🎹 Jazz Piano Skills – Weekly Recap | Harmonic Analysis of “Stars Fell on Alabama.”

Welcome to the Monday Jazz Piano Skills Recap Video!
This week, Dr. Bob Lawrence breaks down the harmonic analysis of the 1934 jazz standard “Stars Fell on Alabama” by Frank Perkins — the first study in our January 2026 tune of the month.

In this recap, you’ll see and hear:
✅ Block voicings & inversions (root position through 3rd inversion)
✅ Traditional shell voicings (3-7-9 and 7-3-5)
✅ Contemporary shell voicings built on fourths
✅ Two-handed voicing structures for ensemble and solo piano playing
✅ How voicings relate directly to melody and musical context

This video is a visual companion to the Jazz Piano Skills podcast episode and is designed to help you connect sound, shape, and function at the piano.

🎶 New to Jazz Piano Skills?
These recap videos give you a glimpse into our structured, step-by-step learning approach. Members receive:

Podcast packets & lead sheets
Weekly masterclasses (with replays)
Guided practice materials

Monthly tune studies covering Harmony, Melody, Improvisation, and Solo Piano

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👉 Join the Jazz Piano Skills community at JazzPianoSkills.com
👉 New year. New studies. A clear path forward.

As always…
It’s time to get busy.
It’s time to Discover. Learn. Play. 🎹

#JazzPianoSkills #JazzPiano #StarsFellOnAlabama #BlockVoicings #ShellVoicings #TwoHandedVoicings #LearnJazzPiano #JazzPianoLessons #JazzPractice #musiceducation

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Stars Fell on Alabama, Harmonic Analysis, Voicings, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Piano Techniques, Music Theory, Improvisation, Jazz Community

Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces the Jazz Piano Skills community and outlines the study of 'Stars Fell on Alabama.' He emphasizes the importance of harmonic analysis, voicings, and the progression from block voicings to shell voicings and two-handed voicings. Throughout the discussion, he encourages students to enjoy their learning journey and highlights the resources available within the community.

Takeaways
Jazz Piano Skills members are studying 'Stars Fell on Alabama' this month.
Harmonic analysis is the starting point for every tune.
Block voicings are essential for learning jazz piano.
Shell voicings provide a lighter sound compared to block voicings.
Two-handed voicings are versatile for solo and ensemble playing.
Enjoy the learning process and where you are in your journey.
Command of block voicings makes learning other voicings easier.
The ear plays a crucial role in choosing voicings.
Resources like lead sheets are vital for practice.
Weekly masterclasses and recordings are available for members.

Titles
Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills for 2026
Mastering 'Stars Fell on Alabama'

Sound bites
"I hope to see you in the community."
"The ear makes the final decision for you."
"It's going to be an exciting year."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jazz Piano Skills and New Year Kickoff
00:57 Harmonic Analysis of 'Stars Fell on Alabama'
07:54 Exploring Block Voicings
13:09 Understanding Shell Voicings
14:01 Two-Handed Voicings and Their Applications
17:47 Encouragement and Next Steps in Learning

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