Beginner impro D Major Blues Improvisation (edit: Actually B minor)

[Pete Thomas]

B minor blues scale licks will fit a lot of it but maybe not so much on the F#7.

If we are thinking theoretically, I would tend to go for a B harmonic minor on the F#7 but again, not emphasise the B note, use it in passing or not at all.

 

[Pete Effamy]

I would take @rhysonsax and @turf3´s advice here. Learn the melody,

Another one here for this approach.

This gives you more brain space to think about how you are playing the notes.

I can’t stress this enough - it’s about how you articulate, use vibrato, scoops, ghosted notes etc that elevates a player, not cool licks or patterns.

 

[rhysonsax]

I made another version of the backing track with the backing figures (from the alto part and played in the YouTube clip) included on every other chorus.

St James Infirmary - V2 (with backing figures) Backing Track in D minor concert 140bpm Rhys.m4a | Powered by Box

I put the backing figures in simple harmony and they sound OK to me.

If you get used to where they sit it should give you a chance to try out some fun "call and response" as suggested by @mizmar . Actually, the band's backing figures are in bars one and two of each four bar section, so they are doing the "call" (based on the tune) and you could do the response to that.

For the audience to appreciate your solo you might need to be amplified if that is possible.

Rhys

 

[mizmar]

Gosh, that's fun. I might give that a go sometime

 

[Digger2054]

Many thanks @rhysonsax, the Alto part should only be played on the 2nd repeat, but I'm not sure if they sometimes do both just to give the solo player a better idea of where they are.

I'm quite looking forward to experimenting with it.

@mizmar perhaps we've an impromptu IOTM - Improvisation of the month

Unrelated @rhysonsax I was reading one of your older posts that appeared in the 'similar threads' below this one and saw you'd played "let the good times roll" would that be the same as the JD McPherson one?

 

[Colin the Bear]

This number might be better described as a drag rather than a blues.
That cut time/double time backing is a little too cheerful and not easy to follow. imo

For my 10 cents there will need to be many sustained long notes, given colour, flavour and shape using scoops and trills and vibrato.

It's a sad song. Tragedy.

First verse
Folks, I'm goin' down to St. James Infirmary,
See my baby there;
She's stretched out on a long, white table,
She's so sweet, so cold, so fair.
Third verse
Now, when I die, bury me in my straight-leg britches,
Put on a box-back coat and a stetson hat,
Put a twenty-dollar gold piece on my watch chain,
So you can let all the boys know I died standing pat.
🙁

 

[rhysonsax]

Unrelated @rhysonsax I was reading one of your older posts that appeared in the 'similar threads' below this one and saw you'd played "let the good times roll" would that be the same as the JD McPherson one?

Not that one - more like the Ray Charles version. It's a lot of fun to play in big band with our singer, Anna:

View: https://youtu.be/WXyb7gZShRo?si=6TcBdjPFjSMCJ83V


Rhys

 

[Digger2054]

Thanks for the advice, had a fun practice this evening.

Using the melody - works a treat and sounds musical from the off, some grace notes helping liven it up. Using the rhythms from the melody, and the Alto fill seems to give plenty to amuse myself with.

I seem inclined to play in the higher octave.

Heads at a million miles an hour thinking of all the possibilities 😵

 

[Jeanette]

perhaps we've an impromptu IOTM - Improvisation of the month

Improvisation of the Month - CafeSaxophone Forum

Wikiloops Backing Tracks - CafeSaxophone Forum

Plenty to try 🙂

Jx

 

[Digger2054]

Firstly thanks for your help again.

Unfortunately the band scrapped this idea for the visiting musician, and are going to seek their input on one of the pieces for their Christmas concert (that I won't be there for)

However, rather than write off, I went through it with my teacher yesterday and had my mind blown with talk of chords, dominant and diminished chords (something does stick), given some great pointers, and told to amuse myself noodling away, and see what I come up with... Amongst my usual bits to practice.

Pressure is off, so hopefully when they decide to play this piece again I should be more comfortable taking a solo.