Impressive Piano | All Blues

When discussing iconic jazz musicians, Miles Davis is a name that immediately springs to mind. One of his classic tunes, "All Blues", features an outstanding bass line that is often explored for its rich texture and harmonic color. This article will guide you through understanding this bass line and its application within a 12-bar blues form commonly found in jazz.

To begin, the bass line is structured around a G7 chord, producing a vibe that is both familiar and complex. When you add the parallel thirds in the right hand, it enriches the sound, especially with the seventh on top, achieving just the right layer of sophistication.

When transitioning to the four chord, which is C7, one subtle but notable change occurs: the B on top becomes a B flat. This minor shift isn't too extreme but adds a beautiful depth to the harmonic landscape.

The progression continues to the V chord, D7, before moving up to the E flat, and then descending back to D. This series of movements encapsulates all the key transitions within the piece in a seamless manner.

Here’s a breakdown of the 12-bar form:

Bar one introduces the primary G7 bass line.
The next four bars remain on the one chord (G7).
Transitioning next to the four chord (C7) and staying there for one bar.
Returning back to the one chord (G7) for a couple of bars.
Then, we shift to the V chord (D7).
A small detour involves moving up half a step, which is both a fun and engaging variation.
Finally, back down to D before resolving again to G.

This form is what gives "All Blues" its unique charm, combining traditional blues structure with innovative harmonic twists.

Keyword

Miles Davis
All Blues
G7 Bass Line
Parallel Thirds
12-Bar Form
C7 and D7 Chords

FAQ

Q: What is the primary chord structure in "All Blues"? A: The primary structure revolves around the G7 chord, with transitions to C7 (the four chord) and D7 (the five chord).

Q: How does the right hand add to the complexity of the G7 bass line? A: The right hand plays parallel thirds with the seventh on top, enriching the harmonic texture.

Q: What minor adjustment is made when transitioning to the C7 chord? A: The B note becomes a B flat, adding a subtle yet impactful change in color.

Q: How does the 12-bar form in "All Blues" break down? A: The form includes four bars of the one chord (G7), one bar of the four chord (C7), followed by the one chord again, then moves to the V chord (D7), takes a half-step detour, and resolves back to G.

Q: Can beginners tackle this piece effectively? A: While "All Blues" features some complexity, its structure is clear, making it an insightful piece for learning harmonic progressions even for beginners.