Emily Remler: Bebop and Swing Guitar

I've been a player for a long time... a long, long time. First off (to me) in the DVD Emily was FUN! She presents in the DVD a mix of NY attitude ("Hey man, I got it....") and being a practiced player. Deceptively so as it seems so "simple" when she plays. That mixture seems to lend itself to being enjoyable to her audience (myself) as she conveyed her message. There's nothing startling throughout that she presents in this DVD but I enjoyed playing along with her (I mean, who doesn't love 'Summertime' in whatever form it's played??). I was reminded (for like the millionth time) that practice can be a "good thing" resulting in being a better player. And it was a bonus in my view that TAB was part of the package although I always disliked the 'Hot Licks' TAB as it was (more so for me know than when I was younger) REALLY TINY and awkward to read. I use it as an "opportunity" <right....> to rewrite it out where I can print something bigger I can see. The stuff on the DVD seems a little dated but that's because it is. It was a different time; different tastes; quite an evolution of players from then till now. Emily presents solid, foundational stuff that can help any player improve his/her playing. It was VERY VERY sad that she died so early in her life. The DVD doesn't really present it because that's not the purpose but Emily was a monster player.

I have attended Berklee, and have been playing guitar for about 4 decades!Over the past 2 decades I have continued, as best I am able, to expand my playing and to take lessons.Remler is the best type of teacher, in my experience. One that knows how to simplify a complex subject so that the student can understand without having years of theory, instruction and performance as a foundation.While primarily a rock, blues, and fingerpicker, I am revisiting my jazz interest. I found the instruction on this DVD to be enjoyable, down to earth, and most importantly, digestable. First and most importantly, this is a single DVD and is aimed at a lower or intermediate player, I believe. There is the assumption of the ability to play chords, notation, and a bit of theory. If you have none of these it is still a useful tool adn still very usable.There are several exercises and at least three songs which a player can learn from this video-not only in notation but also simply watching them being played and in half speed mode-and take away the feeling of accomplishment, without a full semester of tutoring. One reveiwer asserts that this is not instructional in be-bop, but I disagree. ( I also didnt see anything other than enthusiasm, heart, and candor in Ms. Remler's eyes in both of her instructional videos.) It begins to lay foundation for be-bop with the presentation of a simple Bb blues, together with discussion of what leading tones are and using leading tones and how they assist in defining chord changes, and teaching how to develop eighth note solos. An excellent, non-heady, familiar choice, ie a blues, from which to start.This is worth full price. It actually can provide a month's worth of practice easily, more if you really work it and perfect it.Also as noted the emphasis on metronome and rhythm are simple concepts that most players just dont use, or use as much as they should. This will make it clear why it is critical, and will improve your timing (even if you think you have, or do have, great timing).The best part, however, is the down to business approach, with heart, humility, and respect for music as well as the student. Its a very enjoyable experience, and it will improve your playing and will serve those wishing to begin to study jazz to get a tiny taste without being crushed by too much theory, too many exercises in technique, or some of the other foibles of structured musical instruction that can dis-hearten a beginner.Miss Remler was a great loss, not only as a musician, but as a performer, teacher, and person.

Your appreciation of this DVD will depend on your level of playing ability. My first reaction was disappointment because I didn't learn any new chord voicings from Emily. But that said, there is plenty to be gained from this DVD. Watching her play her interpretation of Gershwin's Summertime is a real treat!I strongly recommend getting  Emily Remler - Advanced Jazz And Latin Improvisation - DVD  along with her Bebop and Swing DVD. She refers back to this first lesson in the Advanced/Latin lesson. The Bebop and Swing DVD covers playing on the 2 and 4 beats. The Advanced Jazz and Latin Improvisation DVD covers playing on the 1 and 3 beats.If you expect a couple of great $20 lessons, you will be very satisfied. If you're looking for a course in Bebop and Swing, then you need a good book and a teacher. Either way, don't pass over these DVDs or you'll miss a great talent and teacher that was not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also very passionate about the music she played and loved. It's very apparent in her teaching and playing.Knowing how young and tragically Emily left us, makes it hard at times to watch these DVDs, but I'm glad we have this video record of this great Jazz guitar player. "I saw the needle and the damage done... a little part of it in every one..." - Neil YoungR.I.P. Emily Remler.

It’s a well known fact that teaching is a separate skill. Many genius musicians have difficulty explaining their “feel”. This instructional video won’t have that problem and won’t leave you frustrated. It breaks down things clearly and you feel like you are going somewhere.

I remember seeing this advertised in VHS format back in the 90's. Always meant to check it out, but the whole hot licks thing seem to disappear. Anyway, I got this on the strength of a review on Amazon. The person said it was worth the money, just to watch Emily play.I have not been dissapointed, it was worth every penny and more.I have returned to guitar playing after a very long lay off. I was looking for something that would give me an intro to Jazz, without being too simple or too complicated ( my background is Rock and Blues ). For me, this has been really good. Lots of good advice, and insight on this DVD. You can't really go wrong - especially at this price.

If you want the basics of jazz guitar clearly explained and beautifully played,this order this DVD now! Emily's tips and passion for "swing" make the DVD invaluable - I can't look at a metronome without remembering her sound advice. Plus there's her lovely version of "Summer Time" for you to learn and enjoy - and much more.Buy Emily's Wes Montgomery CD as well to get an idea of her playing. She was the missing link between Wes and Pat Metheny; a huge loss.

Execellent lessons. It arrived on time.

A great tuition DVD by a great player.

Great, just what I expected