In this lesson we will discuss:
– the harmonic analysis
– memorization of changes and chord tones
– rhythmic creativity, keeping time
– connecting chords with common notes
Video lessons:
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Playlist
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9 comments on “Blue Bossa”
Merci Alex !
Shout out to Philippe Saux!
Hi Alex,
Is it OK to use a backing track to do this exercise? or you want me to use my ear and mind to visualize the chords?
I have band in a box, and it´s very easy to set the tempo and the chord progression.
Thanks!
Hi Gerardo Avila,
You need to be able to do it without backing track. If that’s a necessary step that would help you, of course you can use a backing track, but try to get rid of it later. The danger is that you rely on the backing track to hear where you are in the form without really feeling and understanding the form and the chord progression.
You want to be able to play the changes in time, create a melody, hear the harmony and the form, without the rhythm section. When you can do that, you will have more freedom to play and interact with the rhythm section, actually making Music 🙂
Ok, Alex, thanks 🙂
Hi Alex, just finished a practice session on Blue Bossa, playing the roots and the thirds with metronome. I will continue to work on this (at least I already memorize the chords).
One question: Why do the first four bars of Blue Bossa don’t have a II V I progression like the rest of the song (this come to my mind because the line is – basically – the same).
Ah, I’ve made progressions on the harmonics. I can reach the third, but only after play the D with the palm key first 🙁
Thanks for the video, very helpfull, greetings.
Hi Luiz Monteiro Junior, well, you don’t have to always have II V’s! that’s up to the composer! plus the first line would not really work, I will do a short video for you 🙂
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Luiz Monteiro Junior here is the exercises we talked about on Skype, let me know if you have any question.
Try to sing a little bit everyday, even before playing. Be it a warm up to the warm up. I always say that the saxophone is very similar to the voice, you need to place your throat just like you are singing.
Take your time, make sure you hear the notes in your head, make sure you can visualize and understand the chords. When practicing with the metronome keep it simple. The goal is to be able to play in rhythm, over the entire form without getting lost, with a strong rhythmic feel.