Duke Jordan - Jordu

[Nicolas Knudde]

Hello,

I want to improvise on a song called 'Jordu' written by Duke Jordan. But I can't find a way to analyse the chord progressions.

A Part: E7/A7-Dm-G7/C7-Fmaj7-E7/A7-Dm-Bb7-A7
B Part: A7/D7-G7/C7-F7/Bb7-Eb7-G7/C7-F7/Bb7-Eb7/Ab7-A7

I think the first part is just a cycle of fifths

A Part: III/VI-II-V/I-IV-III/VI-II

but I don't know what Bb and A7 are, and the B part. I think the B part is a cycle of fifths too, but I don't know what de first grade is.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I haven't played or heard that (great) tune for years, so this is very much from memory

The first part has some significant element of a cycle, but think of it like II7 V7 I in Dm, then in F (the relative major) then Dm again. The II7 in each key centre is a secondary dominant.

The Bb7 and A7 are a turnaround into the key centre of Dmin. (bVI7 and V7 of D minor). It doesn't resolve though, it goes to the II7 V7 first.

The first two key centres (Dm and F) with their respective II and V form the cycle.

The middle 8 is based around two cycles of fifths, this time a true cycle of dominants. One ending on the Eb7 and the next one endong on the Aby. The A7 is then a "turnaround" back into the key centre of Dm

 

[Filton]

I haven't played or heard that (great) tune for years, so this is very much from memory

The first part has some significant element of a cycle, but think of it like II7 V7 I in Dm, then in F (the relative major) then Dm again. The II7 in each key centre is a secondary dominant.

The Bb7 and A7 are a turnaround into the key centre of Dmin. (bVI7 and V7 of D minor). It doesn't resolve though, it goes to the II7 V7 first.

The first two key centres (Dm and F) with their respective II and V form the cycle.

The middle 8 is based around two cycles of fifths, this time a true cycle of dominants. One ending on the Eb7 and the next one endong on the Aby. The A7 is then a "turnaround" back into the key centre of Dm

I just had a total 'over the head' moment reading that ! :shocked:;}

 

[Nicolas Knudde]

I haven't played or heard that (great) tune for years, so this is very much from memory

The first part has some significant element of a cycle, but think of it like II7 V7 I in Dm, then in F (the relative major) then Dm again. The II7 in each key centre is a secondary dominant.
The Bb7 and A7 are a turnaround into the key centre of Dmin. (bVI7 and V7 of D minor). It doesn't resolve though, it goes to the II7 V7 first.

The first two key centres (Dm and F) with their respective II and V form the cycle.

The middle 8 is based around two cycles of fifths, this time a true cycle of dominants. One ending on the Eb7 and the next one endong on the Aby. The A7 is then a "turnaround" back into the key centre of Dm

Thanks! So just for checking the scales you can play in the A part:

E7: E F G# (A) B C D E
A7: A Bb C# (D) E F G A
D-: D E F G A Bb C D

G7: G A B (C) D E F G
C7: C D E (F) G A Bb C
Fmaj7: F G A Bb C D E F

 

[Pete Thomas]

Thanks! So just for checking the scales you can play in the A part:

E7: E F G# (A) B C D E
A7: A Bb C# (D) E F G A
D-: D E F G A Bb C D

G7: G A B (C) D E F G
C7: C D E (F) G A Bb C
Fmaj7: F G A Bb C D E F

I think now I've had an "over the head moment" !

These chords move very quickly, I wouldn't try to think of a scale for each chord. That would be too difficult for me.

 

[Nicolas Knudde]

I think now I've had an "over the head moment" !

These chords move very quickly, I wouldn't try to think of a scale for each chord. That would be too difficult for me.

Haha, yes it is difficult, how would you play it then, just mind the key and the chord notes?

 

[Pete Thomas]

Haha, yes it is difficult, how would you play it then, just mind the key and the chord notes?

Yes, key centre and chord tones. But I have to admit that kind of impro is a bit beyond me. I can work out the theory, but not play it very well at that tempo.

 

[Nicolas Knudde]

Yes, key centre and chord tones. But I have to admit that kind of impro is a bit beyond me. I can work out the theory, but not play it very well at that tempo.

I can improvise on the chord progression by hearing, but the theory can show you other ideas

 

[Pete C]

Great tune! Try saying Juke Jordan's Jordu after a few pints.

On the A sections you can get away with playing the blues (in D for tenor) especially if you add some extra chromatic notes almost like playing a diminished scale on D if you don't want to go into each chord. On the B section I think you need to know some good cycle of 4th licks or at least practise going through the dominant 7 chord arpeggios (try going up one then down the next etc) and mixolydian modes or fragments of the mode (try starting on the 3rd and ending on the 7th which will fall onto the 3rd of the next chord - you then need to build in jumping up the octave or you run out of horn!)

Pete

 

[Adrian63]

Hi. Sorry Pete. I am a little lost. A7. A Bb C# D E F G? am i reading out of context? How is the tenor doin.

 

[Adrian63]

Sorry

It was from Nikolas' post, i think. Sorry Pete. Regardless, no worries.