A Guide To Help You Play Better Jazz Piano
by
Ron Drotos
History and overview:
I think of “Nardis” as a “straight ahead jazz tune with a twist.” Miles Davis composed the tune in the late 1950s and was clearly looking to stretch boundaries. He and his his friend, the arranger Gil Evans had been listening to a lot of Spanish, South American, and other music from around the world and some of these non-American influenced found their way into “Nardis.” (Check out the Davis/Evans album “Sketches of Spain” for even more of this world influence.)
In “Nardis,” you’ll hear how the melody takes these little melodic turns that are reminiscent of Middle Eastern music, and the open Em/F chords come from the Phrygian mode, which is used in Spanish music, for instance. The fun thing about “Nardis” is that Miles puts these world music elements side-by-side with ii-V-I’s that could come right out of Tin Pan Alley. It’s a great tune to play, although a little challenging at first because it leads you to improvise a little differently than the way you may be used to playing. Miles was always doing that: looking for something new.
Recommended videos/recordings:
(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.)
Bill Evans Trio: Explorations
Cannonball Adderley: Portrait of Cannonball
Kenny Barron/ Brad Mehldau: Umbria Jazz Festival (video)
Musical ideas and jazz piano practice tips:
Playing through “Nardis,” you’ll hear how the melody takes these little melodic turns that are reminiscent of Middle Eastern music, and the open Em/F chords come from the Phrygian mode, which is used in Spanish music, for instance. The fun thing about “Nardis” is that Miles puts these world music elements side-by-side with ii-V-I’s that could come right out of Tin Pan Alley. It’s a great tune to play, although a little challenging at first because it leads you to improvise a little differently than the way you may be used to playing. Miles was always doing that: looking for something new.
Enjoy the journey, and “let the music flow!”
Further links and resources:
The Best Way To Use The Real Book
A transcription of Bill Evans’ piano solo on Nardis
Includes Evans’ left hand chord voicings
How To Learn Jazz Piano
A podcast to help you learn jazz piano more effectively
Mastering The Real Book: A 10-week Skype Intensive for Jazz Pianists
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