Can't improvise!, what's the matter with me? Options

[jelly roll harris]

I've been doing jazz piano for a while now, but for the life of me I just can't seem to improvise. I have a reasonably good grasp of harmony, my fingers are reasonably nimble, but I just can't seem to produce anything remotely melodic-my attempts sound clunky and wooden, and lacking in imagination. Oddly, after a couole of stiff gins, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) my playing improves. I wonder therefore whether my problem may be one of relaxation rather than competence. Any one else experience this and if so, any tips?

I also feel I lack focus sometimes; I'm not working towards anything, just doodling about for my own amusement.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Jelly

[TSax]

Yes, I find that alcohol can help my improvising! I think it frees me up to put more of myself into my playing rather than holding back. It's why I don't mind having a drink for a small band gig where the biggest challenge is the soloing, but I won't for big band gigs where I have to play the right notes at the right time with the right dynamics and articulation.

Can you scat sing something melodic? and then try translating your singing to your instrument? I think one aim is to hear something in your head and translate it to your instrument as instantaneously as you can to your voice.