Monday, February 20, 2012

Big Brother

On Saturday, I wrote a tune based on Miles Davis' "Solar". Today, George Gershwin's "Summertime" gets reworked, complete with a bass line and rhythm section hits.  I imagine it being played as a shuffle, in the style of Art Blakey.  Even though this piece is 22 bars long, I would argue that it is an extended blues, as it goes to the IV chord in measure 5.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I wrote this after hearing "Passing", an online preview track from Kris Allen's forthcoming CD.  I liked the song so much that I started playing along with it in my office.  I decided then and there to write a variation on his progression with a new melody and bass line.  It wasn't until midway through the process of tinkering with this piece that I realized the harmony was actually based on "Summertime".

Although I'm pleased with what I've done here, Kris' version hasn't lost any of its original appeal. I look forward to hearing the whole CD.



1 comment:

  1. Lovin this! Some high powered ears Earl Mac D. Thanks for the plug too, your checks in the mail!

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