Adam Maness

Adam Maness

Jazz pianist & Creative Director at Open Studio.

Appears in 1192 Episodes

Jazz Piano: Day 1 (who ordered a full plate of the blues?)

New to jazz piano? Adam & Peter break down an easy pathway to get started (or as a refresher).

First Take Friday: Barry Harris

In memory of legendary pianist and educator Barry Harris, sit with Adam and Peter as they listen to the first track, All The Things You Are off of the 1959 Barry Harri...

Solos, Being in the Moment, and Throwing in all of Your Chips

Peter and Adam respond to a listener's question about one of Peter's solos while playing at the Village Vanguard last week as part of Inside Straight with Christian Mc...

YouTube Hang: review and discuss the videos in their recommended viewing

Adam and Peter review and discuss videos that YouTube recommends to them. From Adam Neely to Bob Reynolds and everything in between.

First Take Friday: Jon Batiste's "WE ARE" *Grammy Nominated*

Peter and Adam listen to and break down the first track, FREEDOM, off of Jon Batiste's WE ARE.

Let the lyrics guide you.(or don't)

Peter and Adam respond to a listener's thoughtful question about the importance of learning the lyrics and should they inform the musical offering (and questioning san...

How to make meaningful melodies

Adam and Peter have some thoughts on getting the best of your melodies.

First Take Friday: Christian McBride & Inside Straight Live at the Village Vanguard

Peter and Adam listen to and break down the first track off of Christian McBride & Inside Straight "Live at the Village Vanguard".

Forget playing just one instrument.

Peter and Adam respond to a listener question about expanding from a guitar player to a "musician".

How To Learn Any New Skill

Skills or Skillz, either way Adam and Peter hone in on the act of pivoting and leaning into learning a new skill, setting yourself up for success.

First Take Friday: Bill Charlap Trio

Peter and Adam listen to, and break down, the first track off of the Bill Charlap Trio's album "Street of Dreams", with Bill Charlap (piano), Peter Washington (bass) a...

Sight reading tunes, The Real Book, and applying newly learned ideas into a tune

Peter and Adam respond to listeners questions about sight reading tunes, Real Book, and applying newly learned ideas into a tune. These are real world scenarios that h...

Ron Carter

Peter and Adam sit down with legendary bassist, maestro Ron Carter for a special extended episode.

First Take Friday: Sharel Cassity

First Take Friday: Peter explores the first track from Sharel Cassity's "Fearless" AND bonus interview with Sharel Cassity.

How to Listen to the Form

Keeping the form, explained. Breaking down Miles Davis Live at the Plugged Nickel.

Why social listening is important

Don't listen alone! Adam and Peter help you discover the importance of 'social listening'.

First Take Friday: Sam Fribush Organ Trio

First Take Friday - Peter and Adam take in The Sam Fribush Organ Trio: Vol. 1 'Riverboat'

Should I Focus on Sh$t I Know, or Sh$t I Don't Know?

Peter and Adam answer a commonly asked question - should I develop what I already know or learn something brand new?

Duel of Dopeness: Songs That Should Suck

Don't judge a (real)book by its cover - Peter and Adam lay out some tunes that might seem lame, but on closer inspection actually swing.

First Take Friday: Terence Blanchard

Peter and Adam listen to Terence Blanchard's touching tribute to Wayne Shorter.

Music We Like That's Not Jazz

Peter and Adam answer a question on what other genres of music they enjoy, as well as how it informs their jazz playing

How To Listen to Music

A simple question with a complex answer - Peter and Adam respond to a question on the way they prefer to listen to music.

5 Lifestyle Tweaks That Make You a Better Musician

What are some indirect steps you can take that have the side effect of making you a better musician? Peter and Adam explain

First Take Wednesday: Anat Cohen & Marcello Gonçalves

Peter and Adam show their real-time first impressions of a tune

How To Communicate With Music

Is music really the universal language? Peter and Adam prove it by having a musical conversation

3 Things To Make You Sound Better TODAY

Not all practice advice requires doing something a million times until you get it right. Here are three ways to immediately improve your sound.

When Jazz Musicians Go POP

Peter and Adam check out the latest album by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga: Love for Sale

Who Should I Listen to for a Better Feel?

Peter and Adam answer a question on which musicians we should emulate for a good time feel.

7 Voicings That We Love

With such a plethora to choose from, how do you know what voicings to use? Peter and Adam list some of their favorites.

What Are You Listening for When You Transcribe?

Where do you start when you decide to tackle transcribing a tune? Peter and Adam walk you through how they do it.

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