Could it be a good idea to modulate after the solo? I am doing Blue Bossa as one of the Gr 5 pieces on Thursday and I'm thinking of modulating from C minor after the solo to D minor for the return of the Head. Has anyone modulated in their jazz exams?

I've got a few too many ideas buzzing round my head at the moment. Only one more scale to learn and to work a bit on the Quick Study, then hopefully a happy and relieved JohnS after the exam.

Well it obviously wouldn't work for any of the horns using a CD accompaniment, but on piano, if you can do it and nail it then why not? I'm sure it would make the examiner sit up and take notice.

Have you listened to Joe Henderson's version of Blue Bossa? I think it's on Page One. Definitely recommended listening.

Yes, Joe is outstanding. Page One of what though?


I can imagine how bad it would be with a CD if you modulated.

Page One is the title of this CD (and it does contain Blue Bossa)!

Oh, that makes sense now. You can tell I've got none of his recordings.

Thanks.

You Tube is a good place to find lots of versions of everything ever. I've found it really helpful for my Jazz pieces.

Yes, I like YouTube. It can help to pinch and develop some good ideas and to stay clear of bad ones!

Which period do you hope to take Gr 1 Jazz Piano?

Tomorrow morning at 9:45

What a precise answer! Hope it goes well.

How did it go John? And did you modulate in the end?

Thanks for asking. I found out last Thursday that I got 139. Then today, after a week on Anglesey, I got the mark form and certificate.

Part of the comments for Blue Bossa were "... The modulation to D minor at the end was inspired!" It just seemed to take off when I changed key and going up by a tone was pretty straight forward.

Additional comments: "Very enjoyable, polished playing. Well done!"

Now to work on more challenging pieces and things!

Alright, so it appears that I'm the only one who thought, when seeing the title of this thread,

"After the solo? Isn't that when you shout out 'Thank you Hammersmith!' and stage dive into the crowd?"

Ho hum...

By the way, congratulations on a grand result JohnS.

Cheers,

Matt.

Congratulations on a great result, sounds like the examiner was very impressed - does this mean you've caught the jazz bug now?

I think it's called AJV (acute jazz virus). My local GP may not be interested though.

Great result! It's fantastic to get comments like that for your piece. Well done. It's good to see more and more people trying jazz now isn't it? There is just so much to explore and it's so much fun.

I believe there's no known cure, although many sufferers manage to leave happy and fulfilled lives!

He he, reminds me of the gag : What's the difference between a jazz band and a rock band?.....