Well, I will have to give some sort of short workshop at the WVC (World Vibes Congress) this year. I was going to take notes and keep a diary on my computer and thought I would do it here. So I'll blog here and you guys can give me your two cents.
On Saturday we will link to all the videos for the second portion of the Day of Percussion on this page. Some players are playing live from 12-2. Others are submitting video which i will link to here.
David Friedman |
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Questions? Thoughts? What did you think? Let's talk about his book, here.
I have some things to say but I'll wait. How about some of you start. Gary will check in to answer questions and comment (I'm pretty sure).
Rhythm Changes - Harmonic Vocabulary on the A Pt. 1
In this series, we’ll explore harmonic vocabulary for comping over the A sections of rhythm changes. In Pt. 1, we start with a common and widely used set of standard changes, providing a strong foundation for comping.
One key concept in this approach is treating the top note of each chord as a melodic line—essentially harmonizing a simple, stepwise motion. This helps create a natural, connected flow between voicings rather than thinking of each chord in isolation.
In this section, we continue with the F#7–B7–E7–A7–D7–G7–C7–F7 progression in measures 1-4, but with a simplified rhythmic approach. Rather than relying on continuous eighth-note lines, this version demonstrates how to outline the changes effectively with more space and varied rhythmic phrasing.
So.....
Someone (not me) submitted this recording of David and I playing at PASIC in 2018 as a favorite cd (but it's not a CD). While it's not a traditional CD, it's a full-length performance, and I'm featured on it. I initially felt a bit awkward highlighting my own work, but I believe there's a valuable learning opportunity here.
Continuing our exploration of rhythm changes, this lesson focuses on another set of substitute chord changes for the A section. While the general framework remains the same, this version features a different set of passing dominant chords, adding more forward motion to the progression. The focus here is the first A section, which you can tell by the turnaround in the last two measures.
I would see David performing this when we would play duo concerts.
It's a cool improv that is also a great study.
I am always working with students on their hands. Quite a few have problems and bad habits. Well for that matter we all at some level usually have a problem or two and a bad habit or two!
You HAVE to get your hands together and working well if you're going to play more interesting and complex music.
i.e. Donna Lee is much more complex technically then Blue Boss or One Note Samba.