This month, Mark will explore the tritone sub in the context of "How High the Moon." Learn how to use this classic chord sub to create interesting harmonies and solo lines.

Celebrate the holidays with the MJI Quintet as they perform holiday standards and jazz favorites. The group features Eric Jacobson (trumpet), Lenard Simpson (alto sax), Mark Davis (piano), Jeff Hamann (bass), and Dave Bayles (drums).

This month, Mark will explore the use of altered dominant extensions in the context of the blues. Learn how to create altered dominant voicings and melodic lines that will add color and excitement to your piano playing.

Mark will explore chord substitutions in the context of the classic jazz standard “Autumn Leaves.”

Mark will present harmonic techniques of legendary pianist Barry Harris.

Mark will explore “Giant Steps." He'll provide some history about the tune, explain the basic chord structure, and demonstrate methods for improvising over this classic John Coltrane composition.

We Six performs at the Riverfront Jazz Festival - Eric Jacobson - trumpet, Scott Burns -- tenor sax, Paul Silbergleit - guitar, Mark Davis - piano, Jeff Hamann - bass, Dave Bayles - drums http://www.riverfrontjazzfestival.org/

Mark will explore "Yardbird Suite." He'll provide some history about the tune, explain the basic chord structure, and demonstrate methods for improvising over this classic Charlie Parker composition.

Mark focuses on a different tune at each session and presents ideas for improvisation, harmonizing the melody, and comping. Attendees will learn techniques they can practice on their own.

“All Blues” Series: four sessions taught by MJI artistic director Mark Davis

Learn the basics of how to play the blues in a jazz style. Sing or play along on any instrument at home as you practice a new tune at each class. Get tips on how to improvise and accompany, gain an understanding of chords and jazz rhythms, and hear about the legendary players who shaped this music. Attendees will have their own audio and video turned off, but will have the option of asking questions during the sessions.

Tune of the Week: “C-Jam Blues” by Duke Ellington Wednesday, May 20, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “Now’s the Time” by Charlie Parker Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk Wednesday, June 3, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “All Blues” by Miles Davis Wednesday, June 10, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Mark Davis focuses on a different tune each month and presents ideas for improvisation, harmonizing the melody, and comping. Attendees will leave with techniques they can practice on their own.

“All Blues” Series: four sessions taught by MJI artistic director Mark Davis

Learn the basics of how to play the blues in a jazz style. Sing or play along on any instrument at home as you practice a new tune at each class. Get tips on how to improvise and accompany, gain an understanding of chords and jazz rhythms, and hear about the legendary players who shaped this music. Attendees will have their own audio and video turned off, but will have the option of asking questions during the sessions.

Tune of the Week: “C-Jam Blues” by Duke Ellington Wednesday, May 20, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “Now’s the Time” by Charlie Parker Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk Wednesday, June 3, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “All Blues” by Miles Davis Wednesday, June 10, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

“All Blues” Series: four sessions taught by MJI artistic director Mark Davis

Learn the basics of how to play the blues in a jazz style. Sing or play along on any instrument at home as you practice a new tune at each class. Get tips on how to improvise and accompany, gain an understanding of chords and jazz rhythms, and hear about the legendary players who shaped this music. Attendees will have their own audio and video turned off, but will have the option of asking questions during the sessions.

Tune of the Week: “C-Jam Blues” by Duke Ellington Wednesday, May 20, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “Now’s the Time” by Charlie Parker Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk Wednesday, June 3, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “All Blues” by Miles Davis Wednesday, June 10, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

“All Blues” Series: four sessions taught by MJI artistic director Mark Davis

Learn the basics of how to play the blues in a jazz style. Sing or play along on any instrument at home as you practice a new tune at each class. Get tips on how to improvise and accompany, gain an understanding of chords and jazz rhythms, and hear about the legendary players who shaped this music. Attendees will have their own audio and video turned off, but will have the option of asking questions during the sessions.

Tune of the Week: “C-Jam Blues” by Duke Ellington Wednesday, May 20, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “Now’s the Time” by Charlie Parker Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “Blue Monk” by Thelonious Monk Wednesday, June 3, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Tune of the Week: “All Blues” by Miles Davis Wednesday, June 10, 2020 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CST)

Mark focuses on a different tune in each session and presents ideas for improvisation, harmonizing the melody, and comping. Attendees will leave with techniques they can practice on their own.

The Jazz Circle: Online Jazz Harmony Class (Instructor: Mark Davis) Open to youth and adults who want to learn more about chords, chord symbols, progressions, and voicings.

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 14 Topic: Triads

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 21 Topic: Seventh chords

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 28 Topic: Voicings

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, May 5 Topic: Extensions

The Jazz Circle: Online Jazz Harmony Class (Instructor: Mark Davis) Open to youth and adults who want to learn more about chords, chord symbols, progressions, and voicings.

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 14 Topic: Triads

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 21 Topic: Seventh chords

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 28 Topic: Voicings

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, May 5 Topic: Extensions

The Jazz Circle: Online Jazz Harmony Class (Instructor: Mark Davis) Open to youth and adults who want to learn more about chords, chord symbols, progressions, and voicings.

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 14 Topic: Triads

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 21 Topic: Seventh chords

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 28 Topic: Voicings

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, May 5 Topic: Extensions

The Jazz Circle: Online Jazz Harmony Class (Instructor: Mark Davis) Open to youth and adults who want to learn more about chords, chord symbols, progressions, and voicings.

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 14 Topic: Triads

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 21 Topic: Seventh chords

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, April 28 Topic: Voicings

5:30-6:15pm, Tuesday, May 5 Topic: Extensions

Mark will explore the tune “Solar.” He'll provide the story of how it became a jazz standard, do an analysis of the chord progression, give you ideas for voicing chords, and demonstrate methods for improvising. It will be fun, and you’ll be inspired to keep practicing!