Along Came Betty

Summary

Introduction to Advanced Jazz Harmony and Articulation

Jazz music, especially at the advanced level, requires an acute understanding of harmonic progressions, melodic phrasing, and articulation to truly bring compositions to life. This course explores the intricacies of a complex jazz standard, dissecting its form, melody, harmony, and bass lines to help musicians elevate their playing and improvisational skills.

Understanding the Song’s Structure and Articulation

The Uncommon A B C D Form

Unlike many jazz standards that follow a typical AABA or ABAC form, this piece employs an A B C D form, where each section is distinct. This 34-bar form includes a rare 10-bar D section, adding complexity and uniqueness to the composition.

Importance of Articulation and Phrasing

The melody’s articulation is pivotal. Short notes followed by sustained tones across beats create a nuanced phrasing that distinguishes a skilled interpretation from a basic one. For example, the opening note is short but the following note is carried over, revealing subtle harmonic tensions such as a ninth resolving into a thirteenth and then the third.

Musicians, especially brass and woodwind players, must pay close attention to these details to preserve the song’s character. The articulation also involves anticipations and dynamic contrasts—ranging from mezzo-piano to forte—that are rarely indicated in standard real books but are essential here.

Harmonic Analysis: Navigating Complex Progressions

Identifying Two-Five-One (II-V-I) Relationships

The song’s harmonic framework is rich with two-five (II-V) progressions—minor 7 to dominant 7 chords—that move chromatically and sometimes do not resolve traditionally. Recognizing these II-V relationships provides a roadmap of key centers and modulations.

For example, there are several II-Vs that resolve conventionally, such as E7 to A major or C7 to F, but others deliberately avoid resolution, creating tension and forward momentum.

Tritone Substitutions and Chromatic Movement

A notable feature is the use of tritone substitutions, such as an A♭7 chord functioning as a substitute dominant for D7. This substitution shares the same tritone interval and adds rich color and complexity. Chromatic two-fives appear frequently, sometimes starting on a flattened second degree, which is unconventional but essential for the song’s harmonic palette.

Modulation Through Parallel and Relative Keys

The song modulates between various key centers, including A major, F major, F minor (parallel minor of F major), and A♭ major (the relative minor of F minor). These modulations are cleverly linked using pivot chords, such as F minor serving as a bridge to A♭ major.

Unusual Chord Resolutions

In several places, dominant chords resolve unexpectedly—for instance, a major II-V resolves to a minor chord instead of the expected major one. This intentional deviation creates distinctive harmonic colors and surprises listeners, adding depth to the composition.

Bass Line Construction and Voice Leading

Essential Bass Techniques for Navigating Changes

The bass line underpins the harmony and guides the listener through the chord changes. A half-note approach targeting the root of each chord on downbeats helps solidify the harmonic foundation. When two chords occur per bar, root notes are emphasized to clarify changes.

Voice Leading for Smooth Transitions

Effective voice leading connects chord tones chromatically or stepwise between chords. For example, a C♯ may move to D natural, or B natural to C, ensuring smooth melodic movement in the bass or inner voices. Emphasizing the fifth on half-diminished chords (minor 7 flat 5) is critical since the fifth is altered and provides a unique sound.

Practical Exercises and Approaches

Practicing bass lines with simple roots and chord tones builds a strong harmonic understanding. Adding rhythmic variations and passing tones over time enhances musicality. Musicians are encouraged to practice arpeggios and inversions with voice leading in all registers to internalize the harmonic progressions.

Melodic Highlights and Improvisation Tips

Importance of Targeting Characteristic Notes

The melody prominently features ninths and other tensions that color the harmony. Sustaining these notes while letting them resolve appropriately is key. For instance, the G♯ (enharmonic to A♭) and F♯/G♭ notes appear as crucial tension tones that move chromatically through the changes.

Voice Leading in Melody

The melody often employs classic voice-leading techniques such as moving a third to a seventh, a flat five to a flat nine, or chromatic resolutions that add emotional expressiveness. Understanding these allows improvisers to incorporate similar motifs in their solos.

Practicing Arpeggios and Scales Over Changes

A recommended practice method is playing arpeggios with inversions across chord changes, focusing on smooth voice leading either through the bass note or upper chord tones. This develops a deep familiarity with the harmonic landscape.

Similarly, practicing scales applied to the harmony without chromatic passing tones helps internalize the chord tones and their extensions, which are essential for improvisation.

Dealing with Complex Rhythms and Bar Line Crossings

Playing Across Bar Lines

One of the song’s challenges is connecting chords across bar lines rather than treating each chord as isolated. This creates fluid, continuous lines but requires careful planning and voice leading to maintain harmonic clarity.

Rhythmic Embellishments and Anticipations

The melody and accompaniment often use rhythmic anticipations and syncopations not found in typical charts. Practicing these nuances enhances phrasing and groove.

Summary and Practice Recommendations

Key Takeaways

• The song’s A B C D form with a 10-bar section demands close attention to structure.
• Articulation and phrasing are critical for capturing the melody’s character.
• The harmony features complex chromatic II-V progressions, tritone substitutions, and modulations through parallel and relative keys.
• Voice leading in the bass and melody ensures smooth transitions and musical coherence.
• Practicing arpeggios, scales, and bass lines with voice leading builds mastery over the harmonic structure.
• Rhythmic subtleties and cross-bar line connections enhance musical expression.

Practice Routine Suggestions

1. Melody Study: Listen carefully and mimic the articulation, phrasing, and dynamics.
2. Harmonic Analysis: Mark and internalize all II-V relationships and modulations.
3. Bass Lines: Start with roots on downbeats, gradually add chord tones and passing notes.
4. Voice Leading Exercises: Practice arpeggios in inversions, connecting chords smoothly.
5. Scale Practice: Apply scales over chord changes, focusing on chord tones before adding chromaticism.
6. Improvisation: Use the melody’s characteristic notes and voice-leading principles as a basis for soloing.
7. Rhythmic Practice: Work on playing anticipations and crossing bar lines to develop fluid phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is articulation so important in this song?

Articulation shapes the melody’s phrasing, defining its character and emotional impact. Short notes followed by sustained tones and anticipations create a unique rhythmic and melodic feel.

What makes the harmonic progression advanced?

The song uses non-diatonic II-V progressions, chromatic substitutions, unexpected resolutions, and modulations through multiple key centers, requiring sophisticated harmonic understanding.

How can I practice voice leading effectively?

Practice arpeggios and chord inversions slowly, focusing on smooth stepwise motion between chord tones. Connect chords across bar lines to maintain continuity.

Is it necessary to master scales before improvising?

Yes, mastering scales and arpeggios over the chord changes is essential to confidently navigate the harmonic complexity and create meaningful solos.

How do tritone substitutions affect the harmony?

Tritone substitutions replace dominant chords with chords a tritone away, adding chromatic movement and tension, enriching the harmonic texture.

Conclusion

Mastering advanced jazz harmony and articulation demands dedication to understanding complex forms, harmonic relationships, and nuanced phrasing. By analyzing melodies, practicing bass lines with voice leading, and internalizing scales over chord changes, musicians can unlock new levels of improvisational freedom and musical expression. Embrace the challenge, and let this deep dive guide your journey into sophisticated jazz performance.