Jazz Practice, Fender American Ultra II announced, Blade Guitars

Vivid Guitar -

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"That's what music has shown me: that it's not about a goal, or anything. You have to feel good about being in the process rather than expecting some ultimate reward. Just to be in it, and enjoy being in it, and doing the best you can: that's the whole idea." - Bill Frisell

Guitar Practice

Today, let's practice the popular 'ii V I' chord progression.

ii V I is the single most common chord progression used in jazz, and can be heard in standards like Autumn Leaves, Perdido, and countless others.

The ii Chord wants to move forward to the V Chord, and the V Chord wants to resolve to the I chord. Think of it as Setup > Tension > Resolution.

Below is a basic rhythm, but play around with varying it. Play the progression for several minutes straight, and then practice the below arpeggios for these chords.

Sample Chord Voicings

Arpeggios for these voicings:

Example of connecting these:

Gear Showcase

Levinson Blade Guitars

Levinson Blade R3

Switzerland-based Blade Guitars has been producing high-quality guitars and bass guitars since the 1980's, and is still going strong more than 3 decades later.

Luthier Gary Levinson started repairing guitars in 1964, and what began as a hobby quickly grew into a passion. After doing guitar and violin repairs at a local shop while at the University of Illinois, he then set up a repair business with a friend. Artists including the Grateful Dead, Leo Kottke, and REO Speedwagon trusted them for guitar repair work when they came through the area on tour.

After repairing guitars for over 2 decades, Levinson launched Blade Guitars in 1987 based on a concept he calls 'Classic Design, Creative Technology".

Blade produces a wide range of guitars and basses that are played professionally around the world by the likes of greats such as Keb Mo, Bernard Allison, and many others.

Blade's guitar models range from the telecaster-inspired Delta line, to the Strat-style Classic Series, to the modern look of the Durango series.

Levinson Blade makes some incredibly high-quality guitars for very reasonable prices.

Check out Blade Guitars, or find them on Reverb.

Guitarist Spotlight

Kellen Boersma

Image c/o Philamonjaro

Seamlessly bouncing between chunky rhythm work, to The Meters-style melodic lines - Kellen Boersma blends elements of rock, blues, r&b, and funk, into catchy, energetic and soulful grooves.

Chicago-based Kellen Boersma has been making a name for himself in recent years as the guitar player in Neal Francis’s band, though he recently departed the band after a five-year run.

While Neal Francis’ vocals and keyboard playing are often in the spotlight in his band, their retro-style soul and funk songs were propelled by the Infections grooves laid down on guitar by Kellen Boersma. While Boersma’s guitar work is showcased well on Francis’s studio albums, their live shows give Boersma plenty of space to let loose.

We can't wait to see/hear what's next for Kellen.

Key Gear:

  • 1962 Guild Starfire (with D’armond single coil pickups)
  • Silvertone guitar
  • 1960’s Ampeg Reverberocket 2 amp

Check out the vid below for a great sample of his playing:

Fender American Ultra II Guitars
  • Fender announced it's new American Ultra II line. The guitar lineup includes both SSS and HSS Stratocasters, Telecasters, and the offset Meteora - which is new to the Ultra line. The most notable changes from the original American Ultras is updated pickups, revised S1 switching and electronics, quartersawn maple necks with an ebony fretboard on some models, and of course new colors (we really like the 'Avalanche'). American Ultra remains Fender's most modern guitar lineup, featuring comfortable body and neck heel contours, noiseless pickups, compound radius fretboards, & rolled fretboard edges.
  • Epiphone announced a new Joe Bonamassa Signature P90-equipped Les Paul, based on his own 1955 Les Paul Standard.
  • Keith Urban is working with PRS on a new Tele-style guitar. In other Keith Urban news, Cory Wong recently chatted with him on his podcast, covering his favorite budget pedals, the impact of social media and podcasts on today's musicians, and much more.
  • Guitar World posted a new Trey Anastasio guitar lesson.
  • Harley Benton announced their affordable gear will be shipped directly in the U.S. for the first time through their own official Reverb Store.

Currently spinning in the office

Billy Strings - Highway Prayers