LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Help with chords

loveforJAZZ -- 10/04/2006, 15:56:43 -- #30283

Right now I'm listening and enjoying my two favorite cds(my two only cds): Art Tatum -The Complete Pablo Solo Masterpieces + Bill Evans - California Here I Come. I'm now trying to transcribe these. It seems melody is easier to hear, but  when I come across a chord, I say to myself, Uh oh. Then I start to drop out on it. Can anybody help me on this?

mikesmodern -- 10/05/2006, 14:57:19 -- #30283

I think it may be part of the rootless voicings subject that was in previous threads. It's something I'm trying to get a handle on. You're dropping out on it maybe because you're not hearing the root of the chord being voiced. When this happens, I just try to remember what key structure (what group of chords) the tune is being played and just try to search.

jazzwee -- 10/05/2006, 15:52:24 -- #30283

If it's Bill Evans, he will probably reharmonize it too so a simple rootless isn't going to explain it.

jokejazz -- 10/06/2006, 04:51:27 -- #30283

please can any one help? i play the piano, but there is a beauty of playing chords with the left and right hands together especially when the two hands are playing different things that sound so awesome when combined. pls can any one give me some helpful tips? my email addy is jazzpriestess2000@yahoo.com thanks a lot

elwapo -- 10/06/2006, 09:18:17 -- #30283

What is the name of the song that you are transcribing?

loveforJAZZ -- 10/07/2006, 05:37:04 -- #30283

Bill Evans - "If you could see me now" and "Cherokee" from Art Tatum.

mike_a -- 10/09/2006, 07:14:26 -- #30283

I always have a hard time hearing the left hand voicings Bill uses.  You could try using a program like Transcribe! from http://www.seventhstring.com.  I got about halfway through Stairway to the Stars using that program.

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