Re: guide tones/analysis

reed ( (no email) )
Fri, 13 Dec 1996 09:48:26 +0000

>
>
>There are some great lines using all twelve chromatic pitches that sound
>wonderfully diatonic, tonal or "inside." That is because, as in your
>example above, the chromatic tones lead to the chord tones or diatonic
>tones. How about this Sonny Rollins apporach to Cm7:
>C# D F E Eb, where Eb is on the beat with the eighth note pick-ups. Sure,
>what could be worse than C# and E over a Cm7 chord, but the emphasis is on
>the Eb, the chromaticism is resolved in traditional ways. Sit on that E
>natural over Cm, and most of us will wonder if you've done your homework.
>
Yes, I think that players that can weave all that chromaticism into
those essentially diatonic lines create those long horn lines that
so many people strive for. That's why players often choose blowing
changes that let them stay in one key essentially for long periods
of time. With that, a few arpeggios and chromaticism, things really
cook.

I'm glad that some teachers as yourself are making sure people understand
how this chromaticism works. I have a whole series of manusripts on
practice techniques for developing this chromaticism in ones playing
that I guess I will post soon.

WHen I listen to the radio, I hear very little understanding of
how chroamticism works in the younger players. By younger I mean
mostly 45 and younger. Instead what people try and do sometimes is solo
over very elaborate chord changes and get the chromaticism from
the extra chords or else they ignore it altogether. For me,
if there is no chromaticism I just can't listen to it.

In fact If I hear a really good example and don't recognize the record,
it always turns out to be a new re-issue of a long out of print
album.

I believe this is because people are learning improvisiation from
books or school and not taking the time to transcribe.

40 years ago there were no books so everybody transcribed but now
people don't see why they have to.

There are so many method books and even transcription books you can
buy.

>I have found very little random chromaticism in great solos.
>
I have also found very little random chromaticism in great solos.

In fact one of the things I've learned from transcribing is how
well thought out every note and phrase is, even if they are playing
very fast.

reed