![]() ![]() After the bridge, the tune goes to a coda-like concluding section instead of repeating the initial A Section like most popular songs of the time did. “Autumn Leaves” is a standard 32-bar tune, but its form isn’t the “usual” AABA. ![]() Then plug them back into the whole chord progression again and you’ll see how they occur throughout the tune, with a CMaj7 chord connecting them during the A Sections. At some point in your practicing, work on each one separately: Am7/D7/GMaj7 and F#m7(b5)/B7/Em. It’s basically two sets of ii/V/I’s, one in G major and one in E minor. Harmonically, “Autumn Leaves” is much simpler than it may look at first sight. Musical ideas and jazz piano practice tips: Non-jazz version, which was a number one hit in 1955 Miles Davis' famous trumpet solo begins at 4:20. The vocal will also give you a sense of the song’s lyrical quality. (for international readers who may not have access to these YouTube links, I’ve indicated the original album names wherever possible so you can listen to them on music streaming services, etc.)īy listening to the original French version of the song, you’ll get a good sense of exactly how you’re departing from it when you play it in a jazz style. Here are some recommended recordings/videos: (Have you ever noticed that tunes that begin with the letter 'A' tend to get played more than many of the later tunes in the book?) Also, there’s something about the chord progression's beauty that makes it a great tune to play at whatever level you’re currently at! And since the early 1970s, it has remained popular because it’s featured prominently near the beginning of The Real Book. “Autumn Leaves” is popular with jazz musicians, in part, because of the Cannonball Adderley/Miles Davis and Bill Evans recordings below. ![]() His piano part features Chopinesque chromatic thirds which paint a “sound picture” of colorful leaves falling from trees. On this recording, however, he chose to play the song in a lush manner with orchestral accompaniment. In 1955, American pianist Roger Williams had a #1 hit with his instrumental version of “Autumn Leaves.” Williams was a true virtuoso who had studied jazz with the Lennie Tristano. In the English-language lyrics, by Johnny Mercer, the title lyric was moved to the chorus. The original version in fairly unusual in that the title lyric is in the extended verse which precedes the well-known chorus (the verse is not in The Real Book because jazz musicians typically only play the chorus). Titled “Les feuilles mortes” (literally “The Dead Leaves), it was composed in 1945 by Joseph Kosma with lyrics by Jacques Prévert. Not many jazz musicians realize that “Autumn Leaves” was originally a French popular song. A Guide To Help You Play Better Jazz Piano ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |