During this session we concentrated on the dominant bebop scale. We discussed the scale's rational (with David Baker's "How to Play Bebop as a reference):
- Simply put - the added chromatic between b7 and 8 makes the scale "come out right".
- The chord tones line up with the beats of each measure.
and the "rules" about using it.
- Over a V7 chord, play the dominant bebop scale starting from the V7's root.
- Over a ii minor, play the dominant bebop scale starting from the V7's root related to the ii chord. e.g. D-7 would use the G7 dominant bebop scale.
- The scale is mainly played in successive 8th note phrases.
- When learning the scale, it's best to start scale on the downbeat, on a chord tone.
We then went through some cycle of 5ths exercises including:
- 1-2-1-2
- 1-2-3-1
- 1-2-3-5
- 1-3-5-3
- 1-5-3-5
- 1-7-b7-1
- 1-7-b7-9-6-5
- 1-b7-6-1
- the entire dominant bebop scales ascending and descending
Finally, we jammed on Impressions (without bass!).
A certain portion of fun was achieved.
Thanks for your efforts on this great looking site Tim -- I know everybody really appreciates the energy you're putting into this!
Tim and all- great fun the other night. It's fun to be back into music. The Abersol link on this site is great. Right now I'm having fun doing the interval training and warm up exercises. Now where did I hide that metronome ten yrs ago?
jp
Wow - what a great sounding class. I love working "the basics" which are really new to me, and learning how this stuff relates to great jazz.
Great website too!
RE: cycle of 5ths-- There is a great tune by Dexter Gordon that is a head made up of triads going around the circle. I only have it on vinyl. It is called "binji's bounce" on an alb-"bouncin with dex." I'll see if I can get it on a cd somehow by next session. I just find it interesting that he made a tune out of the most basic part of theory. Frankly, it pisses me off.
Thanks for all your comments! I was really suprised to see them. Jim, I'd love to hear the Dexter tune...
Rick got me back into learning "Freedom Jazz Dance". I started by practicing the first to phrases throught the cycle of 5ths. Slow going, but, in small chunks, I'm finding success. I'll tackle the last phrase (a real butt-kicker) next...
Yes Tim I do appreciate your patient thorough help. You have helped me to become a much more full rounded musician. I have many obstacles to overcome but I know I will with you and all of our musical friends help.
Sincerely
Bob Levey