A Guide To Help You Play Better Jazz Piano
by
Ron Drotos
History and overview:
The song “Broadway” was written in 1940 with words and music by Billy Byrd, Teddy McRae and Henri Woode. It’s not a hugely popular jam session tune, mainly because it wasn’t in the original Real Book. But I’m glad they’ve now included it in recent editions because it’s a great tune and fun to play. Be sure to listen to the Charlie Parker version I’ve linked to below.
Here are some recommended recordings/videos:
(for international readers who may not have access to these YouTube links, I’ve indicated the original album names wherever possible so you can listen to them on music streaming services, etc.)
Charlie Parker
Al Cohn: Broadway
Scott Hamilton: From The Beginning
Musical ideas and jazz piano practice tips:
The melody to “Broadway” is melodic, catchy, and pretty easy to play. It has a definite “Swing Era” feel to it but was also a favorite of the beboppers. The musical form is AABA, where each ‘A’ Section is an 8-bar blues. The bridge consists of two 4-bar phrases where each is a ii/V/I progression, the first in Ab and the second in Gb. (It’s good practice for playing in Gb major!)
You’ll see that the melody in the bridge consists of a 4-bar phrase which is then repeated down a whole step, as a melodic sequence. See if you can improvise something similar during that section. When I was the saxophonist Gerry Mulligan’s assistant, I heard him improvise sequences like this every night. They sound very tuneful and logical and can help an audience “stay with” your solos.
Enjoy the journey, and “let the music flow!”
Further links and resources:
How To Learn Jazz Piano
A podcast to help you learn jazz piano more effectively
Broadway: Journey Through The Real Book #47
The Best Way To Use The Real Book
Jazz Piano Video Course
This extensive, well-sequenced video course will get you playing jazz standards with a sense of flow and fluency.
Jazz Piano Lessons via Skype
Personal guidance from an expert, caring teacher. Beginning through Advanced.
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