Wayne Shorter likes to consider his compositions as “works in progress,” subject to change and evolution over time. While this is wonderful and in a sense very “alive,” it can make things a little tricky when we want to simply call out the title and count off the tune at a jam session or gig!
“Footprints” is perhaps Shorter’s most widely-performed tune and in this regard it’s no exception. I’ve seen at least 4 different sets of chord changes printed for “Footprints,” and when I set out to play the tune for my Journey Through The Real Book video series on YouTube, I decided to really investigate the chord progression once and for all.
Check out the video here to watch me explain and demonstrate all the harmonic permutations I’ve encountered on the tune, and to show you which chord changes Wayne himself uses when playing the tune.
Footprints: Journey Through The Real Book #121
For me, diving into Wayne’s World is a labor of love.
Enjoy the journey, and “let the music flow!”
Ron
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