Typical/Definitive Versions for pre - Jam Session Workshop
i finally decided to get my feet wet and attended my first workshop/jam session two evenings ago; it blew me away. i didn't play, i was too nervous and didn't know the tune (nardis), though i love this tune. in the workshop, i learned so much, in such a short period. it solidified some ideas and answered some questions that have been in the back of my mind for a long time. i was just about hanging in there because some of it was a little advanced for me, but it really fueled my fire.
well, in the coming four weeks, they will be working on 3 tunes i have played before; obviously i need to work them up to standard. the tunes are; some day my prince will come, in a sentimental mood, and skylark (eb). there is no indication of the keys to the other two tunes; i play them in bb and f respectively.
my question is, are there any definitive versions that seem to be followed in jam sessions/workshops? i really want to give it a go, but am worried that the way i attempt to play these tunes might not fit with the norm, whatever that means.
i would be comfortable just getting a few versions that i could play along with just to get the feel of the tunes and get the music under my fingers at tempo.
the workshop consisted of drums, sax, violin, several other wind instruments, double bass, and piano of course. several pianists were there of varying ability. i enjoyed the friendly spirit at this place so i really want to participate...
any help with definitive/common tune versions would be a great help.
There are 2 comments, leave a comment.
i think that miles davis's recording of someday my prince will come is probably *the* definitive jazz arrangement of that tune.
for "in a sentimental mood" it's harder to pin down, but i would hold up the duke and trane arrangement (from duke ellington and john coltrane) as one of the most played.
i don't know skylark very well, but if i get a chance to research it i'll let you know.
it was very hard finding a 'typical' version of skylark, i ended up practicing over the art blakey recording. but there were a few differences in the chart at the workshop, for instance the bridge began with cm7 b7| bb-7 eb7| abmaj. the version i had was abmaj adim | bb-7 eb7 | abmaj. there were other minor differences.
anyway i got my butt totally kicked by this workshop with 4 of the other 5 pianists being much more capable than me, and all the holes in my playing ability came right out in the open. i was scared to go up and comp along with the other instruments but then got up and just jumped in. it was like being overwhelmed by a big wave in the sea... i underestimated that tune, there are so many modulations, it was hard enough just keeping up with the changes, but a good lesson learned.
i spoke with the organizer after the session and he mentioned the miles davis version of 'someday' so i've been furiously practicing that one for next monday.
as for 'in a sentimental mood'(in two weeks' time), will keep on practicing what i know and then ask the other pianists next week who they listen to.
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