SKF NOTE: When I want to practice John Coltrane’s method of listening to jazz records; when I want to test my ear and my ability to keep time, I often turn to the song Siete Ocho from Andrew Hill’s Judgment! album on Blue Note. The tune is in 7/8 (thus the song title!). The band is Hill on piano, Richard Davis (bass), Bobby Hutcherson (vibes), and Elvin Jones (drums).

Focus on one band member ONLY — from the start of the song to the end — and see if you can do so without getting lost. That is, without dropping the time or losing your place in the song. I like to start with Richard Davis. It’s a fun exercise with any of the musicians.

SKF NOTE #2: I have always done this exercise listening ONLY. No playing along on an instrument.

Drop me a line and let me know how you make out with this.

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