May 2026 Challenge Response – Michael L

[Michael L]

I’ve repurposed a lick from EP140 and made it the main motif/theme in this composition. It sounds very different here because EP140 is very major sounding, and my composition is bluesy, but that 6-note idea rings through. I’ve also included another repurposed idea; the B section of this uses the chord progression from the jazz standard Autumn Leaves. Hard to recognize due to the rhythmic and timing changes, but it’s the same progression.

Looking forward to all your submission this weekend!

[Alan L]

I love the call and response of this. Very groovy bass riff, and some beautiful harmonies. The B part fits right in too. Well done! 👍

[Michael Krailo]

Michael, you got that hook running throughout the piece really well. Plus that EP140 was new to me so I added that one to my must learn list. Awesome stuff.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[AndréM]

I heard you lick thru out the piece.
Nice composition.

AndréM

AndréM

[sunjamr]

Nice one Michael. You could get a job playing at our local seafood restaurant on Friday evenings. Strange how different the Autumn Leaves chord progression sounds in that context. Great idea, and well played!

Sunjamr Steve

[James B]

“Autumn leaves drift by my window”. 🎶 Really interesting piece you put together, Michael. Great use of the lick you chose with a classy intro added. Loved the B section as well. Very smooth transition between the two parts.

James

[Lights]

Jaaaaaaaazzzzzzz! Oh, how sweet it sounds, Michael! Your licks fits perfect and you variations are sharp minded.
Lights.

[Mike W]

Great stuff Michael – I liked the Lonny Johnson style lick and you fitted it in perfectly with the rest of your composition. I have to confess I didn’t get the Autumn Leaves reference but I’m going to replay it now and check that out.

[JoeD1]

That was a nice jazzy blues Michael. Really top notch!

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[Andy N]

Classy and smoothly played composition. That was a smart move to not only borrow a lick but make it the hook for an entire song. I wouldn’t have recognised either the lick or Autumn Leaves progression if you hadn’t pointed them out. I guess that goes to show how important context and rhythm influence what we hear. Its a good thing too or everything would sound the same 😀

[JoLa]

Ah, that sweet sound of your jazzy Taylor, you definitely own that sound, Michael! I could listen to this for hours! The major lick motif still lingers in my head, it worked very well with your bluesy composition. You have become quite a composer on our watch. To me, your music sounded like a good conversation; smart, chatty and uplifting 👌

🎸JoLa

[John H]

Michael-Beautiful and melodic. You are really developing command of the fretboard my friend and as a result are an absolute pleasure to listen to. You are playing with confidence and joy! Well done!!

John

[Dieter]

Your world is jazz—another excellent performance.

Dieter

[Manfred M]

It’s so interesting to hear familiar licks in a new setting and how different they sound. You put this together with a lot of thought and played it so beautifully. And the sound is just perfect. A total success!

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be July
There will be a detailed announcement here in the forum
I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Martin W]

I’m liking the way you repurposed that lick and used it as a repeating motif , very creative .
The Autumn leaves reference is there in a subtle way and the transition to it is so smooth .
There’s a lot of depth and character to your playing .
Enjoyed it !

Martin

[Denise]

Great walk down!!! Very jazzy and sophisticated sounding melody. Very well put together.

More Blues!

[Serena C]

Beautiful composition Michael! The B part inspired ny Autumn Leaves is so well integrated and nice!

If I wasn't making mistakes I wouldn't be the kind of player I want to be. Perfection is dangerous.
It's all about taking risks, sometimes you get to some place, sometimes you get to a different place. (Brian May)

[Jonathan Amos]

That’s a sweet lick which works very well as the main motif. I like the jazzy chord progression underneath, not that I’m a jazz fan or familiar with Autumn leaves but seeing you play it makes all the difference.

Jonathan Amos, Matsuyama, Japan

[Wayne Nunez]

Love that smooth playing and that jazzy sound very well played Michael

[wannaplayblues]

Some solid blues right there! Loved it

"I hear you talkin' son, but you 'aint sayin' nothin'" - Will McFarlane quoting Muddy Waters hearing a really fast guitar player

[Pap]

Michael,

glad you pointed out the progression being the same as Autumn Leaves. I would not have picked that out. I was told once that a hanful of progressions cover that majority of music. Your comp sounds really great and you have reall improved over the years. Well done! Pap

[Laurel C]

Repurposing a ragtime lick that does sound so different in another genre. The repetition of this lick has this welcoming breeze each time it’s heard which is so endearing. Michael, a lot of thought and depth behind this arrangement and it shows. Congrats on your composition.

[Richard G]

A classy adaptation of that we’ll know chord sequence. Loved the smooth and luxurious jazz tones. A beautiful submission Michael.

Richard

[Author]

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