That Jazz - Monkey Max Music and File Download

Chapter 3: The Scheme of Things: Elements of Jazz Theory
Compare the 12-bar blues structure with the 32-bar pop song structure.
They’re similar. Each begins with a melodic A theme that is repeated. Each
includes a contrasting B section that builds emotion. While the 32-bar form
repeats the original theme as an ending, the 12-bar structure ends with a B
section — although if you listen to most any blues song, it has a few notes at
the end of this section that act as a natural conclusion to the series of three
sections.
Tuning your ears to different forms in jazz
Although 12 bars and 32 bars are the most common forms, modern jazz uses
a variety of others. Knowing these two, however, gives you enough knowledge
to start recognizing forms of jazz music.
When listening to a jazz song, tap out the time with your foot and begin
counting the number of 4-bar measures in your head. Many times you easily
detect the 32-bar structure. Other times, you discover an alternative form.
For example, Dave Brubeck composes songs around sections of unusual
lengths, such as five or seven beats; free jazz players (see Chapter 8) proceed
without an established structure to guide them, inventing the music as they
go along, so that different sections come in different lengths.
One of the most rewarding things for jazz lovers is listening to several of our
heroes play their versions of familiar standards. Here are some CDs you can
use for comparison:
� Miles Davis, My Funny Valentine (Sony): This live 1964 album features
the great trumpeter with one of his finest groups (bassist Ron Carter,
tenor saxophonist George Coleman, pianist Herbie Hancock, drummer
Tony Williams), improvising beautifully on standards such as “All of
You,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “I Thought About You.” See Chapters 7
and 8 for more about Miles.
� Charlie Parker, Charlie Parker Plays Standards (Verve): This CD
includes Bird’s freewheeling versions of “Love for Sale,” “I Got Rhythm,”
and “Embraceable You.” Check out Chapter 7 for more about Charlie.
� Ella Fitzgerald, Song Books CD series (Verve): This example is definitive
in standards as interpreted by a singer. You can buy one CD at a time or
the complete 16-CD box set. Find out more about Ella in Chapter 7.
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