LearnJazzPiano.com archives: lead sheet interpretation

gandydancer44 -- 02/21/2007, 00:16:12 -- #33222

This may be way over reaching bounds of propriety. But if I could learn to decipher a lead sheet, I may be off and running. Take " I Can't Get Started" . I understand the chord structure; but how does one arrange the chords/melody in the form of a readable song. I can play that song in the conventional full chord left hand, melody in right. But I would love to do it: chord right hand, with voicing & bass notes left. Would some kind, patient soul show me the way? Molto Grazi!

knotty -- 02/21/2007, 07:36:44 -- #33222

Get a teacher if you can. If not, the following books may prove useful: - The Jazz Piano Book by Mark Levine Most of what you need is in there. - Jazzology (Nor Eddine) Very fun to read and thorough. Much of the same content as the Levine, organized differently. - How to play from a fake book Easy to understand and apply Also check the lessons here. It has specific answers to your questions.

albetan -- 02/22/2007, 11:15:04 -- #33222

Please see Performing Jazz lead sheets at Albetan's area.

cflat -- 02/22/2007, 14:21:13 -- #33222

Yes, I strongly recommend Albetan's tutorials.  I read a few of them, then got the Jazz Piano Book from Levine.  It sounds like we started at about the same point (able to do full left hand chords and right hand melody), but Albetan give some pretty concise basics on how to expand your arrangement across both hands.  After going through Albetan's stuff (and generally reading the LJP traffic, and looking at some of Scott and 7's tutorials), I was much better prepared for Levine; in fact, much of it was effectively review (I shouldn't say "much", since I've only looked through the first few chapters so far).   Albetan also has some pretty good tips on Bossa nova and other latin styles in the Latin Corner room, which I've been making good use of.  This may be helpful in learning how to arrange in different styles.

albetan -- 02/22/2007, 16:46:06 -- #33222

Thanks, Cflat, for promoting my rooms.

gandydancer44 -- 02/22/2007, 21:55:17 -- #33222

Thanks knotty & CFlat for reference to Albetan on lead sheets. And a special kudo to Albetan for his continued, valuable help and encouragement. I am still in the beginning stages and greatly appreciate the sharing attitude of LJP members. I have Mark Levine's Jazz Piano Book and will get to work on it in earnest.

Scot -- 03/01/2007, 14:35:18 -- #33222

One of the best ways to learn how to take a lead sheet and turn it into real music is to study big band charts. The best voicings are found in big band charts and you can get very inspired ideas on how various melodies are supported by harmony and harmonic motion. I really wish I had know what treasure chests big band arrangements are fifteen years ago!  But I'm catching up fast.

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