Ursula

Summary

Harold Land’s “Ursula” is a fascinating jazz composition that blends bebop roots with modern harmonic and structural innovations. This course dives deep into the song’s unusual form, harmony, and melody, providing a comprehensive guide for jazz musicians and enthusiasts who want to understand and master this complex tune. Whether you’re a saxophonist, pianist, or bassist, the detailed analysis and practical exercises shared here will enhance your improvisational skills and musical vocabulary.

Understanding the Form of “Ursula”

The Unconventional AABA Structure

At first glance, “Ursula” follows a traditional jazz AABA form, but with notable deviations that make it unique:

• A Sections: Each A section is 11 bars long instead of the typical 8 or 12 bars common in jazz standards. This asymmetry creates a fresh rhythmic and melodic challenge. A surprising two-bar phrase appears between the first and second A sections, adding to the song’s asymmetric feel.
• B Section (Bridge): The bridge extends to 12 bars, which is longer than the A sections — an unusual choice in jazz form.

Altogether, this results in a 45-bar form (11 + 11+ 12 + 11 = 36 bars plus the extra sections), which is highly irregular compared to the standard 32-bar jazz tunes.

Why This Matters

This non-standard structure demands careful practice of the form, especially for improvisers and accompanists. Internalizing the 45-bar cycle is essential for maintaining cohesion and avoiding confusion during performance.

Harmonic Analysis: Rooted Yet Revolutionary

Bebop Language with a Twist

While “Ursula” is grounded in bebop harmony, it departs from traditional progressions in several ways:

• Minimal 5-1 Progressions in A Sections: Unlike typical bebop standards where 5-1 (dominant to tonic) progressions are common and frequent, “Ursula” delays this resolution until much later in the tune.
• Chromatic Dominants: The tune employs chromatic dominant chords descending by half steps, creating tension and color without traditional functional harmony.
• Constant Structures: Parallel minor 7th chords and modal colors are used extensively, reflecting a modern jazz approach.

Key Centers and Modulations

• The tune primarily centers around F minor, but moves through unrelated keys such as A major and D major during the bridge.
• The bridge features more conventional ii-V progressions targeting D major, offering a contrast to the complex harmonic language of the A sections.

Modern Progressions Highlight

One standout moment is the unusual move from F minor 7 to E major 7, chords that are not related in functional harmony but work through shared chord tones (enharmonic movement of thirds and sevenths). This modern harmonic twist adds a sophisticated, almost impressionistic flavor to the tune.

Melodic Characteristics of “Ursula”

Motive Development and Triplets

Harold Land’s melody features recurring motives based on intervals like the ninth, developed throughout the tune with variations and triplet rhythms. The melody is through-composed rather than relying on simple repetitive phrases, demanding attentive listening and practice.

Complex Phrasing

• The melody uses chromaticism and voice leading that highlight tensions and resolutions between chord tones.
• There’s significant use of upper chord tones such as 9ths and 11ths, which contribute to the tune’s rich, modern sound.

Practical Exercises for Mastery

1. Bass line Practice

The foundation to mastering “Ursula” is thoroughly learning the bass line for internalizing the harmonic structure despite the tune’s complexity.

• Practice Tip: Use a metronome and play the bass line slowly to solidify the form and feel of the 45-bar cycle. This will help internalize the form and prepare you for improvisation.

2. Arpeggio Exercises with Voice Leading

Practicing arpeggios with smooth voice leading is essential given the tune’s harmonic complexity.

• Focus on maintaining common tones when moving between chords.
• Experiment with starting arpeggios on different chord tones (root, third, fifth, seventh) and practice both ascending and descending lines.

3. Scale Fragment Practice

Target scale fragments based on the chord changes.

4. Targeting the Ninth

Ninths are a prominent color in the tune, so practicing playing the ninth of each chord as a target note is highly beneficial.

• Develop this exercise into arpeggios descending or ascending from the ninth to outline the harmony clearly.

Improvisation Strategies for “Ursula”

Descriptive Improvisation

Start your solos by clearly outlining the harmony using chord tones, particularly the root, third, and seventh. This approach ensures your improvisation reflects the tune’s intricate harmonic landscape.

Motive-Based Development

Due to the tune’s complexity, using motive-based improvisation helps create coherence. Develop small rhythmic and melodic motifs (like triplets or intervallic leaps) and transpose them through the changing chords.

Navigating Unusual Bars

Pay special attention to the unusual 2-bar phrase in the middle and the asymmetric A sections. Practicing these areas slowly and repeatedly is crucial to maintaining timing and flow.

Key Takeaways for “Ursula”

• Form: AABA with irregular bar lengths (11 bars A, 2 bar interlude, 12 bar B, 11 bars A), totaling 45 bars.
• Harmony: Rooted in bebop but modernized with chromatic dominants, constant structures, and unexpected chord shifts like Fm7 to Emaj7.
• Melody: Complex, motive-driven, uses triplets and upper chord extensions (9ths, 11ths).
• Exercises: Focus on bass line mastery, arpeggios with voice leading, scale fragments, and targeting chord ninths.
• Improvisation: Emphasize descriptive playing with chord tones and motive development to navigate the tune’s unusual form and harmony.

Final Thoughts

“Ursula” by Harold Land challenges jazz musicians to expand their harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary beyond conventional bebop standards. With dedicated practice of the bass line, arpeggios, scales, and focused improvisation strategies, mastering this tune is not only possible but highly rewarding. Embrace its unique structure and modern harmonic language as a gateway to deepening your jazz musicianship.

Keep practicing, keep swinging, and enjoy exploring this remarkable composition!