🎧 In-Depth Review: Jazz Piano Skills – “Melodic Analysis of Lady Be Good” (Ep. 2 of 3)
Hosted by Dr. Bob Lawrence

Dr. Bob Lawrence delivers a beautifully structured and instructive second installment in his three-part deep dive on the jazz standard “Lady Be Good.” This episode focuses exclusively on melody—its ear training, phrase construction, and artistic delivery—making it an invaluable resource for any jazz musician seeking to elevate their interpretive and improvisational vocabulary.

📌 Key Themes & Highlights:
1. Melody by Ear – Not by Sight
Dr. Lawrence opens with a challenge to common habits: stop learning melodies from lead sheets. Instead, he urges listeners to train their ears by learning the melody aurally, allowing for a more organic and personal interpretation. He demonstrates this approach phrase-by-phrase, offering insight into fingering, shape, and motif development.

2. The Power of Phrasing and Target Tones
Listeners are encouraged to examine the natural breath marks in the melody, the shape of each line, and the resolution of each phrase. By analyzing where the melody is going—especially its target tones—Lawrence provides a compositional framework that informs improvisation down the road.

3. Style: Ballad, Bossa, and Swing
Another standout feature of the episode is Dr. Lawrence’s demonstration of “Lady Be Good” in multiple jazz styles. This treatment helps students understand how melody adapts depending on groove and rhythmic feel, reinforcing the importance of stylistic fluency.

4. Practice Blueprint
Dr. Lawrence outlines a clear practice agenda:

-Learn the melody by ear
-Apply correct fingering
-Analyze phrase structure and targets
-Combine melody with harmony from Ep. 1
-Practice with various jazz styles

This structured plan is particularly beneficial for students who tend to jump from one concept to another without ever achieving fluency.

5. Educational Ethos: The Seven Facts of Music
The core teaching philosophy throughout this episode—anchored in the “Seven Facts of Music” (sound, silence, harmony, melody, motion, embellishment, and rhythm)—remains a unique and empowering framework that sets this podcast apart from typical YouTube piano tutorials.

🎙 Listener Engagement:
In a thoughtful “Listener Question of the Week,” Dr. Lawrence explains the proper learning sequence in jazz (harmony → melody → rhythm) and dispels the notion that jazz can be mastered with a scattered approach. His answer reinforces the episode’s theme: progress requires intentionality.

⭐️ Verdict:
This episode doesn’t just analyze a melody—it models a complete learning system for internalizing jazz repertoire. With clear demonstrations, strategic practice guidance, and deep musical insight, Dr. Bob Lawrence once again proves why Jazz Piano Skills is a must-listen for serious jazz students.

Rating: 5/5 – A masterclass in melody that bridges ear training and artistry.

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