Saying goodbye to September! Here is a timeless song with a daunting melody. Great song by many different artists. An American treasure, for sure. If you have the time, here are a few videos to see and hear. I have the song on vinyl. It's a timeless song and a bit sad, yet life is eternal. Nat King Cole
Mark Levine, the author of The Jazz Theory Book said, "A great jazz solo consists of:
1% magic
99% stuff that is
Explainable
Analyzable
Categorizable
Doable"
I think once you learn a lot of music theory, you'll get to the point where you no longer need to think about theory, if you know what I mean. Charlie Parker once said, "Learn the changes and then forget them." In other words, get beyond the theory.
HOW JAZZ MUSIC WORKS
Jazz is like a musical language. When the musicians play, it's as if
they are talking to each other in jazz language. Most jazz music is
based on a tune or a theme. The tune might be made up specifically or it
might be based on a popular tune. A jazz group, or line-up has two
parts: the rhythm section and the front line.
THE FRONT LINE
Front-line instruments are the ones that play solos during a jazz
piece. They are given this name because the players usually stand in
front of the rhythm section. Front-line instruments include the
clarinet, trombone and the right-hand side of a piano.
THE RHYTHM SECTION
The rhythm section is a part that keeps a steady pulse. It also
plays harmonies for the front-line instrument to improvise over. Rhythm
section instruments include the bass guitar, double bass, drums, and the
left-hand side of the piano.
RHYTHM AND SYNCOPATION
Most rhythms have a regular pulse or beat. Normally the stress, or
accent, comes on the first beat, in a measure. In Jazz, the stress
sometimes comes on the second beat, or in between the main beats. This
is called syncopation. A tension is created between the steady pulse and
the syncopated rhythm.
JAM SESSIONS
When musicians get together without an audience and experiment with
tunes, it is known as a jam session. It is during sessions like these
that most Jazz evolves.
COMPOSING JAZZ
Although jazz involves lots of improvisation, there are some fixed
elements in a piece. Instead of writing down every note, jazz composers
provide a rough outline, usually consisting of a tune and the chords
that go with it. Chords are two or more notes played or sung together.
They are usually written as chord symbols, which tell the musician which
chords accompany a tune. The musicians improvise around this hotline.
Most jazz composers base their work on music they come up with during
jam sessions.
I love playing 7th and 6th chords. The changes in this tune are in the style of the standard tune Don't Blame Me, popularized by Charlie Parker. Give it a try!
Do you have a favorite Diana Krall song? Let me know if you need help with the chords. Because today is Pirate's Day, I think I had this song on my mind!
Joshua Grobin is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor and record producer. His first four solo albums have been certified multi-platinum, and in 2007, he was charted as the number-one best selling artist in the U.S. with over 21 million records in the nation. To date, he has sold over 25 million records worldwide. For more information, visit Wikipedia, Josh Groban
Intro
G - D - Bm - A (2X)
G D
Don't give up
Bm A G
It's just the weight of the world
D
When you're heart's heavy
Bm A G
I...I will lift it for you
D
Don't give up
Bm A G
Because you want to be heard
D
If silence keeps you
Bm A D
I...I will break it for you
G D A D
Everybody wants to be understood
G D A
Well I can hear you
D G D A D
Everybody wants to be loved
G D A
Don't give up
D A G
Because you are loved
D - Bm - A
G D
Don't give up
Bm A G
It's just the hurt that you hide
D
When you're lost inside
Bm A G
I...I will be there to find you
D
Don't give up
Bm A G
Because you want to burn bright
D
If darkness blinds you
Bm A D
I...I will shine to guide you
G D A D
Everybody wants to be understood
G D A
Well I can hear you
D G D A D
Everybody wants to be loved
G D A
Don't give up
D A G
Because you are loved
D - Bm - A
G - D - Bm - A To finish(overlapping vocals)
You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved
I like to play the song in the Key of D, with a moderate tempo, 4/4 time.
Described as a "lush ballad," this song was a best selling single in 1969. It was also included in their 1970 Gold Album.
Words and music by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb.
Key of G, 4/4 time and play moderately slow.
Bee Gees Tab
Verse 1:
G
Smile an everlasting smile
A [2: orchestra implies A6]
A smile can bring you near to me
D7
Don't ever let me find you gone
C/G G
'Cause that would bring a tear to me
Chorus 1:
Bb
This world has lost its glory
F
Let's start a brand new story now, my love
G
Right now there'll be no other time
A D7
And I can show you how, my love
Verse 2:
Talk in everlasting words
And dedicate them all to me
And I will give you all my life
I'm there if you should call on me
Chorus 2:
Bb
You think that I don't even mean
D [N.C.]
A single word I say
G D7
It's only words and words are all I have
G D7
To take your heart away
[repeat verse with wordless vocal]
[repeat chorus 2]
Coda:
(2X, second time acapella):
G D7
It's only words and words are all I have
G D7
To take your heart away
Tag:
G D7/F# G D7 G [arpeggiate]
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