A Guide To Help You Play Better Jazz Piano
by
Ron Drotos
History and overview:
“Byrd Like” was composed by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard for his 1961 album, Ready For Freddie. Musically, the tune is in the hard bop style of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, with whom Hubbard played with at this time.
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.)
Freddie Hubbard: First Class Jazz
Musical ideas and jazz piano practice tips:
“Byrd Like” is an exciting, up tempo jazz tune. It starts with a nice, “hard bop” introductory section, which uses repeated riffs but in a bebop style. After a solo break, the tune itself begins, which is a 12-bar blues in F. Hubbard uses a technique called “sidestepping” in m.4 of the melody, in which he briefly anticipated the upcoming Bb7 chord from a half-step below, by going to A7. Hard bop musicians used “sidestepping” in their soloing too, and it can add a touch of color and chromaticism to your own solo too. There’s a Charlie Parker-like use of chromatically-descending ii/V’s as well, later in the tune.
Enjoy the journey, and “let the music flow!”
Further links and resources:
Byrd Like playalong track
Byrd Like: Journey Through The Real Book #50
The Best Way To Use The Real Book
How To Learn Jazz Piano
A podcast to help you learn jazz piano more effectively
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.
Previous Song Table of Contents Next Song
Learn the 5 Essential Left Hand Techniques with my free ebook: Left Hand Techniques for Jazz Piano
You'll also get my weekly jazz newsletter with practice tips and inspiration
