The Art of Playing + Singing the Blues by Ear by Fernando Jones

Updated Monday, December 21, 2020 at 1A

Resources for Alex and Steve

Click to download: Shooting Notes

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Intro Line: "I am Fernando Jones. Welcome to my Master Class Session." 

Filmed in 4K by Emerging Light Media

Directed by Steve Sepulveda & Alex Villaseñor

Poster photo by Glenn Kaupert

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Special thanks to our Blues Angels: Shure, D’Addario Foundation, Jim Dunlop, Columbia College Chicago, Edward G. Irvin Foundation, Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Chicago Federation of Musicians (Local 10-208).

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Course Description

Blues icon Fernando Jones presents, in The Art of Playing + Singing the Blues by Ear, real life performance situations in this Master Class. You will be a more impactful musician and entertainer after this experience. This project is filmed in 4k by Emerging Light Media.

The mysteries of playing the Blues intuitively and properly will be unlocked as you successfully navigate the worlds of singing in key (always), playing in a band, performing live, recording at home, playing “for the song” and more. while being engaged, entertained and educated from start to finish.

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This conversational and performance piece is shot in4K and presented by Emerging Light Media. It's designed so you can listen and learn at your own pace. It doesn’t matter if you are a neophyte, weekend warrior or pro, you will have fun connecting the dots. Techniques and strategies are transferable to all instrument family groups as well as the music business-at-large.

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Jones and his team will offer feedback on your video assignment submissions. Video feedback conference sessions will be hosted, too. This package also includes never before released footage and stories from Jones’ journey as a four year old musician imitating his older brothers to an internationally respected and treasured Bluesman and educator.

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Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

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KNOWLEDGE

• Identify the different styles of electric and acoustic Blues.

• Identify the difference between 8-bar and 12-bar Blues

• Present as authoritative figures on their area of Blues specificity

• Publish and share a their course experiences with the Master Class Session online

• Recognize and categorize instruments on sound recordings

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COMPREHENSION

• Describe different styles of music by instrumentation and vocal styles

• Explain why Chicago is called the Blues Capital of the Word

• Summarize group discussions

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  APPLICATION

• Practice exercises properly

• Riff, improvise and solo tastefully

• Play in time

• Play basic 8 and 12-bar Blues forms

• Play basic major and minor chords (6th, 7th, 9th and 11th chords)

• Play with others in complementary ways

• Prepare a mock presentation for midterm evaluation

• Produce video and audio projects for class

• Solve problems

• Use critical thinking skills

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ANALYSIS

• Analyze, synthesize and present data/research in final presentation

• Differentiate between electric and acoustic instruments

• Organize presentation structure

• Present assignments professionally

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SYNTHESIS

• Combine cohort resources and information

• Compile artifacts

• Develop communal working relationships

• Demonstrate proper care of instruments

• Demonstrate the differences between acoustic and electric Blues “feels”

• Demonstrate the ability to play basic bass and guitar patterns

• Demonstrate an understanding for repertoire with a high level of proficiency• Demonstrate dynamics

• Organize assignment schedules

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EVALUATION

• Compare and contrast each group’s work

• Critique each other’s projects

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ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE

• Pre-course Evaluation

• Oral and Written Quizzes

• Homework Assignments

• Class Participation

• Final Presentation Project

• Exit Course Evaluation

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Course Rationale

This course will provide students with career readiness skills.

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Tag Line

 Learn today. Gig Tonight.

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Instrumentation Focus

Electric and acoustic bass and electric, acoustic, resonator and 12-string guitar. As a bonus you’ll get instruction on playing drum grooves, diatonic harmonica soloing, MIDI recording and how to always sing in key.

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Styles Surveyed

Blues, Funk, Soul and More.

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About the Instructor

Fernando Jones is an internationally travelled musicians, father of Blues Camp and Blues Kids of America, author of “I Was There When The Blues Was Red Hot” and founding Blues Ensemble director at Columbia College Chicago. All proceeds benefit Blues Kids Foundation and Blues Camp for youths and their parents and guardians.

 

He is at the vanguard of Blues pedagogy and andragogy, globally. Fernando Jones has influenced the next generation of Blues players through his self-titled internationally branded Blues Camp.Through this course he is inviting you into his learning lab, while explaining and demonstrating tips, exercises, song structure and techniques using understandable language and terminology.

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• • • • •

Chapter 1: Introduction

Through the introduction of myself, I hope that my journey will make your navigation a little easier. Though your journey will be yours and yours alone, respectfully, you'll at least know that you're not "alone".

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Fernando Jones' Voice Over Welcome Letter

Can you imagine growing up in a house where baddest musicians on the Southside of Chicago were your older brothers, cousins and extended family? Can you imagine seeing and hearing the electric Chicago Blues in real time, back in the day down in the basement at Theresa’s Lounge in the ‘60s? And the Checkerboard Lounge in the ‘70s run by Buddy Guy, himself? And finally, can you imagine putting your two cents into the mix in ‘80s creating Blues festivals on your college campus? Well, that was my youth; you don't have to imagine the next Chicago Blues Phase because you will be part of it. You’ll be able to say that you’re part of that lineage.

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In my Master Class Session I will share survival tricks of the trade, disappointments and achievements. I’ll be an open book in 4K. LOL. Ultimately, this’ll help you successfully navigate the journey of playing by yourself at home to playing onstage with like-minded others. I’ll use plain musician “street” language and talk to you like you’re in my band. In other words, I’ll be welcoming you, personally

into the Blues world. You won’t have to change anything about “you” because I’ll constantly reinforce that you will have to do what works for you. And that’s good enough for me.

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You will be taught little things like proper instrument care to knowing when, where and how to solo and when to lay back a groove. Most importantly, I hope to teach you how not to get in your own way, while having a blast learning. And like a live master class I want to meet you. So with the popularity and availability of video conferencing that’s possible.

 

I’ll share stories of coming up in a household and a community on the Southside of Chicago where music was everywhere — and it was normal, natural and acceptable to be an entertainer. Today will be, truly, the first day of your Blues life. My team and I welcome you. Our motto: Learn today. Gig tonight.

 

Start off with "Musician's Pledge"  

1. Disciple of Greg (Brother)2. How I started out 

2. Me and Carolyn (Oldest Niece)

Singing and play "The Way I Want to Touch You" by Captain and Tennille

3. First band name

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 2: Fundamentals

Having a solid foundation is good to have in any situation; music making is no different.

Why do you want to be a player?

1. Listen to Music (Listen v. Hear) 

2. Know Different Styles and Structure

3. Your Gear 

4. Practicing

5. Reading basic charts 

6. 12-Bar Blues / I-IV-V 

7. Exercise Routines

8. 12 Notes

9. Divide the Guitar into Three Fret Blocks

 
8. Learning and playing a song in the studio v. playing it live

9. Improvisation

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 3: Performing Live

Being a performer is an opportunity to not only be a peacock but to be someone who inspires and helps others feel better about their current situation.

1. Sitting-in with others

2. Be Camera Ready / Dress Code / Fashion

3. Stage Presence and Stage Name

4. Live Show Prep (Rehearsal v. “Practicing”)

5. Band Leading (Band or Soloist) "Me" sample from WGN
6. Jam Session

7. Solo approaches using "Chicago (Has Got Everything You Need)" 

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 4: Songwriting

Even if a song is fantasy you have to make your audience believe it's real. The singer has to "sell" the song.

1. For Singers

2. For Film (Devil's Crossroads)

3. For Animation (Mr. Hobo)

3. For Theatrical Plays (I Was There . . . and ETA)

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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Script

How Frances L. in Purple rain said, “I’ve got a million songs and none of ‘em sound the same” Writing for the voice think about these songs in segment. Discuss and play part of the track (Include tracks on the film for people to play along with).

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Songwriting: Try to write a song that doesn’t include your primary instrument. Make a song that people can’t believe is you. Listen to “Walking Piece of Candy”. Talk about how I made this track

 

Talk about how I heard that Bruce Springsteen walked around with an album of songs in his back pocket

 

Writing for the voice think about these songs in segment.

Discuss and play part of the track (Include tracks on the film for people to play along with)

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“Walk around the yellow car and get the blue ball.”

- Okoro Harold Johnson

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Writing for Different Voices

/play a verse Add as bonus audio

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Click to download: My song performance notes.

Barkin’ Bill – “I Want a Pretty Woman” Full track

Nellie Travis – “Oil and Water” Full track

Leanne Faine – “Leave Your Love at the Door” Full and Instrumental

Tjuan Linton – “Boy Crazy” Full and Instrumental

Foree – “On Top” Full Track

Kappa League – “Guide Right” (I have to remix)

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Chapter 4B: Writing for Film and Theatrical Stage Plays

Sample of Devil’s Crossroads. Use the clip of him watching fingers play then he plays

Sample: The Unkool Ferdee Project

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“What’s happening now”  quote by Foree and use in Unkool Ferdee song.

 

I did the same this for my father’s voice

 

Jona’s Blues Band tribute. Show CD.

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4C: Your Journey in a Book

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 5: Recording (w/song samples to deconstruct)

1. With a Band (Pros and cons of studio musicians)

2. By Yourself

3. Others (Studio Musicians V. Your Band)

4. Embracing Technology

5. Back up your material

6. For Film and Plays     

7. Publishing & Copyrights

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 6: Start a Band

1. Playing with and in a band

2. By Yourself

3. Choosing Members

4. Signatory Musicians

5. Create your Logo

6. Logo Test (I have this as a MP4)

7. Stage plot and Technical Rider

8. Crew

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

 

• • • • •

Chapter 7: Career

Business & Branding: What Does Being Professional Mean

1. Building Professional Relationships

2. Take Advantage of Opportunities

3. Booking Yourself (Agents and Managers)

4. Marketing

5. Protection

6. Traveling Safely

7. Reinvesting in Your Career

8. The Power of Saying No

9. Create Content / Revenue Streams

10. Legacy / Altruism / Blues Camp

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 8: From Mentee to Mentor / No University of the Blues

My notes: "I'm as self-made as anybody, yet I still had mentors"

Example, Dizzy Gillespie was Miles Davis' mentor. 

 

"Mentors didn't teach me how to play

They taught me how to survive and make my own way."

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1. Junior Wells

2. Willie Dixon

3. Foree Superstar

4. Lefty Dizz

5. Greg Jones

6. Eddie Shaw

7. Mama Gerri (Palm Tavern)

8. KoKo Taylor

9. Dan Smith (Fender)

10. Sugar Blue

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Friendships

1. Fruteland Jackson

2. Jackie Scott

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Global Relationships

1. Davide Grandi

2. Chris Juergensen

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview

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• • • • •

Chapter 9: Funny Moments to Tell

1. Lefty Dizz getting slapped in the Checkerboard Lounge

2. Black Lone Ranger - Selling his tapes in the Checkerboard Lounge

3. LC - Checkerboard Lounge - Total Loss

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 10: Blues Camp

1. Blues Camp / Brief Overview

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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BONUS SECTION BELOW

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• • • • •

Chapter 11: Home Movies

Ideas: Maybe we can go to 47th and Ashland. The spot that used to be Goldblatt’s. This is where I got my first guitar on February 6, 1970. Not to be confused to when I started playing at 6 in 1968.

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 12: BluesLoops

1. BluesLoops Bass Lesson 1

2. BluesLoops Bass Lesson 2

3. BluesLoops Guitar Lesson 1

4. BluesLoops Guitar Lesson 2

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

Students submit their take on the exercises.

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• • • • •

Chapter 13: Midnight Music Mix

Video Series with option for students to upload their video of be interviewed by me.

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• • • • •

Chapter 14: Bonus - Jam with Jones

1. Into on Jam Session

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 15: Gear Usage (Show and Tell)

1. Talk about Guitar, Bass, Harmonica, Drums, Keyboards, etc.

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Gear to bring:

• White Tele

• Resonator

• Sunburst and Tobacco-burst and acoustic bass √

• Keyboard and Stand (or wheel upright piano from the other room)

• Pearl Drumset and hi-hats

• Shure 50s mic, SM57, SN58

• 3 Mic stands and table stands

• Bar Stool

• Laptop with sessions on Logic open and ready

• Samsung TV with HDMI cable

• Dunlop Guitar Picks and strings

• D'Addario guitar care (Share the video)

• Bass Amp

• Acoustic Guitar

• Blues DeVille amplifier

• Small Fender practice amp

• 2 Speakers, poles, and mixer with cables

• Stage outfit samples 

• Shure harmonica mic and harps

• Guitar holder

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.

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• • • • •

Chapter 16: The Vault

1. Other songs not placed in other chapters

2. Song/Performance demonstrations to be video taped:

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The Chapter Wrap-Up:

1. (Voice Over): Ask to give 3 take-aways from the Chapter.

2. (On-Camera or V.O.): Close out with simple 30 second(s) overview.