Lessons with Eddie Daniels
Gary Meggs, Director of Bands, University of Arkansas at
Monticello
Hi Eddie,
I hope you, your wife and your dog are all doing well. Things
have
improved here. My wife is much better thank goodness.
I wanted to let you know that I auditioned for the Glenn Miller
Orchestra and got the gig. I had to play clarinet, flute and sax
and
improvise on all. I could not have done this without your
teaching. so
you really have changed my life and led to one of my life long
dreams
coming true. I have always wanted to play in a great big band.
I am leaving April 14th and will play at least through December.
By
the way, the best thing you ever told me was "Don't worry about
what
you didn't do in the past, Look what you can do for the rest of
your
life" That has stuck with me. I use that on all of my students
and
that statement has added quality to every new day I get.
Thanks again for your friendship and guidance. I look forward to
coming back to see you next year.
Blessings
Gary Meggs
Day 1- Eddie welcomed me to his home and studio in a manner that
made me feel welcome and relaxed.
I warmed up a little on my alto and Eddie did the same. His precision,
smoothness and control of the sax was just incredible. I was immediately
inspired and reminded of why I was there.
We began working out of the real book and improvising a little. After
I played my improvised solo Eddie asked just exactly what do you want
to learn. I explained that my solos were old, stagnant and boring
to me. I told him that I wanted to play smooth and connected through
the changes just like you do, and have the same relaxed, non- hard
working appearance while sounding great.
WOW! Here we went!!! We began working through the circle of 4ths
by playing 3 to 1 all the way around. Then we did the first part of
Ornithology and played it through the circle of 4ths and using the
numbers of scale tones to force me to think about what I was playing
not just using my ear. Then we took that same part of Ornithology
and transferred it to the tune All of Me. For the first time in years
new ideas began to form over older tunes. I am one 49 year old excited
dude!!!!!
After my first lesson I realize a new and better concept for improve
has been revealed to me for the first time ever.
I can't wait to get back tomorrow and learn more.
Day 2 - We started right out on a transcribed Charlie Parker solo.
Eddie played the piano and I read the solo. I thought it went pretty
well. Then Eddie played the solo in the perfect Charlie Parker style.
The style difference was really amazing. Like two different languages.
Eddie worked with me on certain patterns until I played the correct
language. It was so cool. Afterwards we took the most difficult lick
and began playing it in different keys. I said, I can't do that right
now. WRONG! Once again Eddie unlocked the secret of how to make the
transfer with more ease than I know existed. I am blown away.
Day3- Today we worked on ii five one through several keys in a way
that helped me connect my creative sentences from chord change to
chord change. I am a new player after only 3 days of lessons.
I have never in my life had such an incredible music experience.
I will be taking lessons from Eddie Daniels as long as he will teach
me. My students that I teach are so motivated by the new techniques
Eddie shared with me. I encourage all jazz educators to take a lesson
with Eddie. He will change you and your student's lives.
Lessons with Eddie Daniels
Gary Meggs
Director of Bands
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Email
eddiedaniels1006@msn.com to schedule your next
musical breakthrough.
Eddie breaks down the barriers between student and
instrument. Making music becomes more fun.
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