Jon Shields

  Exploring Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” – A Jazz Masterpiece Some songs transcend music—they tell stories, evoke deep emotions, and carry cultural significance. Come Sunday by Duke Ellington is one of those songs. Originally composed in 1943 as part of Black, Brown, and Beige , a sweeping jazz suite depicting the African American experience, this tune remains one of Ellington’s most poignant and spiritual compositions. A Piece of a Larger Story Ellington’s Black, Brown, and Beige was no ordinary jazz performance. Premiering at Carnegie Hall, it was an ambitious, multi-movement suite intended to portray the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of Black Americans. Come Sunday , the first movement, stands out as a deeply moving piece—initially an instrumental, but later featuring lyrics that turned it into a gospel-infused jazz standard. While the suite as a whole is best experienced in order, Come Sunday has taken on a life of its own. It has been performed by legendary artists ...

  The First Songs You Should Learn on Guitar – And Why They Matter Picking up the guitar for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. You’re holding this incredible instrument, ready to make music—but where do you start? What songs should you learn first? It’s tempting to jump straight into your favorite solos or complex fingerpicking patterns, but a solid foundation makes all the difference. Whether you’re playing for fun, writing your own music, or aiming to perform, choosing the right first songs will set you up for long-term success. Here’s how to do it right. 1. Keep It Simple: 3–4 Chord Songs Most songs—yes, even the ones you love—are built on just a few chords. By starting with songs that use three or four chords, you’ll quickly develop muscle memory, making it easier to add more complex progressions later. Bonus points if you already know the song! Recognizing when something sounds “off” will help you catch mistakes early. Some great first songs: Amazing Grace – S...

  Exploring "All the Things You Are" – A Timeless Jazz Standard Few jazz standards have stood the test of time quite like All the Things You Are . Written in 1939 by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, this masterpiece has been embraced by musicians across genres for decades. Whether you're a jazz guitarist, a theory enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates great music, this song is worth a deep dive. A Song That Transcends Genres Originally composed for the musical Very Warm for May , All the Things You Are quickly found a life beyond Broadway. It has been recorded by jazz legends like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald, proving its adaptability across different styles. But what really makes this song special is that even artists outside the jazz world have embraced it—Judy Garland performed it on a radio show, and, believe it or not, even Michael Jackson recorded a version. Why does this song continue to captivate musicians and listeners a...

  Pick vs. Fingers: The Eternal Guitar Debate Every guitarist faces this question at some point: should you play with a pick or your fingers? It’s an age-old debate, and the answer isn't as simple as one being better than the other—it all depends on what you want out of your playing. Whether you're chasing speed, control, tone, or versatility, both approaches have their strengths. The Sound Difference Let’s start with a simple listening test. If you strum or pick a note with a guitar pick, you’ll notice the sound is sharper, more defined, and often brighter. That’s because a pick—being rigid—creates a crisp attack with more emphasis on the higher frequencies. Now, play the same note with your fingers. The sound is rounder, warmer, and smoother because the flesh and nails absorb some of the attack, softening the edges. On an electric guitar, the difference can be even more pronounced. A pick cuts through the mix, making it a favorite for lead playing in rock, blues, and metal. F...