Jon Shields

  Heartache in Melody: Just Friends Some songs capture the feeling of heartbreak so perfectly that they never fade away. Just Friends , written in 1931 by John Klenner with lyrics by Sam M. Lewis, is one of those timeless jazz standards. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, the lyrics are deeply relatable, and its legacy in jazz is undeniable. A Hit That Never Left The song first gained popularity in 1932 when Russ Columbo’s smooth vocals turned it into a hit. A year later, Ben Selvin’s recording pushed it back onto the charts, further cementing its status as a jazz classic. Over the decades, Just Friends has been reimagined countless times, with artists like Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, and Billie Holiday putting their own spin on it. Whether performed as a slow ballad or an up-tempo bebop number, the song's emotional depth always shines through. The Guitarist’s Perspective For guitarists, Just Friends is a fantastic study in jazz harmony. The chord changes flow naturally, but the...

  10 Quickfire Guitar Questions: Answered Ever found yourself lost in a sea of guitar questions, unsure where to start? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s always something new to learn. This week on Theory Thursday , I took on 10 rapid-fire guitar questions—covering everything from practice routines to gear choices—to help you navigate your journey more confidently. Let’s dive in. 1. How long does it take to learn guitar? It depends. Are you aiming to strum a few chords around a campfire or play like John Williams? If you practice consistently, you can play basic songs in a few months. Mastery, though? That’s a lifelong pursuit. 2. Should I start with an electric or acoustic guitar? If you love folk, country, or singer-songwriter music, start with an acoustic. If you’re dreaming of shredding like Slash, go electric. Not sure? Acoustic builds finger strength and travels easily, making it a great first choice. 3. What size pick should I use? Personal preference p...

  A Groove for Summer: So Nice (Summer Samba) Some tunes instantly transport you to a different place—a warm breeze, a slow sway, the feeling of pure relaxation. So Nice (also known as Summer Samba ) is one of those songs. With its smooth rhythms and breezy melodies, this bossa nova classic is the definition of laid-back elegance. From Brazil to the World Written in 1964 by Brazilian composer Marcos Valle, So Nice was originally penned in Portuguese with lyrics by his brother, Paulo Sérgio Valle. Two years later, Norman Gimbel—best known for adapting Brazilian music into English lyrics—gave the song a new life in English-speaking markets. Despite being written in '64, it wasn’t until 1966 that So Nice truly gained international recognition, cementing itself as a staple of the jazz and bossa nova repertoire. The song's light, rhythmic bounce and effortlessly cool harmonies make it a favorite among musicians and listeners alike. Whether you hear it in a café, a jazz club, or a...

  A Condensed History of Music Theory: From Prehistoric Rhythms to AI Composition What if I told you that the same musical concepts we use today—scales, notation, even harmonic progressions—were already being explored thousands of years ago? Music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a fundamental part of human history, shaping societies, cultures, and even the way we think. In this Theory Thursday breakdown, we’re taking a whirlwind tour through the history of music theory, from ancient bone flutes to modern AI compositions. This is a highly condensed version of a much larger timeline, but it highlights the major shifts in how music has been understood and created. The Origins: Prehistoric Sound and Ancient Theory Music likely started with the human voice—humming, singing, and chanting—long before the first instruments. The earliest known musical instrument, a 60,000-year-old flute found in Slovenia, suggests that rhythm and melody played a role in early societies, possibly in rituals ...