings or complicate yo...

  Tune Tuesday: Blue Bossa – A Gateway to Bossa Nova for Jazz Beginners Good morning, and welcome to another Tune Tuesday ! Today, we’re diving into a classic tune that’s not only a favorite among jazz lovers but also an essential piece for beginners. If you’ve been wanting to learn about the beautiful fusion of bossa nova and jazz, Blue Bossa is the perfect starting point. The Story Behind Blue Bossa Written by trumpet legend Kenny Dorham, Blue Bossa was never actually released by him. Instead, it gained widespread popularity when it was featured on Joe Henderson’s groundbreaking 1963 album Page One . Although Dorham composed the tune, it was Henderson’s interpretation that brought it into the spotlight, making it one of the most iconic bossa nova-influenced jazz standards. The song itself is deceptively simple, yet it has the power to introduce beginner jazz players to the world of bossa nova. The chord changes are familiar, but the rhythms are what make this tune stand out. T...