Stack a DX7, a keytar, and enough rack-mount synths to power a small city, and you get one of the most iconic – and polarizing – jazz fusion albums of the ’80s. This week, we dive into The Chick Corea Elektric Band (1986), the record that inspired a thousand copycats and split the jazz world. From the jaw-dropping virtuosity of “Got a Match?” to th…

Who swings harder: Oscar Peterson with guitar or drums? In this jazz piano trio showdown, Adam and Peter go head-to-head with seven scorching tracks spanning OP’s career. Team Guitar brings Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, and Joe Pass, while Team Drums is anchored by the ever-swinging Ed Thigpen. We break down comping chemistry, shifting textures, virtu…

What happens when a 21-year-old Stevie Wonder gets the keys to the Motown kingdom? You get Talking Book, a no-filler masterpiece. Adam and Peter go track-by-track through Stevie’s first fully self-driven album, where he played nearly everything himself. From the sticky funk of “Superstition” to the guitar-like tones of “Big Brother,” we break down …

One afternoon in Oslo changed the course of jazz piano history! In this episode, Adam and Peter dive into Facing You, the hit 1971 ECM release where a 26-year-old Keith Jarrett – torn between Miles Davis’ electric band and his own acoustic instincts – walked alone into a studio and recorded eight completely improvised masterpieces. From the gospel-…

Does it get any better than that ARP bass line on “Chameleon”? That’s right, it’s Herbie time! Join Peter and Adam as we explore Herbie Hancock’s explosive breakout from Blue Note jazz man to platinum-selling Headhunter. Transport your ears to an afro-futuristic daydream as we dissect Herbie’s funk-jazz era – and the cast of characters that helped …

Take a trip with us to the most revolutionary decade in jazz (1923-1933), when a young Louis Armstrong was creating a new improvisational vocabulary in real-time. This isn’t the “Wonderful World” Satchmo most know, but the young gunner whose genius trumpet solos on “West End Blues” and “Tight Like This” were toppling trumpet kings. We break down Po…

Tune in as we pay tribute to the incomparable Roberta Flack, who we sadly lost last month. From her 1969 debut album First Take (featuring Open Studio artist Ron Carter on bass) to her iconic collaborations with Donny Hathaway – we dissect why what Flack didn’t play was just as important as what she did. We’ll explore how this classical piano prodi…

Could Miles Davis’ peak performance come alongside a bunch of kids who weren’t even getting paid? In this episode, Peter and Adam dive into one of the greatest live albums ever captured, My Funny Valentine: Live at the Philharmonic (1964). We explore how Miles Davis, sideman George Coleman, and a young rhythm section (Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, an…

When Epic Records told Michael Jackson “no” to Quincy Jones, he fought back and changed music forever. Join Adam Maness and Peter Martin as they dive into Jackson’s 1979 masterpiece Off The Wall – the album that planted MJ’s flag as a solo artist. We explore how a young Michael partnered with Quincy Jones, created magic with studio legends Louis Jo…

Can you believe the most celebrated Bill Evans Trio was only together for 18 months? In this episode, we’re looking at early 60's Bill alongside Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian, and the four albums they recorded together before LaFaro’s tragic death at just 25 years old. From Portrait in Jazz and its cross-over with Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue through S…

What makes New Orleans funk hit so different? In this episode, we dive into the swampy funk of The Meters, the iconic quartet that’s left its mark on everything from Wu-Tang to Whitney Houston and beyond. We break down Leo Nocentelli’s chicken-scratch guitar, Art Neville’s genius riff comping, Zigaboo’s “direct assault” on the high hat, and the thu…

Have Giant Steps and Meditations scared you away from John Coltrane? Join us on the other side of the Trane tracks with what might be the best trio of albums ever dropped in the same year. We’re talking 1963 Coltrane—at his most accessible (dare we say smooth?) yet still cutting straight to the truth. From the GRAMMY hall-of-famer Ballads to his le…

Has Brad Mehldau always been one step ahead of jazz? In this episode, Peter and Adam trace his evolution from the straight-ahead Art of the Trio series to the produced, cinematic experiments of his 2002 opus Largo. We look at how Brad’s late nights in LA, love of Radiohead, and partnership with producer Jon Brion blurred the lines between indie pop…

From the hypnotic grooves of “Black Cow” to contributions from jazz legends Wayne Shorter, Steve Gadd, and Victor Feldman, Steely Dan’s 1977 masterpiece Aja reigns amongst the best—and best-produced—albums of all time. In this episode, Peter and Adam break down Fagen and Becker’s jazz-infused harmonies, their precision recording process, and the al…

In this very special cross-over episode, Adam Maness and Bob DeBoo from Upright Citizens check out 12 of their favorite live albums recorded at the famous Village Vanguard. What's your favorite live album? link to our spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5fzI04bkuBXe0YQcfqJmkt?si=0dk9OWMZTVS6G7wdH93X-w Wanna check out some Upright Cit…

In this solo episode, Peter Martin gives advice on how to live a musical life in the coming year and what to do to set yourself up for success. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio 🎹…

Adam and Peter list their favorite tunes that actually teach ya something! Learning these tunes will give you a better grasp on your playing in these contexts. Check out our playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/69uTCFvMKo8CEBLfWrGiL6?si=ZPCpzVnQThq6Wy87bhAEjA Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no furt…

Ever get overwhelmed with emotion from a tune? In this episode, Adam and Peter talk about what about music can evoke such emotion. Link to our Spotify Playlist Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more …

Join us as we dive into the life and legacy of Art Tatum, the jazz piano virtuoso who took entertainment on the instrument to a new level. YT playlist • https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kn6Z2anqCFpTOc4H957o0Oktgr_C9gl7Q Oscar Peterson and Count Basie on Art Tatum • https://youtu.be/YAeT3Dr74Ys Art Tatum performances • https://youtu.be/…

Do you ever find yourself lacking on a little holiday cheer? Do the holiday classics seem a little drab and dull lately? Well you may not be alone - Check out Peter and Adam's list of holiday classics that just aren't giving the same cheer they used to. Which holiday songs are you tired of hearing? Link to our Spotify playlist Looking to drop a que…

Peter and Adam both name their 7 favorite GAS standards from best to worst. What's your favorite GAS standard? Link to our bespoke Spotify playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2g0agwmyxmyLTXEYKSpfwC?si=sNBsRlrsSyuAR1x8FNy85g Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a question …

Black Friday is upon us! Go to https://openstudiojazz.com/blackfriday for our biggest savings of the year. Think you can teach somebody a lesson in 60 seconds? Join Adam and Peter as they reminisce about their journey teaching in a short format. Check out all our shorts at our Open Studio channel Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the au…

What's on your playlist? Join Adam and Peter as they hang and share some music they've been inspired by lately. Our Spotify Playlist Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe Ch…

Roy Haynes! The greatest to ever do it - join us as we remember the life and legacy of one of the true legends of Jazz history. Reaching Fourth - McCoy Tyner Coltrane Quartet 1963 Newport Matrix - Chick Corea David Letterman feat. The Fountain Of Youth Band Freedom Band - Chick Corea Quartet 2010 Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a bette…

Adam and Peter reluctantly wade into the tired old 'Who Killed Jazz?' debate... Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Stud…

Lou Donaldson, November 1, 1926 – November 9, 2024 We honor the late, great Lou Donaldson who created new pathways for generations of Jazz musicians to come. Everything I Play Gonna Be Funky (From Now On) Christian McBride/NPR's Jazz Night in America “Let’s Cool One” from Thelonius Monk’s "Genius of Modern Music, vol. 2" “A Night at Birdland” (Blue…

Adam and Peter dive into some of the greatest tracks by the incredible Charlie Haden. Our Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0j2izk6G8ZzBhEK7yf2W2r?si=olxr53YgQUSpiZw6NvpiIA Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhe…

Peter and Adam check out Night Train by Oscar Peterson. This legendary trio shaped musicians for years to come. How did this album effect you? Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. OP LIVE at Denmark Check out Night Train Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.c…

Adam and Peter talk about what it takes to communicate on the bandstand non-verbally and how to best approach situations when you don't know your bandmates very well. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a questi…

It's time to line em up and rank what we think are the 7 Greatest standards. What standards do you think deserve to be on the list? Check out our bespoke playlist Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a question f…

The chemistry between Ella and Louis on their iconic duo album is palpable but what made that band so swinging? In this episode, we dive into this historic recording. What's Oscar Not Playing? Live at the Hollywood Bowl Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? L…

When will it be over... well in this episode Adam and Peter share their thoughts on when it's time to stop practicing something and move on to the next thing! As well as a few other topics that come into play. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no fur…

Sonny Rollins might be the most influential saxophone player in jazz. This album is one of the reasons why - join Adam and Peter as they breakdown just what makes this album so great. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.c…

Looking to infuse that Gospel sound into your playing? Well look no further because our very own Peter Martin is going to divulge his tricks and tips on the topic. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a question …

Adam and Peter finally delve into the great Caravan by Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers. So many iconic jazz musicians came through that institution and the YHI team has been waiting to breakdown all the things that make this album great. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to liste…

Back to basics with a classic YHI topic - Jazz Chords for Beginners! What are the tools you need to get started on your journey in jazz piano? Well look no further because YHI has got your back with these incredible beginner jazz chords. Start sounding great today! Limited Time Offer for Jazz Chords For Beginners https://link.youllhearit.com/jcb Do…

Peter and Adam listen to the iconic Getz/Gilberto album that revolutionized Bossa Nova in the world music scene. Which brings us to the big question... is Bossa Nova Jazz? Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a q…

How can we do the right thing when we don't even know what the wrong this is. Speaking about practice of course, In this episode, Peter and Adam show you exactly what NOT to do when spending time with your instrument. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Loo…

Nefertiti is one of Mile's greatest works and his last album with the famous quintet he built. It's time we take a minute to really dive into what this album represents in the jazz timeline. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllh…

In this episode we FINALLY dive in deep and listen to McCoy Tyner's "The Real McCoy". This iconic album has shaped pianists for decades and its time we broke it down to really see what the hype is about. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further h…

Adam and Peter reveal one CRUCIAL tip for improving your playing today. Like.. TODAY today. Tune in and find out! Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe Checkout courses from…

Well... has it come to this? Peter and Adam reflect on the journey of creating and producing their podcast, sharing the challenges they faced, and the moments that make the journey so rewarding. Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking to drop a question? Want to listen to the audio pod? Look no further https://yo…

Adam and Peter take to the Speakpipe! It's been long enough - time to dive into our listener's questions such as their ultimate minor 2-5 voicing and what records have the best sound on the piano. Drop a question in our speakpipe if you think you need a little YHI support! Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Looking …

Come hang with Peter and Adam as they check out Spotify's curated "State Of Jazz" list. Spotify's State Of Jazz Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio 🎹 Head over to our YouTube channel for a better look 👀. Follow us o…

We all know there are different degrees to being a snob but Adam and Peter thought its about time we nail them down! Time to sniff out all the snobs and find out what exactly makes them tick. Audio only?? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Have a question for us? Leave us a S…

Kenny Garrett's Songbook is a huge contender for one the best albums to come out of the 90's jazz movement. So many things about this album hit hard for jazz musicians and music lovers alike. Kenny Garrett at Montreaux '97 Kenny Garrett "Songbook" Audio only?? Look no further https://youllhearit.com/ Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a b…

Have you checked out Interplay? One of Bill Evan's most swinging performances on record! Join Adam and Peter as they break down what makes this album hit so hard. Peter's 10 Greatest Jazz Albums Interplay Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe Checkout courses from Adam, Pete…

1972... Something about that year just hit different! The albums from this era are too good and this one sets the standard high. Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway are two of the greatest singers that century had ever seen and their contributions have helped musicians in all genres. How would you rate this seminal album? Unlock your FREE Open Studio …

Peter and Adam finally get a chance to check the legendary Roy Hargrove's seminal album "Earfood". This album has impacted so many people merely for the track Strasburg/St. Denis but every tune can be credited to the development of the culture. Come hang with us and dissect what really makes this album great. Earfood Unlock your FREE Open Studio tr…

Finally! Peter divulges what solo he thinks would really make the difference in your playing if you were to only transcribe one solo. Bags Groove Unlock your FREE Open Studio trial to become a better player today. Have a question for us? Leave us a SpeakPipe Checkout courses from Adam, Peter and more at Open Studio 🎹 Head over to our YouTube channe…