Astronomer

I am a classically-trained pianist, but my band has recently took a turn towards more jazz-oriented stuff. I really want to start playing jazz piano, I mean I can play jazzy stuff, but I've played classical piano for years and want to become a little more contemporary.

Anyone have any advice or tips?

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jackhammer

Just listen to shed loads of Jazz Piano compositions. If you are classically trained then you should be able pick up on the style of playing. Other than that, I don't know what to say really except that I have always wanted to play a few notes on the piano.

Sorry to be a little off topic but have you heard this track. It is one of my favourite piano pieces ever (Tangerine Dream):

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Astronomer

Wow, that is really beautiful, thanks
I'm currently working on CD compilation filled with tracks that have my favourite piano sessions in them. I'll post it up somewhere when it's done.

And yeah, I think my safest bet is just to get into jazz and contemporary piano and listen to a whole lotta new stuff and gain some inspiration.

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mr dave

can't really offer any playing tips besides just play and play some more and be sure to spend time developing improvisation skills as it is one of the major defining elements of playing jazz.

as for listening don't bother with dave brubeck and go straight to thelonious monk. oscar peterson is also gold, same with art tatum. herbie han**** is also top notch especially if you want to get into more funky jazz fusion stuff (like his work with the headhunters in the early 70s).

if you're leaning more towards the free jazz / pure improvisation stuff cecil taylor is the man.

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Seltzer

Thelonious Monk has an unbelievably cool style. And Herbie Hancock is a masterful pianist and musical genius... check out Maiden Voyage.

As for actual jazz piano advice - I don't have to much to offer there. I play keyboard but I'm a noob at it.

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mannny

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm a classically trained pianist but I want to expand to be able to play some jazz as well. What I've been doing is just looking over some websites about jazz theory and improvisation. Just google it. It has got me started.

I don't really know how long you've been playing or anything but I've been strictly classically trained for about 5-6 years now. So playing jazz if very new to me.

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GuitarPlayer101

I can recommend Mark Levine's The Jazz Piano Book ... !
Give you some solid background to a lot of areas in jazz

Dr_Rez

I would just say practice all of your jazz chords and scales a lot so you will become more fluent improvising/soloing and with your progressions. And since your classically trained just pick up some jazz sheet music and you will figure it out in no time.

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thebassistX

yea learn the basic jazz progreessions and blues scales to start off 2-5-1

Kendall2000

Start studying Herbie Hancok (note his name is not spelled like thats as i can't say han - c- o - c- k

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