Block Chord Technique #1:

The Shearing Sound

      One of the great jazz artists of our time, George Shearing, the blind pianist from England, created a sound that was unique among jazz sounds, and easily recognizable. Part of the distinctive sound, of course, comes from the orchestration of his quintet -- during the "theme" section of his tunes, both the guitarist and the vibe player play the melody in unison, while George matches the unison but also provides the harmony beneath the melody.

     But a simulation of the sound can be achieved in solo piano as well. Here's how it is done:

                  The right hand plays the melody on top of a closely-voiced chord while the left hand plays a stronger melody supported by occasional grace notes.

     All this will become clear by watching the 1-minute video below: