Pure Imagination | Analysis & Performance
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- In Memory of Gene Wilder.
Pure Imagination is a beautiful song. I learnt it after hearing it in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It's easy in terms of chords and lovely to use an example for expression in jazz piano; by this, I primarily mean not following a strict time measure.
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Newer, shorter, better quality version with timestamps: ua-cam.com/video/nos3QhFPAiA/v-deo.html
it's been 30 days, I didn't know how to play piano, I spent 7 hours writing each fingering step in an ascending number sequence. I can now play a decent version of your teaching. I'm getting better with every pass. I was at guitar center and I look back to 11 people standing enjoying my hacked attempt, the lady who was impressed taught piano and I informed her how I learned this without any knowledge in reading sheet or any know how of chords and she was amazed. she offered to take me on for free as I don't have spare funds. so at the age of 33 in taking my first piano lesson next Monday. thanks to your video
Hello SR, thanks for your positive comment and welcome to my channel.
You see? She was amazed because she is the typical 'page turner' pianist, regrettably unaware of the power of the human mind. Enjoy the lessons with her but do not let her force you into methods or 'fixed fingering'. Also, you must discover your musical personality early on: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/09/play-what.html
You are discovering the You method - nobody wrote a book about that yet! :)
Keep me updated and email me: danthecomposer@gmail.com
Best,
Dan
Such a great and hopeful and even inspiring comment to see. I know your comments a year old but i bet youve progressed so far. At the age of 19 I’ve been off and on self teaching for 2 years but I never really committed because I thought you need formal teaching from a young age to be a good pianist and jazz player. Thanks for the inspiration!
i never realized how deeply you emotionally ingrained this piece into me, at the beginning of the video you talked about it and i come back 6 years later and i still know how to play the song despite how long i don't play piano it's crazy, you did a great job with this analysis, i tip my hat
Im a saxophonist but have always admired this song. Thank you for a brilliant tutorial, your passion for music is very evident. In memory of Mr. Gene Wilder
Thank you for your kind comment and welcome to my channel. Indeed, passion for music and teaching is somewhat prevalent in me. Do also consider my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
Best to you,
Dan.
hey dan,
I recently quit classical in pursuit of jazz piano, and this video really help me kickstart my understanding towards jazz in a more practical sense. Thank you for all the work you do, it truly is a magnificent feeling when I'm feeling around on the piano and something just clicks. Keep at it! The work you do is truly incredible.
Thank you Justin, how kind of you. Welcome.
Since this video was useful, you may find this article and video useful, too: ua-cam.com/video/Y1QIkmxpM7c/v-deo.html / piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/the-fear-of-spontaneity.html
Looking forward to your updates :)
Best,
Dan
this is helping me write an a cappella arrangement of the song, thank you!
Excellent. My pleasure - perhaps you will share the result?
Best,
Dan
Just FANTASTIC! Dan your channel is absolute gold dust Sir! Consider me subscribed. Not only are you a brilliant player but a great teacher too. Your philosophical approach to learning is one I really subscribe to. Having played jazz piano for 5 years I have ALWAYS used the very same mindset as you. Although, I personally must admit that playing drums for 20 years (I'm also 30) gives me a stellar advantage in terms of rhythm and co-ordination, AND having been exposed to jazz for 10 years (BA in Jazz) means my ears have picked up the sound for chords and textures. Still, excellent words and excellent approach. I'm loving Pure Imagination right now - incredibly beautiful and emotional. I really can't stop listening to it at the moment. Thank you for the videos and I'm looking forward to many more. Best, Grant.
Grant Hunt How does one respond to such generous positivity!? Thank you very much; I never forget that a 'great teacher' is only as great as his students, so remember that :)
Yes, your rhythm must be brilliant; that surely helps with improvising. It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
I love Pure Imagination and I hope you will maybe record your own little version one day? I'm curious how my subscribers play, too.. I should start some page where people can post their own stuff having followed one of my videos... some dedicated playlist to bring subscribers together :) I'll think about that.
You will no doubt love my blog, I think: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
New videos will be coming more regularly now. I've been a bit silent because the weather here in Budapest has been over 35 degrees, every day, since the beginning of July and I simply can't sit down for 30 mins and make a video, even write! It's cooling down now so I'll be able to get back to the channel more instead of living in my freezer and shower.
Thanks again and welcome!
All the best,
Dan
I took couple of piano lessons when I was a kid, like most at that age I didn't have near to the amount of patience and self discipline to get past the first few weeks. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I woke up with this tune stuck in my head and an urge to get it out so I dusted off my friends old Casio CTK-496 and searched up "pure imagination piano tutorial". It feels great to be able to play again, thanks for the 50 minutes.
Hi there, thanks for your comment and welcome. Glad to be a small help to you. Questions always welcome.
Be sure to see the description boxes of all my videos for further goodies.
You may also enjoy this video: ua-cam.com/video/pT6UXxUXCoM/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
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Thanks for sharing the way you are thinking about playing music and explanation why it was progressed that way. It has drastically changed my way of thinking about learning music and freedom of expressing your own ideas by solid understanding chord progression and music theory. For beginners (like me) such videos are an amassing journey.
+welding4beginners Hello again - glad you found the newer videos! Excellent to see your mind is being cleansed! Your journey is destinationless, too. Consider this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/12/becoming-pianist.html
Again, welcome, and comment/write whenever you need.
Best,
Dan
+danthecomposer Yes, I have discovered (destinationless) purpose for me and I don't care :) wherever it takes me. I am not yet able to follow but I am happy with my journey, rather be unhappy with the place I'm not yet. I have watched a lot of your videos and checked jazz book and some of your articles too. Thanks!
+welding4beginners Well thank you for your support. It seems that this article would be useful for you to consider, too: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/following-you-method.html - and this one: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/08/easy-does-it-or-hard-ly-so.html - More wisdom-based but something to think about :)
Best to you,
Dan
Hey, Dan! I just wanted to thank you for helping me learn this song. I played this song just a couple of days ago at my first recital and I couldn’t have learned this piece from a better person. I reason why is because you mentioned to improvise with this song personally and thats exactly what I did. It has been so fun finding new things to add to the song that really connect to me. anyways, I will DEFINITELY be keeping up with you and your videos from now on. Thank you, again. :)
How kind of you, thank you and welcome to my channel. I'm really glad this helped :) Your comment should inspire other people, too. You improvised personally which means you Played You! This is a struggle for many people for many reasons and exactly why I do what I do... to help them Play Them!
I hope to see you around. Here is the main list so pick ones which might be of interest and always be sure to read the description boxes since I fill them with goodies all the time! ua-cam.com/users/danthecomposervideos
Best,
Dan
Instincts and Insights! That's one unbeatable combination of playing jazz... unhindered by standard music rules.
Thank you Dan for unselfishly sharing your gift. Fair winds and may your tribe increase!
Thank you for your comment and welcome to my channel. You speak a truth! I hope I can entice you to my blog? Maybe this article? piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-fear-of-spontaneity.html - and this video for a bit more on jazz? ua-cam.com/video/pzsvycun39g/v-deo.html
Let me know how you get on.
Best,
Dan
I appreciate the time & creativity you put into this video. Jazz is definitely one of the greatest gifts of the universe along with this beautiful song. It brings back so many childhood memories. RIP Gene Wilder. Bless you, Dan. I will be watching more of your videos especially your Jazz lessons. I love the UYT (University of UA-cam) & your class is definitely one of the best.
Thank you very much for your kind comment and welcome to my channel! It seems you've found a nice seat here!
Me too - this is a special song for the melody and the lyrics.
You may enjoy this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/the-fear-of-spontaneity.html
Looking forward to your comments on other videos!
Best,
Dan.
Great tutorial and demo for expression in jazz piano! thumbs up and best regards...Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! All the best wishes, Reit :-))
Reit Fans Seasons Greetings to you, too. Videos shall continue! Best, Dan.
Very enlightening way to play the song, switching between blues and jazz/modal modes :)
Art by Atlas You can't go wrong with a little blues. For me, blues notes are part of the human soul.
I just rediscovered the beauty of this song (after many years of hearing it in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) last night as I saw Josh Groban perform at the Sydney Opera House. I love this song & can't wait to start playing it on the piano.. I feel like I'm in another world when I listen to it :) Great tutorial by the way!
+russianlove3 Thanks for sharing, my friend. It really is great, no? That's why I decided to make this tutorial! I heard it and thought wow, how did I miss THAT meaning?? Hopefully this tutorial will be of assistance to you in your endeavour.
Do also consider my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
Best, and welcome,
Dan
As a jazz trombonist and beginning piano player trying to write an arrangement of this tune in a weird mixed meter, this video was an excellent source of inspiration and general piano-playing advice. I feel like my piano skills are five times better than they were ~30 minutes ago.
Thanks!
+Jakob Bower Thank you for your kind comment. I am delighted it helped you so quickly. It seems your channels are wide open so do get on my blog and get more inspired! www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com - just continue to enjoy each moment of your destinationless piano journey :)
Best to you,
Dan
This is a gold standard video for me to constantly be referencing. Lovely playing and very informative. I felt an instant connection to this tune (and your teaching approach). I really like the stride technique you play with your left hand on the Ab section... I can see it's a root to 5 type thing with slide downs from the note above. Do you go into any more detail about that aspect in any of your videos? As well, one thing I have discovered is that it's interesting to play the whole tone scale over the dominant chords (that you play which are a half step below or above) leading back to the Eb. It brings out an element of that dreaming kind of effect that works with the original concept of this tune. Thanks kindly for reading this and for posting your videos.
Thank you Robert, very kind of you. I have a video on stride: ua-cam.com/video/8WmNSY8LeyE/v-deo.html and also this on what the left hand can do and it's included: ua-cam.com/video/mIQQdBp1-Mc/v-deo.html
It's true, well noticed. Be sure to identify intervals that are of interest to you instead of being controlled by scales :)
Best,
Dan
Dan, thank you, this is such an inspirational song , and another great tutorial that’s so easy to follow and learn from. It’s a song I never really thought much about , but the way you teach it enable s multiple levels of variety and complexity . And as you say, after a few hours I was able to play the basic version , with some emotion , now looking forward to adding and adding layers and experimenting ; and now as we are confined to the house with the outbreak; with the way you teach the framework , it’s hours of entertainment and joy and can never get tired of playing it . Thanks again ....D...
im crying cause i cant help myself how good u explained it,,,,thanks again for the sincere heart to teach us ,,,,,God bless
Touching. Thank you :) Welcome.
Thank you for analyzing this beautiful piece and guiding to beyond imagination!
I never comment on videos but definitely the most helpful I've ever found. You are an amazing pianist and I completely agree with your way of learning and teaching about feeling the music. Played all my life and still can't read haha
Thank you sir, it's very kind of you. Welcome to my channel!
Do also consider my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
Best,
Dan :)
Great tutorial buddy, i cried the first time I've played it in front my friends, thank bud :)
Alex Sony Excellent. Some story :) Pure Imagination is amazing; it will always be a favourite. Thanks for watching!
Alex Sony He was blocked from the channel, don't worry :)
Awesome, gotta give this a go... You did ramp up the complexity quickly though. I'll have to refer to some of your other videos, thanks!
Thank you Tommy! Welcome to my channel. If you need any help, let me know. I always link useful videos in the description!
Best,
Dan
www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
i'm not one for buying things for tutorials (the ebook) mostly because how people teach just doesn't work for me but i am really considering giving your stuff a try because i loved how you broke everything down
You're very kind Adrie, of course you're most welcome to begin first by looking at my blog to get a sense of my style/teachings. www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com - Books are just a cherry on top and enable me to spend more time doing what I love with the few funds I raise from their sales. I do not push them, however, as you may have noticed.
Welcome to my channel!
Best,
Dan
Thank you so much for this! I came here just looking to learn this song, but came away with so much more from your lesson. It's really helped imporve my overall playing and knowledge of chords. Keep up the great work!
Hello Tyler, welcome to my channel and thanks for your positive comment :)
Glad it helped!
You will surely also find this article useful: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html
Looking forward to your future comments.
Best,
Dan
Thank you so very much Dan I started watching this and listened to your instruction about interpretation at the beginning and found myself in so many different places playing this that I was already in alternate keys by the 8 minute mark haha I will finish watching the rest I promise, it was refreshing to find this thank you so very much I am a subscriber loved it.
A song I've been attempting to learn for awhile. Great rendition and an excellent teacher. Subscribed!
Thanks Preston and welcome! :)
You may enjoy this article, too: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/07/top-5-most-useful-videos.html
Best,
Dan
Hey Dan, great video! On the phrase "into your imagaination", on the word your I use a D chord but in Bill Evans style. A plain old D major triad with an Eb in the bass/left hand. I live that sound!
***** Very nice option. Do you notice that the 'plain old' D major triad, when valued against the Eb, provides a major 7th (D), F# (#9) and A (#11)? These notes individually could be grouped as Ebmb5/D = Eb, Gb (F#), A (b5). Just another label :) Wonderful, however! Thank you for watching and welcome to my channel, Mark. Don't forget my philosophical piano articles: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com Best, Dan.
danthecomposer Hey Dan, I tend to think about theory the way my ears perceive it. If you play it and take a listen it's just an approach chord by half step to the I major chord. It's just a temporary delay. I then resolve it to the Eb major 7th chord. NIce arrangement you have made of this. It's a beautiful song and it was made when I was a kid. No video recorders back then, you had to come in from playing to watch it!
Another great video! I had lost inspiration to play piano untill I found this video! Keep up the good work. Many thanks from Gibraltar!!!!
+Ryan Roman Thank you thank you! Have a look around and also consider my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
Best,
Dan
RIP Gene Wilder. What a wonderful actor he was.
Indeed - I fear the new generation of 'actors' in this politically correct world :(
This video inspired me a lot! Thank you
one of the best video on UA-cam, Thanks a lot .
tune starts like misty backwards- amazing the psych effect of a direction change using same notes.
errata - not exactly same note ,IE skips the third
I think I'll be watching this video for a month. After the perfect book on theory basics by Alfred's, and chord videos for popular songs by pianojohn113, my next challenge is this emotional, jazz side of things, and these other more intricate chord qualities. Thank you for these videos!
+John Smith Welcome, and thank you. Yes, the channel is: mind, body, piano. It seems you have spent much time on the Piano component, now it's time for some mental time away from the piano. Consider this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/11/the-pianists-checklist.html
Best,
Dan
This video is very inspiring and clever, I'm now going to take a look at your other ones. Thanks for sharing all of this !
Hello Jer, welcome! Thank you for your kind comment; you will surely enjoy my channel and probably blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
Best,
Dan
Thank you so much for this! SO rewarding and I love your teaching style...
You're too kind, Sir! Thank you and welcome.
You may find this article useful: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/the-fear-of-spontaneity.html
Enjoy my channel.
Best,
Dan
Absolutely incredible video. I learnt soooo much. Love your playing style. Please do more of these vids.
You're very kind. Thank you :) I hope you learnt from it. Do you have a request? Welcome!
dave g All noted! I love But Not For Me - good idea, and I love 'Wave'.
Been feeling like my progress with piano was getting a bit stagnant recently. I know that I want to be able to play jazz piano because i love the sound of it (especially gentle dreamy songs like this one), but have don't really have any idea where to start as i don't know any artists etc.
I was looking for a piano cover of Pure Imagination and came across this video and it's amazing! I know just about enough music theory to slowly work through the video and it's got me really excited to try and play my own version of it! Thanks!
+Daniel Scott Hi there. Really glad you liked my tutorial :) Take your time with the recommended videos. You may also find this article helpful based on your comment: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/10/listening-to-jazz.html
Stick around and check my playlists since they're managed well for your benefit :) All the best and welcome, Dan
I love jazz, you are so talented. Great Music.
+Jeani Pierce Thank you for watching and welcome :) Do also enjoy my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com - Dan
Great tutorial. Thanks.
just when I thought I was getting good on the piano... I see this video and shatter my dreams...
Hello there and welcome to my channel :)
I am delighted to have shattered your dreams. Do you know why? Because it is the beginning of a new piano mentality that I am going to help you with afresh. You were getting good at the piano, you have discovered someone better and it reminded you of your place on the journey towards 'being a great pianist'. What you need to understand is that dreams are of the ego; a great pianist does not have an ego. This means does not compare, does not let disappointment dictate future actions and does not see better people as a reason to give up but a reason to stop, sit back and take stock of whats going on.
To get you going, read this: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/10/the-mind-triangle.html - and let me know how you get on.
Best,
Dan
danthecomposer@gmail.com
+danthecomposer I was joking, if anything you inspired me to become better, I just wish I had started earlier in life, I'm 33 and just started learning 6 months ago,(self taught using UA-cam videos) and I already play good enough to play improvisationaly along with other people. but I want to be on your level. I also produce music follow me on instagram (arson_productionz) or just Google "arson productionz" and check me out. after watching this video I think I'm going to study a little more in the Jazz portion of music because I already love playing in the B scale and I notice jazz uses that scale a lot. if you have an Instagram I would love to follow you on there. if you have an Instagram account let me know your screen name.
Absolutely, I was touched by your message so thank you for having shared it! :)
33 is not late. Don't even think about your age. It's a moot point.
You will be on my level and, I sincerely hope, surpass it.
I don't use instagram I'm afraid but I hope you get some traffic from mentioning it here on my channel.
The 'B Scale' - works in Jazz? That is very broad to say! It depends on the piece of music and about 10,000 other things. You would do well to watch this video: ua-cam.com/video/5vkOqjByveY/v-deo.html
Best to you,
Dan
@@danthecomposer 2 years have gone and I am happy to say , my playing is excellent. Of course I'm not on your level, but I can improvise whole songs from thin air and I love it, I even did a improvisation of this song, I just tagged you in it on Instagram you can check it out, when I first commented on this video I couldn't play a lick of this. You have been a big help towards my progress then I think you for that.
Hi Dan! I love this video. I'm slowly learning Pure Imagination. Is there anyway you could write out a list of the chords used? I get lost about the area of "if you want to view paradise". I'm learning it 'safe' to start with before I mix it up like you have :)
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your comment and welcome!
I can provide you with a jpeg if you drop me an email? danthecomposer@gmail.com
The area you describe is simply: AbM7 / / / If you want to view)| Gm7 / (paradise) C7 / | Fm7 / (simply look a...) Bb7 / (round and) | EbM7 / / / do it | :)
Keep me updated!
Best,
Dan
Great video. I'm a guitar player but I pulled a lot from your analysis. Thank you
+Danilo8208SS Thank you - yes, my words do certainly apply to other instruments. Glad I could help :) Best, and welcome, Dan.
Brilliant colors!
Bloody hell this is high quality. Thank you for sharing your ideas!! :)
Thank you kindly, Kelso, and welcome to my channel :)
You may find this playlist of interest: ua-cam.com/video/3SsLQueJRYI/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
this video was so inspiring. thank you!
oh dear man, mahalo thank you so much for your wise divine words even before getting to the chords, i sp agre with what you say about one of my deast beloved songs
LiveTheLoveYouWant Mahalo, what a nice word! I had to search it's meaning. How kind. I'm delighted you found a connection with my video! Welcome to my channel and don't forget my blog! www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com - all the best :)
Hawaiian for thank you :)
Wonderful!
Thankyou
I've always played lyrically according to the words I SING with my fingers. Which would be in a bit of an issue if I had a band or orchestra behind me and no conductor.... Rather than a bar number I'm in my mind, at a certain phrase of words. LoL 😊
at 25:54 you played a #4 (or #11) with an Fm9 and it sounded fantastic. but I'm confused because in this very same video you demonstrated how a #4 clashes with any minor chord, and that #4 can only be played in a major 3rd interval, i.e., major 7 or dominant. did I miss something?
by the way, I think your videos are the best, compared to the other tutorials on UA-cam. been watching you for quite some time but my busy schedule prevents me from making comments too often. I sense your love of jazz and admire you. also already purchased your book a while back. please keep teaching. if you write more books, I'll buy them all. these song analyses are priceless.
Hello Philip,
Thank you kindly for your message and support. It is most humbling and certainly not sought when I make these videos with a genuine desire to inspire/assist.
Have you yet discovered my blog? www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
You raise a fair question and have highlighted a confusion I made (error) but I did not explain it enough in the video that I was thinking about something else, so it seems like a contradiction. Allow me to attempt to dig out of this hole! First, a clarification on labelling:
The raised fourth, #4, is called a #11 because a dominant or major 7th is involved; it is this 7th which forces the extensions to be labelled as 9, 11 and 13 (and flats/sharps of those as required) instead of their in-octave names of 2nd, 4th and 6th.
The sentence I said here is: "The #11 works with a minor 7th, not with a major 3rd". This is the source of your confusion, understandably, because I always say (correctly) that the #11 works with major 3rd and the regular 11 works with minor 3rds - this is the fact to remember. Here, however, now I watch it back, I was thinking of the fact that the #11 can also be labelled a b5 (same note, an enharmonic equivalent, to be fancy) which makes the chord not a m(inor)#11 (which is ugly when voiced, try it: F, Ab, C, Eb, B, compared to the Bb, the 11th, which sounds softer on the ears with a m7) but an F HALF diminished.
Do you know about these chords? For a video on all chords, see here: ua-cam.com/video/ORIMDTEyw0s/v-deo.html - but for now: there is a whole diminished and a half diminished. Very easy: the word 'diminished' implies minor and flat 5... the 'whole' means put the 6th on top, the half means put the dominant 7th on top... in a nutshell.
So, the Fm#11 chord in the video is actually better labelled as F half diminished (or Fm7b5 or F with a O and a line from top right corner to bottom left corner). This is surely what was in my mind but I got myself stuck by saying (incorrectly in terms of min/maj #11 philosophy) that #11 works with m7. Quite simply, I was thinking of the enharmonic equivalent, b5.
I do hope this helps!
Looking forward to your occasional updates here or on other videos.
Best,
Dan
I knew you had the perfect explanation. yes I know those chords. unfortunately I tend to focus more on theory than actually placing my fingers on the piano (busy md schedule not a good excuse). I'm never sure when to apply diminished chords, but I'm sure you have a video on that here somewhere. I haven't finished reading your book but kudos to the wonderful concepts. you're a busy guy too. I'll investigate your blog one of these days. many many thanks. your lessons are priceless.
Pleasure and thank you once again.
As to when to apply them, generally, you won't need to worry about that since the chords will be indicated on the lead sheet... right? Unless you compose, then it's down to you anyway!
Best,
Dan.
Dan,
Thank you for the #11 in the Dominant chord idea at 18:30 I'm familiar with the amazing #11 chord but overlooked the possibility there. You know, that #11 is almost indescribably expressive. It adds so much depth to the chord. Kind of a "sense of wonder" really! And, what could be better for this song, than adding a sense of wonder. But, I just found you today and I love your fresh teaching approach because I love discussing the philosophical and emotional implications of the chords. I will be devoted to your tutorials for sure! Many thanks! Jim
My pleasure! Thank you for your kind words and welcome to my channel.
It's a nice sound, no? Beyond words, to feeling, as life itself should be.
You will surely be interested in my blog. Allow me to start you off on this: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/10/the-mind-triangle.html
Best,
Dan.
Soooooo, i've been looking for some decent sheet music to this song, and so far have had to be playing by ear/watching youtube covers, but most of them are very strange (well basic chord versions) or just keys that dont sound as elegant which, in my opinion, doesnt do this song justice. Thanks for the upload. I have a good background in music theory and piano so i get what you are saying. if anything, ive just learnt the chords and melody and the rest if down to pure expression of jazz. Thanks man!
Liam M Excellent news! Glad you enjoyed the video and found it more beneficial. It was simply a humble effort in response to some requests plus my own attraction to the song. You may enjoy my blog, too? www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com for my philosophical articles... Welcome! Best, Dan.
This is very good! Fantastic video thx
+Henrik Johansson Thank you and welcome. Do also consider my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
Best,
Dan
Hello :D
How do you know which notes to press when you go off key?
Btw, love your videos
Learned so much :D
SO MUCH!
SOOOOO MUUUUCHHH!!!
+Ernest Liu Hello sir! Sorry for my delay - sometimes a comment slips through the net. I know which notes to play because I know which notes TO play. I know which notes to play because I know all 12 major scales. Start there: ua-cam.com/video/o2RZ_poXFQ8/v-deo.html
Thank you very much for your enthusiasm and welcome to my channel, Sir Ernest :) Do consider my blog, too: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com - Best, Dan.
Dan,
What year did you buy your instrument?What model is it?
I have DGX 505. I like how it sounds with the headphones on, but your open air sound is lot better than mine (I bought mine a decade ago). I've always liked their action(Yamaha) , but now I'm looking for a format that is more compatible with digital transfer to my pc for possible posts and collaborations.
+Newyork Filharmonik Hi, thanks for your question and welcome to my channel. My sound goes through the Synthogy Ivory VST, which is why it sounds much better than the default sound. I have the Yamaha DGX640 and I bought it in 2011 brand new.
As for what various keyboards do, that is not my forte, I just play them, so I'm afraid I can't help with that. I always liked Yamaha for their action; I found others either too heavy or too 'flimsy/plastic-y'.
Good luck with your search!
Best,
Dan
Lou Rawls. It was a big hit for him in 1976.
thanks great tutorial, very informative
Thank you Paul, welcome to my channel.
You may also enjoy my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com
Best,
Dan
dan is the coolest
Oh stop it ;) Glad you like the videos! Appreciate all your comments, too.
How about this? ua-cam.com/video/2pvkhwCAfaQ/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
Great job
Thank you for watching.
You may find this article of use too: piano-jazz.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-fear-of-spontaneity.html
And this video: ua-cam.com/video/wn5qJA0EqAU/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
Hey Dan, as a shortcut to sharphend eleventh i play x7 with left hand and a triad with right hand which tonic is next to X without fifth. For example for C7 left hand plays C7 ,right hand takes D triad position but only plays first two note of the triad. Also complete triad gives C13 (#11) i guess. At this point a question comes to the mind .. for nineth chords we have to play dominant 7 plus 9, thats ok. For an eleventh chord , do we need to play ninth? Or for a 13 chord do we need to play 9 + 11 + 13 or just dominant chord plus 13? for elevent, again , dominant chord plus 11... Unless the other extention notes isnt sharpened or flatted. If so my shortcut is wrong because it plays 9 with #11 :) Thanks in advance
.
Hi sir! Your voicing is perfectly acceptable, yes; it's a little trick to know instantly that the second degree of the major scale of the root of the chord using the root and dominant 7th (e.g. C and Bb in the LH, then D, being the second degree of C's major scale, we can use its (D's) major triad itself which, in C, gives the 9th, #11 and 13th (D, F#, A) - surely, yes. Your second question is one which many jazz pianists disagree on but I do not know why. Why complicate things? I suggest this for its simplicity and absolute logic (on paper): When you play ONE extension (9, 11,13), you MUST use the dominant 7; this requires you to simply provide the key (C) and the extension number (C9, C11, C13). If you wish to play these with a Major 7th, you must say: Key (C), "MAJOR", (CMaj) followed by the single extension (CMaj9, CMaj11, CMaj13)
Its clear now ,Thanks for this great explanation !.
Dan, I appreciate for your tutorials. :)
I would like to know something around 10:00 , you demonstrated a half tone approach to the I chord, which is Ebmaj7. You mentioned that there are two options , which is D(#11) and Eb(#11). It sounds nice, but why it works? Would you kindly explain this? :P
My first thinking is this two voicings are came from tritone substitution from Bb dominant. The D(#11) is actually the E(9)(13) / D, which makes it slightly different flavour. But i just not sure about that. LOL
Leong Yin Yee Thanks for your kind comment and complex question! First, you write the chord (perfectly understandably so) as #11 rather than b5; for anyone else reading this comment, that results in the same 'physical note', but usually an 11th (or #11) involves a 9, and a more open chord over two octaves; this is why I chose to say 'b5' instead, to keep the chord within the octave and avoid any involvement/requirement of a 9th :)
It works because: it creates tension! It's just a tip I picked up from an Oscar Peterson video recording once (can't remember which one but something slow and elegant). Something else I do when 'dropping' (not climbing) to the target chord (EbMaj7 in this case) is to use a 13th voicing instead = E13 (dropping to EbMaj7).
Sure, we can analyse to pieces the musical values and harmony theory but I don't think it is necessary here. If you just remember the tip: "fall up or down one semitone using a b5 chord, it usually sounds sweet", then that's that! Know what I mean?
As for the 13th a semitone above, if you visualise the voicing, the dominant 7th is one semitone below the target not, so there is a rising bottom note but the tonal quality is falling: E13 = D (one semitone below the Eb), G# (one s/t above the G of the EbMaj7 chord) D# (one s/t above the D of the EbMaj7 chord). This is a sexy thing to do, too :)
But if you want to label this movement in your own way using tritone substitution theory, then go for it! But would you not agree that simply falling up/down one s/t is the quickest and easiest way to do it when you're actually playing and it comes to your mind? It saves thinking about too many things!
I hope this helps :) Enjoy!
Dan
+danthecomposer
Again, Thanks a lots for your reply. Thanks for correct my mistakes too, yeah, b5 is an appropriate way to write it without a 9th note. And i am totally agree about the "simple rules" part, but sometimes i tends to understand the concept behind because it makes me fell "safer" to use it. That's why i think your analysis video is so valuable.
I just tried several target notes on "fall up or down one semitone using a b5 chord, it usually sounds sweet" rules. I found that also works on a minor chord. E.g: Bb(b5) to Amin7. It is quite a interesting technique. :)
(But the E13 only sounds good when dropping to Ebmaj7, not on Ebmin7)
By the way, when you said tension, do you mean the notes outside the Eb major scale or the b5?
Argh... one more thing .
"D# (one s/t above the D of the EbMaj7 chord)". Do you mean C#, which is the 13th of E13?(one s/t below the D of the EbMaj7 chord), Since D# is not a note of common E13 voicing.
+Leong Yin Yee Hello! Sorry for my delay; it's difficult to keep up with the comments since the YT comment sectopn is absolutely useless.
I said tension because of the chord type, b5, just before it falls up or down to the M7.
You are correct that I mislabelled the note. C# indeed! Good eye!
Excellent Jazz Piano Tutorial!! Thank you so much .....
Wish you a Happy and Wonderful New Year 2015.
Reit Fans Thank you for watching and enjoying! Happy New Year to you too :)
muito legal mesmo.. parabens. quero muito aprender a tocar jazz. mas aqui no Brasil estamos habituados com musicasbrasileiras. em expecial no Rio.. bossa nova, tom jobim, não temos referenciais em jazz..
piter constantino Eu amo Bossa Nova! Você já viu o show Diana Krall: Live in Rio? Obrigado por assistir meus vídeos. Espero que você possa entender muito. Se não, em seguida, assistir minhas mãos! Bem-vindo ao meu canal :)
Do you have sheet music available for purchase for this arrangement? Would be really helpful so Im not constantly pausing and rewinding.
Hello there,
No, I never have scores because I encourage viewers to come up with their own arrangements. In fact, this isn't even an arrangement; I (and hopefully you) will play it differently every time. The focus is on mastering the chord progression away from the piano and then not being distracted by which chord comes next so that you have more brainpower for personalisation. See my newer videos or Song Analyses playlist for more examples on mastering chords and personalising repertoire. I'd caution against copying what I do since that's what I do... you need to be doing what You do! Don't give up. It's not as daunting as it seems.
Best,
Dan
Wow, great video!
Thank you and welcome to my channel!
Do also consider this article: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/07/top-5-most-useful-videos.html
Best,
Dan
hey do you think you could also include any videos you give out as links in the description as well? i've noticed that it seems like many of them don't show up for me even with annotations turned on. Would appreciate it! (i was still able to just look them up and listen)
grips Thank you for this warning. Do you see any annotations at all? I also put them in when I review the video once it's uploaded. I did notice they don't show on my phone but maybe it's a phone thing? I'll put the links in the description bar from now on. Thanks for the heads-up.
Why does my internal piano keep coming up with a hybrid melody of The Carpenters They Long To Be Close To You, and Sammy Davis Jr's Candy Man? Must be because internally all three sound quite similar. In addition, I never listened to it internally before. Always physically focused on the song, and not the music. How's that for a metaphysical realization of the direct use of the technical composition as an approach to deeply understanding an immortal classic?😆
I can read music but I can't read a grand staff well. I would much appreciate a list of the chords in order if you have them handy?
Hi Ed,
Drop me an email: danthecomposer@gmail.com and I'll send you the jpeg of the chords.
Best,
Dan
Hei sir.I wanna know what keyboard do you use.
Ana Rosca Thanks for watching. Yamaha DGX 640 :)
Thanks :3
Whats the best way to learn that theory you apply and improvise like that?
Hello Renzo, I would say this video in itself but try this one for some thoughts: ua-cam.com/video/HLVt5xWOVyM/v-deo.html and this one: ua-cam.com/video/Q8mOQwsp4X8/v-deo.html
All meaningless if you haven't yet mastered the major scales though :) ua-cam.com/video/heEVryaj-wI/v-deo.html
Best,
Dan
danthecomposer thank you so much for replying! Ill check it out! Cheers
great tutorial. whats that thing he did with his right hand at 10:42?
Thank you and welcome to my channel.
'He' played E with a b5: E, G#, Bb, E ascending but the top E was played as an octave with the lower E :)
Best,
Dan
beautiful thanks mate
is this mostly in Lydian mode?
I wouldn’t specifically say that. May I ask what made you conclude this?
@@danthecomposer just the feeling it creates
28:42
Kool-Aid Man thank you for watching so far 🙏🎶
@@danthecomposer I have to be honest I saw your vid where you explained Harmony and I must say you are by far my favorite pianist at the moment you have such an ease to teach piano I've been playing for about 6 years now and something I absolutely love are like jazzy chords and nice chord progressions and you really simplify that for me it would mean a lot if maybe we can come in contact and do private lessons! I'd be willing to pay you for your time because honestly your skills are a huge inspiration to me!
What are the chords for if you want to view paradise
Thanks for your comment. AbMaj7 (Ab, C, Eb, G), Gm7 (G, Bb, D, F), C7 (C, E, G, Bb) but I play C7#9 so E, Bb, D# (use a G too if you want). Hope this helps :)
Best,
Dan
Ok
Absolutely wonderful tutorial! You've done it again sir - this magical tune has been one of my favourites since childhood. Always wanted to learn how to play it and thanks to you, now I can :D
I wish I had time to just go through all your material straight away but I'm at university and it's taking up all of my time. At least now, at the end of a day I get to spend a few minutes relaxing and practising this piece. I went and searched a for some other versions and found this:
ua-cam.com/video/uwreQWv4bf4/v-deo.html
Amazing - sublime! I noticed he uses some really lovely dissonant chords/inversions here and there. Would love to know what they are - as well as the rubs/licks he does when it goes uptempo.
Thanks so so much again for these videos!
Thank you for your kind comment! Delighted it touched you so.
Good version; that guy can certainly play a lick or two! Thanks for sharing. Recommended viewing.
To understand that stuff, you need to know your 12 major scales, major/minor triads, both with both major and dominant 7ths and 6ths on top... then understand extensions... then voicings... make sure you have a perfect internal metronome and are not afraid to play whatever comes naturally.
Ready for the journey?
See here: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2015/03/seeing-major-scales-differently.html
Then here: ua-cam.com/video/vCSpfoeY034/v-deo.html
Then here: ua-cam.com/video/ORIMDTEyw0s/v-deo.html
Then here: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/the-fear-of-spontaneity.html
Enjoy.
Best,
Dan
Aye i play multiple instruments guitar, bass and some percussion... ive always wanted to piano but cant get the left and right hands down. like my hands always seem to get mixed and cant play different things with each hand. help me pls
Hi, welcome.
Sure, common problem. See here: ua-cam.com/video/W4qPv7wWoQ8/v-deo.html
And here: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/01/a-closer-look-at-fingering.html
Best,
Dan
danthecomposer thanks bruv
awesome love this
+budi setiawan Thank you and welcome to my channel :) Do also consider my blog: www.piano-jazz.blogspot.com - Best, Dan.
Awesome vid and rendition, got completely lost at the 30 minute mark though haha. By the way I shot you an email.
Thank you! I can help with anything, just let me know.
I also replied to your email! :)
Best,
Dan
How is "I'm memory of Gene Wilder" in the description if he died today?
TIME MACHINE.
Nah, you may edit your videos description whenever you like.
What he said :)
what's wrong with original key?
Nothing? Every version I found, scored or performed, was in Eb, so I went with the flow. If you know your major scales so well and the chords as numbers, you can apply to the original key if you wish (whatever that was).
Best,
Dan
oh ok, thanks for the quick response, yes i can put it in any key easily - i guess i just have emotion stored in the original key from hearing it as a kid
Thank you
Ps do you heart every comment
Yes, as I respond to every comment, I heart and like it so I know I've responded :)
Welcome! Consider this playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL4cPpP-Ua6NWl43cy2XiArwodqSmWBOzC.html
Best,
Dan
@@danthecomposer once again thank you for your help
Hey I have the same keyboard lol
It's a nice one, isn't it. I guess next year I'll get whatever the newer model is but for now, it works well!
Welcome to my channel.
Best,
Dan
What key is this in?
E flat but begins on the ii (Fm7). If you need help with these things, I can recommend videos of mine...
Best,
Dan
sweet thanks man
"#11 works with a dominant or major 7th chord" later into video* "the #11 works with a minor 7th not with a major 3rd interval" smh haha
Hello there,
Somewhere in this comment section, I explained why I made this error. Simple lack of concentration but in my mind I was labelling the #11 as b5 meaning the m7 with the b5 would be a half-diminished, I just named it #11 which was incorrect and confusing. Apologies again for that slip. The fact is: #11 sounds more pleasing with major 3rd chords and the regular 11th with minor third chords. The note value #11 is the same as b5. When talking about #11, see the previous sentence, but when talking about half-diminished chords, the b5 is what DOES work with a minor 7th since it creates the half-dim sound.
Hope that helps.
Best,
Dan.
ahhh i see thank you for clearing that up. it's funny because Im mainly a guitarist but im leaning towards the piano now :) keep up the good work
My pleasure. You may find this article useful: piano-jazz.blogspot.hu/2016/07/top-5-most-useful-videos.html
Welcome to my channel :)
Best,
Dan
Slug worth made 16 different accounts and disliked this video
I have to ask... who is Slug? I don't want to promote channel rivalry!