Take the A train.

[MSteinMusic]

I love the when he smiles after playing a nice lick

[anthonygiametta]

Great job!

[Jazzwayze]

Hey Victor... Laid back as ever and your tone is full and rounded. I was going to take a 'bird' over to Amsterdam, but I just plain forgot my passport is out of date. As I have to go all the way to Newcastle, in person, for a new one, then it's gonna be next year. Keep swinging my friend and don't fret, except when you're playing.

Regards John

[Jazzguts]

@Jazzwayze Thanks John I hope all's well with you, ah those passports awful things but you need them as all those official documents. Hope your health is OK and keep playing and loving Music, an important thing,Music is our only weapon,greetings Vic.

[AndreJDaniels]

very very nice tone... I kill you now and take your guitar...

[Jazzguts]

@AndreJDaniels Thanks,I take it as a compliment, but I'm not planning on following "Steve Jobs" right now,LOL,Vic.

[smdfoshomoshopoo]

Spectacular rendition of a true classic. I look forward to hearing more of your work!

[Jazzguts]

@smdfoshomoshopoo Thank you,you're very welcome and let me know what you think,greetings Vic.

[SIRONEDRAGON]

Great playing Vic..And great ideas : )

[Jazzguts]

@SIRONEDRAGON Thanks Ken always great having you around,greetings Vic.

[verena6670]

so mature and smooth...

i enjoy :)

[Jazzguts]

@verena6670 Thank you,glad you enjoyed and after all these years it should sound mature,let's say I know how I want to sound,Vic.

[Dvareckas]

bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)­))

[Jazzguts]

@Dvareckas Thanks Dave,hope all's well with you,greetings Vic.

[peprice3]

nice job!

[JeffFulksMusic]

Awesome version man. Where did you get the backing track? I plan on playing this song for my berklee audition.

[Jazzguts]

@JeffFulksMusic Thanks, I did the backing track in B.I.B. (band in a box) unfortunately I cannot convert these files to MP3 but it's a very good investment to purchase such a program,check it out on the Web, Vic.

[BOPPPPER]

Knockout!

[Jazzguts]

@BOPPPPER Oh I didn't realize it was a fight,thanks anyway,Vic.

[Rg1527]

Another great improvisation, i was wondering if youve got any resources i could check out to help my improvising?

[Jazzguts]

@Rg1527 Sit on your Sofa with your guitar within reach,and listen real hard to the great Jazz guys, Kenny Burrel, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Duke Ellington, Charlie Christian. Steal from them and while jamming make up your own lines from the theory you've learned. That's how I did it,Vic.

[ruaxhatsafon]

yes, i was searching for the piece you mentioned and found this! awesome.

[Jazzguts]

@ruaxhatsafon Thanks,yes good old Duke Ellington sure wrote some very good tunes,delicious to improvise over,Vic.

[ruaxhatsafon]

@Jazzguts he did indeed, however, "take the 'a' train" was actually written by billy strayhorn. the song is instructions on how to get to Duke's place.

[Jazzguts]

@ruaxhatsafon Guess you're right he had this great collab with Billy Strayhorn, greetings Vic.

[GauchoLibre]

spot on. some real gold in there.

[Jazzguts]

@GauchoLibre And diamond in your comment,at last people who hear the value of dedicated work,cheers Vic.

[azpmoksuhgf]

might have been already asked but i have jazz performance in like a week

any good solo improv ideas not too complex please

[Jazzguts]

@azpmoksuhgf well if you haven't been practicing hard these last years,this last week won't do you no good,lol, Vic.

[jiangson]

i love it! can you tell me what are some scales you used for solo and how to use them?

[Jazzguts]

@jiangson On my Site there will be (paid) lessons discussing many interesting Topics in a while, in the Info-line under my Vids you'll find all info,Vic.

[jazzyedwin24]

Every time I check your videos, you always surprise me with something new and different, your a cool cat Vic. I never heard this tune played in this tempo, that's why I love jazz, you have to be creative. Nice job Vic.

[Jazzguts]

@jazzyedwin24 You know once I saw Duke Ellington do it as a Waltz,he probably got bored doing it in swing for so long,that was a pleasant surprise so I tried it like that too,it works good as a Jazz Waltz,Vic.

[jazzyedwin24]

It works nicely!

[alzhammer1]

you can't always be good ... but nice effort

[Jazzguts]

Alzhammer, I don't understand what you mean by this remark.

[quekboonbang]

Love the way you use the 2 intro chords and creating the colour tones.

Charles Quek, Singapore

[quekboonbang]

The more I watch you plays, the more I love your tones and the colours you put in.

I was just curious to know your approach to the intro. Did you use substute or just playing C maj and D7b5? Charles Quek,Singapore

[mortisterror]

Beautiful guitar playing!

[Jazzguts]

Thank you mortisterror, and also for your subscription,enjoy my Music,all the best,Vic.

[mr12note]

The Duke was genuis on open places

to allow the medley to grow how we feel

like your version... standards are still here and forever for a reason :)

Enjoyed using my ears on this one

[Jazzguts]

@mr12note Darn right, it's great to change up or arrange things for it to breath new life, I agree in essence they are great compositions that are so worthwhile playing,cheers Vic.

[Jazzguts]

@Exposethefrauds I'll tell him to raise his hands when I play this arrangement,or I'll write out piano-voicings and ask him to stick to those, it's called playing in servive of the Music,Vic.

[TESSxTOURMENT]

this is fantastic! I love it!.. such a unique sound, played this way

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Tess.. glad you loved it,enjoy the rest of my work,greets Vic.

[acodaniel1]

You´re killing me! Wonderful! Thanks for the best videos on You Tube!!!! ~ Daniel

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Daniel for the huge compliment,always doing my best, glad you're checking me out this way,always welcome,greets Vic.

[SIRONEDRAGON]

Vic That is Cool !! Like the whole tone steps and the fourths ..great tone and execution..

[Jazzguts]

You're hearing it brother that's why I like your comment, a guy who knows what he's hearing (who knows his theory and has internalized it,that's what it's all about) Greets Vic.

[SIRONEDRAGON]

Howard and Joe referred to those tones as suspended tones which are in anticipation to be resolved.. Makes the listener's hear want resolution..

[Blijdenstein]

Heel mooi gespeeld Vic, lastig dit thema in 3/4, mooie solo over de changes. Mijn complimenten. hartelijke groet, Aad Overeem

[Jazzguts]

Dank je Aad, the Duke heb ik het eens in een documentaire zien doen,ik vond het een gaaf idee, check m'n nieuwste "Take 5" (ook een uitdaging) vertel me wat je ervan vindt,groet Vic.

[angeluki2]

aswome!!! 6/5 *****

[Jazzguts]

Thanks angeluki2 for your support,greets Vic.

[lovosazul]

'Beeeeaauautiful!!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks lovosazul,at your service,brother,all the best,Vic.

[3dsmaxmaster]

wow Atrain in Jazz 3/4 timming, now that is super cool. Do you have a CD for sale?

[Jazzguts]

Thanks soon via my personal WebSite(you'll find it on my channel profile),we're working on it, greets Vic.

[joe4jazz]

I like the way you do this in three. It really works. And those are tasty diminished lines. Of course, the whole thing has that relaxed feel you put across so well.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Joe4jazz, once heard Duke doing it in this way and found it quite inspiring, also listen to the whole-tone sequences in this nice tune,greets Vic.

[cyntreuse]

Super, tres posé j'adore

[Jazzguts]

Merci beaucoup,cyntreuse,ne parle francias mais je comprends, Salut Vic.

[shmaltz]

I used to take the A train every weeks from mott ave to port authority, and it didn't sound this good, this is great!

[Jazzguts]

Haha shmaltz,great sense of humor, that train just goes g-dang-g-dang no music in there brother unless you fantasize something in your mind,greets Vic.

[gembela07062001]

I'd take this train, it is rolling smoothly.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks gembela, on this one you'll get hot chocolate for free too,lol,greets Vic.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Frank, well I know you think the same way, a guitar= a mini orchestra, bass,rhythm,chords, melody, all under your finger-tips the only limitation is our own imagination, greets Vic.

[melodykentucky]

This is more true in your hands than in most, by far.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Melody thats a great compliment you're giving me here, all the best,Vic.

[trout5076]

i love this, and i want that guitar :D

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Allen, for your enthusiastic comment,much appreciated,hope all's well with you, when you have time check out my "It could happen to you" you might like it,greetings Vic.

[carvetop01]

Vic,

This has a wonderfully melodic improv. I have come to expect that from you. This has exceeded my expectations. Wonderful presentation my friend,

allen

[666quebec666]

awesome tone. really. i give you a big hairy 10/10 on that.

what guitar/amp are you using ?

chrome strings probably ... ?

amen

[Jazzguts]

Thanks 666quebec... I'm going straight into a 4 channel mixer together with backing track, the stereo signal goes to my Mac,

here I'm using round wound 010 set, but occasionally I do use chromes, (flat wound) greets Vic.

[miltonrocker]

great

[Jazzguts]

Thanks milton, one well meant word,greets Vic.

[Keesfarida]

Hallo Vic ,je improvisaties klinken lekker,mooie muziek van de Duke,ik speel In A Sentimental Mood van Ellington,ik heb genoten van je vids,ik kom uit Rotterdam ,groetjes Kees Nipius.

[Jazzguts]

Dank je Kees, zal je kanaal binnenkort bezoeken en naar jouw Stuff luisteren, In a Sentimental Mood is een mooi stuk,heb ik ook een Vid van hier op YT,groetjes Vic.

[Keesfarida]

Vic leuk dat je nog ff naar La Vie en Rose hebt gekeken,je fingerstyle stukken zijn geweldig,bedankt voor je comment,Kees.

[Jazzguts]

Je bent het meer dan waard Kees,je bent een prima gitarist, mooie toon en muzikaal gespeeld, ik zal je vaker bezoeken en je stukken van commentaar voorzien, muzikale groeten Vic.

[Scolfield10]

Congratulations .... U are very GooD ...

I am brazilian .... Yesterday - The Beatles was very good ....Indeed ... All too Well !

[Jazzguts]

Hi Scofield10, glad you enjoyed,if you're looking for some nice playing concepts for improvisation check out my newest Vid and study the annotations boxes. be hearing from you,Vic.

[carvetop01]

Excellent. Great feel and tone.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks so much, I love Duke Ellington's tunes and especially Billy Strayhorns influence,excellent arranger,Greets Vic.

[patricegoyaud]

Very beautifull tune Vic

Patrice

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Patrice, can't go wrong with the good old Duke of Ellington,lol,greets Vic.

[eddiegrey]

Awesome jazzing, Vic!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Eddie, this one came out pretty neat,have you ever heard of the whole-tone scale c d e f# g# a# (only 6 notes) (using it here quite a lot) Greets Vic.

[eddiegrey]

I have and good to know you're using it in this one. I'll have to mess around with it!

[Jazzguts]

Good Eddie,youknow in a Blues where you get that nice T-Bone walker type chord like D7-13,(at the end of the sequence) that's a nice spot,mess around with that man, in the future when I hear Eddie jamming and I hear those nice "outside" notes I'll be thinking Eddie's going in the Jazzy direction,LOL,Vic.

[ThrashMetal]

Ah, this is just what I needed. I've been sick all a week with a lung infection. This is really good stuff.. Thanks, Vic.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Thrash, wish you a speedy recovery and listen to my Music it has a heeling effect,lol,greets Vic.

[bobwww]

A light-hearted, more relaxed version of Ellington; I really enjoyed it. Thanks.

[archtopbrownie]

You can't beat the beautiful highs you get on this guitar. Wow. Nice arrangement. Swingin' performance. 5***** of course.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Lance, how's Will getting along,I hope well, yeah I'm glad I purchased this guitar long in 81, greetings Vic.

[littleprince000]

oh God, that was such an uplifting tune and performance.

I just Loooooove it :)

thank you :))

[Jazzguts]

Thanks little Prince, you're more than welcome,greets Vic.

[JogiBass]

Hey, Vic! It's real nice in 3/4. But the hottest thing is your scales. They make that old tune sound very modern. So the train is still running, and it's exploring new ways. Just great***** Jogi

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Jogi, I was looking at some old Duke Ellington Stuff,man that was an orchestra,time passes by but some statements those guys made(especially arrangements and colors) sound modern up to this day,they had an awful lot to say man,people should keep listening to that,lot's of inspiration there,thanks for tuning in,Vic.

[upst8]

Interesting take on this old standard - superb playing as always

[Jazzguts]

upst8,thanks a lot, love those old Standards,those where the days there wasn't any slackness on composing,and people knew their trade, greets Vic.

[braulito]

nice, really nice Jagutts!

i must say it, i´m traying to transcribe your intro to this standard... is it Am7 and Am7 b5?

[Jazzguts]

Hi braulito, thanks, the intro is C, Ab75- success with transcribing,greets Vic.

[braulito]

thanks! (i was close... but i must study harder)

[HanzP]

Great Vic! Perfect sound! Is that a new toy you play?

Hansel

[Jazzguts]

Well Hansel it's a successful experiment, when one can improve on certain things the whole surrounding will benefit,it's certainly true in this case,thanks,Vic.

[sixstringintexas]

Great man!!!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks sixstring.. much appreciated,greetings Vic.

[LanangYogya]

This time I know this song Vic :) I've Ella Fitzgerald version sing this tune (in 4/4 for sure) I notice this main progression is the same like "Girl From Ipanema" isn't it?

Again Vic, your phrasing is most commendable! The descending whole tone scale at 1:28, wow it so catchy! Is it Maj 6/9 chord at the ending? Oh and it's harder for me to improvise over 3/4 than 4/4 meter, don't know why... Anyway always love your videos Vic! :)

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Lanang for your uplifting comments(always my friend) you're a man with "Heart and Soul" for Music,one of the most beautiful Arts on this planet. You're right about the progression only transposed to C major. And I love the whole tone scale,devision of the Octave in two equal parts,so there are only 2 of those. Debussy used it a lot in his "airy" compositions. Yeah the ending chord is kinda interesting actually I'm playing D/C (omitting the third) but you get the effect you mentioned, Vic.

[2tonesg]

great playing, sir.

[Jazzguts]

Hi 2tonesg,thank you,even if you play 2 tones(your name) play with all the feel you got,Vic.

[johnvankampen]

Hi Vic, you are right man, your new 500MB external HD is giving results. Your Video quality is so much better now verry clear and your sound as good as always, and at it's best. Great arrangement again and that guitar of yours really has a beautiful sound. It's nice to listen to such nice music before hitting the sack, a little more and I'm finished with my days work. Keep up brother and thanks for posting. Greets, John (Willemstad)

[Jazzguts]

Monique gave me the idea to make a back-up of all my Vids, so I have them on both drives internal and external,but I have the idea that when it gets to crowded on the internal I'll just place everything on the external to create more space, this quality gives me soo much more pleasure and judging the commentary,the listeners too, think on answering Monique's mail,abbrazzo brother,Vic.

[GuitarLengends456]

the is a really great, what gutitar is that? 10*s out of 5 =)

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Guitarlegends,glad you enjoyed, it's an GB-20 (Ibanez) taken out of production for quite some years, the little brother GB-10 can still be purchased, I bought her in 1981 and still serving me well,Greets Vic.

[freddym223]

outstanding! love it as a waltz! lot of nice little nuggets in there amigo

[Jazzguts]

Hi Fred, thanks man, hope you don't mean that Kentucky fried Stuff, I think the word nuggets has another symbolic meaning here,LOL Greetings Vic.

[dle777]

really terriifc arrangement...very creative

I'm sure you enjoy playing a lot more than teaching, but many of us would really appreciate some guidance on your melodic approaches and chord forms

learning and helping is whta makes life fun!

[Jazzguts]

Hi die777, thanks for wonderful comment, well I enjoy both teaching and playing but it has to be in balance, playing makes me improvise,experiment,try out new concepts, teaching is sometimes great, sometimes it's a job,especially when folks are putting many other things higher on their priority list. there are some nice instructional Video's on my channel and there are more to come,greetings Vic.

[SUNNYD3322]

Very flowing. Excellent improvisation.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Sunny, my Jazz loving friend,always welcome,glad you enjoyed,greets Vic.

[woodytfc]

what a wonderful sound as always Vic - i loved that version the quality of your musicinanship really shines through on that material Thanks for sharing

[Jazzguts]

Thanks woodytfc, I once told Scott Crothers (Bodine) Man I wish I could step on a time machine , shake hands and Jam with those musicians of that Era. Greets Vic.

[gent30x]

Really Fantastic. Love it. Wish I could "grab" just some of it.But doesn t have the skills yet like that passage or that passage or.

Nice stuff.Really Awesome.

I tried to find "jazz " chords the last recent months by ear. And finally bought a book- Jazz Guitar- by Jeff Schroedl. I am happy most of my -by ear- chords are in the book too. lol.

It's a great journey on the Jazz train. Even I most likely never get it,It's Fun. You are such an inspiration. Your feeling for music. It's amazing.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks gent30x, glad you liked my arrangement, once a Dutch Musician told me, I have a good term for Jazz,he said: "Jazz is serious Fun", now in those few words I can totally find my philosophy, I would like to add "and the heartfelt Passion for Music" all the best,till the next Vid,Vic.

[funkymitty]

Oh, really fantastic and beautiful tune.

Indeed it's my pleasure to listen and watch your Youtube concert.

Thanks for wonderful post. :)

Mitty

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Mitty,what do you think of the Video quality, nice and sharp don't you think, I'm really glad with this higher resolution, glad you're always here among my audience ,Greetings Vic.

[fendermac]

Light and lovely.Very,very fine indeed.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed this rendition,I'll be redoing some older material that was recorded with a much lesser Webcam and sound,greets Vic.

[654321654321]

your guitar seems to flow over that nice rhythm!

Great playing.

Saludos, R.

[Jazzguts]

thanks 6543.... the more it floats the better, freedom in rhythm on of the most important things,greets Vic.

[HenQ715]

oddly enough this is one of my favorites, my wife and I years ago we saw a movie Moscow on the Hudson and it feature that song. Your fingers ride the strings to this great classic like a train on the rails just beautiful, my memories are of riding the "A" train to school and work so many years ago, once again it's really smooth with its rich tones you play...Peace be with you till next time, I'm sure Duke is smiling from heaven down on you saying Yeah Baby.

Saludos,

Henry The "Q" Million ***

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Henry, great you have all those memories with this Tune,it's simple but I love playing it, I can play numerous improvisations over it that all sound good. I'm going to redo some of my older work that was recorded with a cheap little Webcam,this quality I have for recording is much better now, That smile from the Duke is worth a million Bucks,lol,greets Vic.

[Kikalani]

Wonderful playing and arrangement Vic. Really love this guitar. Fantastic tone. 5 stars all the way. Regards, Chuck

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Chuck, I know you also dig Jazz, there's so much fantastic repertoire in that style to play and arrange,I'll need an extra life to do what I have in mind,LOL,greets Vic.

[OxyMiracle]

Very nice tone! Very dreamy, great stuff...

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Oxy... it's probably those whole tone scales that I'm using here creating an airy atmosphere, Greets Vic.

[kdkmo]

That is just so cool. I'm so glad I found your videos. I really love this kind of playing. Thank you so much for sharing your music with us.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks,kdkmo,trying to keep the Jazz tradition Alive,I see some good young chaps around who can take it over from me one day, greets Vic.

[Oswlek]

Awesome, Vic. I am humbled everytime I watch you play because you are too smooth. It looks like you aren't even trying.

Are you familiar with Phish? This version sounds like something that would fit right into their album Picture of Nectar.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks man, it's typical I'm fully concentrated and brain working full trot checking so much alternatives to play and now I'm looking back at myself it seems as if it's taking me no trouble,a separate reality,lol. I'll check out Phish,they must be jazzy as hell then, thanks for tuning in, greets Vic.

[carlos13190]

je crois que je vais progresser en regardant vos videos, à mon petit niveau evidemment

5++++

[Jazzguts]

Merci beaucoup mon Ami Carlos, toujours bienvenu a mon Canal,thanks for beautiful comment, au revoir Vic.

[BocaFriend]

For once I can say it in one: "Swellegant!"

xoxo, : )

[Jazzguts]

Hi Terry,now that's what I call creative with words,if you where a musician you'd be jamming the night away on a creative Cloud, a big hug,Vic.

[RMAN923]

SUPERB.......One of my all-time favorites......Roger

[Jazzguts]

Thanks RMAN923, always welcome man and enjoy the rest of my work,greetings Vic.

[SabMei1]

Goede avond Victor,

at first I´d like to dance waltz but then I only enjoyed the coool sound. Your smile in 1:17 is very likeble :-)

5 stars and

vele beste begroet

Sabine

[Jazzguts]

Vielen dank Sabine,du hast mich uberrascht,mit dein Niederlandisch(hope I'm spelling this all correct?) Love having you on my channel, you're such a friendly musical Lady, hartelijk bedankt voor je commentaar,Victor.

[samerika]

beautiful

[Jazzguts]

Thank you samerica,always welcome,Vic.

[BryanRason]

i would love to take some jazz lessons from you man.......you make it look easy

nice guitar and great playing as always

BR

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Bryan, if you ever have theoretical questions just blast away, maybe there are a few I can't answer,LOL,greets Vic.

[jwwetzel]

VIC that was GREAT MAN!!! :D wow!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks James,hope the good old "D.Ellington" approves somewhere up there,a smile would be enough,greets Vic.

[journalcc]

Great job!!!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks journal, what's the front page news,greets Vic.

[journalcc]

cold weather! lol

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Newspaper, good time for playing guitar,greets Vic.

[MoiDeCoentro]

sweet tune!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks MoiDeCoentro, totally agree,nice and simple with refinement ,that's what I like,Vic.

[PetrucciFever]

You´re the man Victor! Always enjoying your beautiful playing. No one´s able to beat that smoothness. Julian

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Julian,maybe this is the style for when your hair start turning grey,no just kidding man,you're a tremendous player,thanks for your ears man,Greets Vic.

[PRmusician]

your welcome

[Jazzguts]

Thanks PRmusician, you too my friend,greets Vic.

[sguitar]

Hey Vic,

nice to see you...Great video and as always fantastic playing!! I like the jazzy sound!! I enjoy it very much!! A big hug Sarah :-)

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Sarah, love having you here listening to my Jazz Stuff,I'm really on the Improvising path again, hope you have a great week mein Madchen, further alles gut? Vic.

[sguitar]

Hey Vic,

thanks I'm fine...I hope you too! Always a pleasure to listen to you :-) Have a nice week too!! Hug Sarah :-)

[turkamine]

Great job again, Vic, I really like these smooth old jazz tunes. You make them look easy too. Thanks for posting.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks turkamine, I love that tradition, those guys sure knew how to write decent Tunes with nice logical form, Greets Vic.

[mgapenny]

Simply wonderful, as always.

Penny

[Jazzguts]

Thanks mgapenny, ah my penny from Heaven(name of a standard) thanks for joining me on my Jazz escapade,greets Vic.

[pauldil]

Sounds great done as a waltz! Great tone too Vc! Loved it.

Paul

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Paul, for tuning in and listening, our wood shedding is starting to deliver some nice fruits,lol,greets Vic.