Recorda Me

Summary

🤓 Start by Understanding the Chords and Form

The introduction of “Recorda Me” features a 10-bar ambiguous modal vamp. 

The head is 16 bars long:

• A section: Alternates between A minor and C minor Dorian.
• B section: Moves into classic jazz II–V progressions similar to Afternoon In Paris.

🎹 Harmonic Language and Scales

• The dorian mode is the primary choice for the minor7 chords. Different pentatonic scales can be used as well.
• Bebop and melodic minor scales are often used to approach dominant chords.
• Altered scales and tritone substitutions give the soloist expressive freedom and variety.
• Minor pentatonic scales to flavor your melodic lines, especially in modal passages.

🎷 Soloing Concepts: Joe Henderson and Michael Brecker

Joe Henderson builds his solo using motive development, Dorian-based phrases, and clear chord targeting. He often uses rhythmic displacement, such as 3-note groupings, and chromatic embellishments.

Michael Brecker takes this further with ‘outside’ playing, rapid 16th-note runs, pentatonic expansions, and harmonic density—all while staying grounded in the jazz tradition.

Their approaches offer powerful lessons in:

• Motivic variation
• Harmonic superimposition
• Voice leading between chords
• Mastery of modal language

🎯 Practice Recommendations for Jazz Musicians

Start by focusing on the chord progression of “Recorda Me” by playing the bass line and the arpeggios with voice leading.

Practice the melody in different keys like F minor or D minor.

Work on:

• Voice-led chord voicings
• Motive development
• Using bebop and pentatonic scales across the changes

Incorporate arpeggios, chromatic enclosures, and rhythm variation into your daily jazz routine.

📚 Bonus: Downloadable Tools and Resources

This course is backed by downloadable materials:

• PDF lead sheet of Recorda Me
• Harmonic and melodic analysis, scales and chords to help you start playing confidently
• Exercises
• Notes and exercises from the solos by Joe Henderson and Michael Brecker

These downloads are perfect for integrating “Recorda Me” into your personal practice routine and developing the techniques needed to solo fluently over the changes.

🎬 Final Thoughts: Why Recorda Me Is a Must-Learn Jazz Tune

“Recorda Me” remains a top pick in the jazz world because of its blend of modal freedom and harmonic richness. It is also a tune that is very often played at jam sessions!

Learning to play this tune will sharpen your understanding of:

• Modal improvisation
• Complex chords and reharmonization
• Structured freedom in jazz soloing

It’s also a beautiful reminder to remember the lineage of players like Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, and Kenny Dorham, whose recordings on classic albums continue to inspire jazz musicians around the world.