Free Masterclass on Groove

The main thing that separates good brass quintet players from the great ones is not just having good time but having a great sense of groove.

One thing that all great conductors share is a great sense of groove.

All players who regularly do well in orchestral or military band auditions play with a great sense of groove.

The best soloists across all styles perform with a great sense of groove.

Groove is one of the nonnegotiable keys to excelling as a musical storyteller.

Released 50 years ago today, this album is a literal master class in groove. Close your eyes. Get lost in not just the time but the weight of the downbeats. The heaviness of the groove juxtaposed with a constant feeling of moving forward. Immerse yourself in how various articulations are used to create the groove.

If you go deep (Sam Pilafian's take on deep listening - headphones, eyes closed, phone on airplane mode) and truly get lost in it, I *guarantee* you that your Fountains of Rome or your Bolero or your whatever will be better on the other side of it. Full stop.