September 28, 2012 in Jazz Standards
“Cotton Tail” is a tune written by the great American composer and pianist Duke Ellington.
This song, written in 1940, is based off of the same chord changes as in George Gershwin’s “I’ve Got Rhythm”. As you may or may not know, this chord progression has been used for many tunes in the jazz repertoire and jazzers simply call it …
September 26, 2012 in Jazz Standards
“September In The Rain” is a tune written by Harry Warren, one of the first American composers to write primarily for film. Lyrics were written by Al Dubin. Written in 1937, this tune was first introduced through the voice of young male vocalist James Melton in the film “Melody For Two”.
The song has become a jazz standard since than …
September 22, 2012 in Jazz Originals, Jazz Standards, Latin Jazz
“Con Alma” is a tune written by the great trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. This tune fuses Latin American influences and bebop which Gillespie became well known for in his career.
“Con Alma” is known for its frequent key center changes and simple melody which lays in the harmony beautifully. This is a really fun one so enjoy!
Purchase Con Alma Mp3′s…
September 20, 2012 in Great American Songbook, Jazz Ballads, Jazz Standards
“My Ideal” is a tune written by Richard Whiting, Leo Robin and Newell Chase.
This a beautiful ballad that has been performed and recorded by some of the greatest in jazz, both contemporary and non-contemporary. On this tune there tends to be some different interpretations of the chordal harmony. What we have provided for you in the chord charts below …
September 15, 2012 in Jazz Originals, Jazz Standards
“Pent Up House” is a tune written by the great “saxophone colossus” Sonny Rollins.
This is a great tune and is an important standard to know. Depending on where you live, this can be one of those songs that is called often at jam sessions and casual gigs.
It’s has a fairly simple 16 bar form. This tune is usually …
September 12, 2012 in Bebop, Jazz Originals, Jazz Standards
“Good Bait” was written by Tadd Dameron. This is among one of his first compositions that he wrote for Dizzy Gillespie’s band which he was a part of in the 40′s. However it was made famous by Count Basie’s Orchestra. You can think of this song as similar to the A sections of a rhythm changes tune.
This tune settles …
September 8, 2012 in Jazz Originals, Jazz Standards, Modal
“JuJu” is a tune written by Wayne Shorter for his 1964 hit record “JuJu”.
This is an absolutely great tune and one that is important to know in regards to Shorter repertoire.
This tune doesn’t have a specific key center and can be approached from a modal perspective. I highly suggest exploring more of Wayne Shorter’s music as his composition …
September 7, 2012 in Bebop, Jazz Originals, Jazz Standards
“Well You Needn’t” is a tune written by Thelonius Monk in 1944. It was written for one of Monk’s students, a singer named Charlie Beamon. Monk wrote the tune and told Beamon he was going to name it after him, to which he replied “Well You Needn’t.” This tune utilizes the use of dominant chords moving chromatically.
A very important …
September 5, 2012 in Bebop, Blues, Jazz Originals, Jazz Standards
“Relaxin’ At Camarillo” is a 12 bar blues written by Charlie Parker.
This tune is named after Camarillo State Hospital in Ventura County, California in which Parker spent six months of recovery there. He was sent there after spending time in jail for indecent exposure, arson and resisting arrest. This all occurred after Parker accidentally set his hotel bed on …
September 3, 2012 in Album of the Week
Click above to purchase Josiah Boornazian’s “Intersection”
Learn Jazz Standards.com is proud to promote Josiah Boornazian’s 2011 release of “Intersection”.
Josiah Boornazian, originally from Los Angeles, is a New York City based alto saxophonist and extraordinary composer. “Intersection” is Boornazian’s debut release, a powerful opening statement to his public contribution to the modern jazz scene.
“Intersection” can be best described …
