Breakthrough to Improv:The Secrets of Improvisation Review

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(More customer reviews)Dave Frank uses the blues medium in this DVD to illustrate the building blocks of creative improv. The range of concepts covered is very wide, but explained with easy to understand examples. I am studying jazz piano with Dave, and the concepts covered in this DVD are recurring themes even in jazz improv.
The structure is very organized. It starts off with easy to grasp concepts like quarter note blues scales, working up to mixtures of triples and swing eights, you get the idea. Each lesson has an exercise that you can practice, but they are quite concise. Which is a little deceiving because each of the concepts are actually quite significant, and takes a lot of practice to understand. So the exercises are there just to illustrate the concept.
Verdict: This DVD will not automatically make you a genius improviser. But it will teach you the concepts that you can piece together to play articulate, clear solos that communicate distinct and complete concepts. The material also doesn't get unnecessarily detailed or technical, so it may be a good way for non musicians to understand how this stuff works.

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Breakthrough to Improv: The Secrets of Improvisation is intended for players of all instruments as a way to break through to the creative approach to playing music. Hosted by Berklee professor Dave Frank, author of Hal Leonard's popular Joy of Improv series, this DVD outlines a unique step-by-step series of "practice points" designed to guide you effortlessly into the process of improvisation. Whether you're a traditionally trained musician looking to break free from written music, an improviser looking to expand your creativity, or a music teacher looking for a way to begin teaching improvisation, Breakthrough to Improv is a must to help you discover the infinite flow of music within you! Includes a helpful booklet with musical examples and further instruction. Also available: 00320225Video$19.95

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Trust Us This Is All Made Up Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw this film in a screening. I've been a TJ and Dave fan for a long time, so my primary concern was that the film would faithfully capture the magic of this remarkable team. It does.
Without prior consultation, the guys (both Second City alumni) start a dialogue as soon as the lights go up. As they play, they discover who they are and what the story is. For those who know improvisation, this is work on a high level. The swiftness and subtlety of their agreement is breathtaking, and the observations of human behavior are unclouded by improv cliche. While nothing can replace the thrill of seeing these guys live, being able to go back and watch how they build this particular performance step-by-step offers lessons in craftsmanship that students of acting and writing will profit from. Combine this with Scott Silberstein's SECOND TO NONE, and you have the best representation of improvisation on video that I know of.

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TJ and Dave walk out on stage without characters, dialog or plot.An hour later they leave an audience with one of the funniest nights of their lives.Described by The New York Times as "Second City-seasoned masters of long form improv", TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi have become living legends in their field. Exploring the trust that underlies their relationship and the forces that govern their improvisation, Trust Us, This is All Made Up is a portrait of two remarkably talented friends and features an unforgettable live performance recorded at New York's Barrow Street Theater.
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