Question:
When improvising jazz tunes I run out of ideas for patterns or runs. Any suggestions? Second, it's odd that when playing the blues one can use the same blues scale all through the tune, but it sounds terrible if you play just one particular scale all through a standard, Why? Thanks for any insight.
--Bill, via e-mail

Edly's Answer:

Assuming you do have your arpeggios and scales/modes down, my first suggestion would be to stop thinking in terms of patterns and runs. Try improvising with your voice. Yup, that's right. Sing! Think of what you're playing as creating a melody instead of a bunch of strung-together phrases. This will help you rely more on your ear, and less on formulas. Having said that, and in direct contrast, there are books of arpeggio- and scale-based patterns for improvisation. Without hearing you play, it's hard to say which of these approaches would be better for you.

All of this is easier said than done, and will require some time and energy on your part. For more ideas, I'd recommend the Improvisation Ideas chapter in my theory book.

Regarding your blues/jazz point I'll say this: The dissonances resulting from the juxtaposition of the blues scale and blues chords are part of what make the blues sound like the blues. Secondly, simple blues stays firmly in one key. Jazz can dance through several key centers faster than you can say "Two, Five, One." If your note choices don't reflect that movement, the clientel will spill their martinis, and you may well not get asked back to the gig.

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