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How to play "Autumn Leaves"

December 9, 2005 at 6:30 PM

Trivia question time, what does the first 3 notes of the middle movement of the brahms concerto start with? If your thinking "major triad" your right. As you can see triads are an extremely useful melodic tool.

So anyways, based on my last several blogs, if you have followed my suggestions, you already know the power of triads. Using the example of the jazz classic "Autumn Leaves" what you have is a melody sequenced therough a progression moving in 4ths starting with

a min
d 13
g maj
c maj
f# min7 b5 (diminished)
b 7
e min

this is the first half of autumn leaves, the last time I suggested playing triads starting on e min and moving it up in 4ths (see previous blog). You can do this then finish with a descending e min scale, e blues will work well also. You should now be able to play through the first half of autumn leaves.

For recordings I could like to suggest the Bill Evans CD portrait in jazz or the miles davis cd something else, I hope that gives some of you some improvising ideas.

For dad Im goin to get the Fournier dvd playing the Schumann and Saint Seaens concertos, what a wonderful cellist he was!

I need to get something for my nephew. Does anyone know what to get a 7 yr ol boy for christmas?

Regarding your last sentence: try this. Maybe you'll get some ideas.

Did I see you on Amazon.com? I like your reviews. Nice job!

good suggestion...yes i write reviews for amazon, just my opinions though

anyone else?