Lullaby of Birdland

[ejb222]

So I was challenged last night to learn to play this Lullaby of Birdland on guitar. It may not seem that hard for some of you, but this is definitely beyond what I currently play. Great tune and all, but can't seem to find a guitar rendition...any suggestions...or does anyone play this on guitar that can offer some tips?

Thanks

Sorry....I don't think I posted this in the right place...not sure how to move it.

[jazztele]

what do you need to do to master the challenge? chords, melody, or both simultaneously?

i have a chart for this at home--if i get a chance tonight i'll make you a copy

[ejb222]

Oh that would be sweet! Thanks

I have access to many versions of the song...so I hope melody and timing won't be an issue...it's just tough for me to transcribe piano to guitar by ear sometimes...guess I should keep practicing :)

[strat a various]

Start out by learning the melody well enough to sing or hum it by memory. This should be the first step learning any new piece. Ella's version has a simple straightforward take on the melody, with standard changes that should match up to the fakebooks. If you can find George Shearing doing it, he wrote it. It's good to hear the original version of any tune.
Once you have the chart and a good copy to listen to it, you're good.

[dijos]

http://weplayjam.com/arrangements/index.asp

youtube and tab. Great song.

[jazztele]

well, the scanner just ain't working for some reason, but here's the chords, in Ab...which is a pretty common key to see this in--however, those singers will be all over the place (i love the way sarah vaughn does this one, she takes it in Dmajor)

anyway, here's the Real Book changes, wih a few alterations that i like...

| F-9 D-7b5| G7 C7 | F-9 D-7b5 | Bb-9 Eb7b9 | Abmaj7 F-7 | Bb-7 Eb7b9 |

1. | Abmaj7 | G-7b5 Gb7b5|

2. |Abmaj7 Eb7 | Abmaj7


|F7b9 | Bb-7| Bb-7 Eb7b9 | Abmaj7 | F7b9 | Bb-7 | Bb-7 Eb7b9 | Abmaj7 C7 |


|F-9 D-7b5 | G7 C7 | F-9 D-7b5 | Bb-7 Eb7 | Abmaj7 F-7 | Bb-7 Eb7b9 |

|Abmaj7 Eb7 | Abmaj7 |

[ejb222]

Thanks alot guys. This is a great start. It's going to take me a lot of time a practice to nail this one. It's definitely a challenge for me.
But in the mean while, here is a youtube I found....this guy sounds pretty good.

[tomfarnan]

Originally Posted by ejb222

Thanks alot guys. This is a great start. It's going to take me a lot of time a practice to nail this one. It's definitely a challenge for me.
But in the mean while, here is a youtube I found....this guy sounds pretty good.

a-ha! ... a Joe Pass signature tele :)

[ejb222]

So I found a version by Chet Atkins...it helps a bit at least to hear it on guitar...I don't know why I didn't think of him off the bat. Now it's to the grindstone. This is really pushing my abilities...but I'm excited to learn this as it will open some new doors in my playing

[scat4me]

I used to open my set with that. Great song check out Mel Tormes version on songs of new york Accompanied by the composer!

[Ptrallan01]

Jazztele, just making sure that F-9 is f minor 9.

Thanks

[jazztele]

yep.

in a solo arrangement, i like the -9 at the beginning because the first melody note is a C. i find the -9 more "minor" sounding than a m7 when the melody note is a fifth above the root of the minor chord...not a set in stone rule, just a preference on this tune...

[Big Tony]

Originally Posted by ejb222

That's a great tune. And I love jazz music!
But that's not jazz. It's just some nerd showing off his motor skills.
No improvisation. No creativety. No jazz.

Sorry - no cigar!

/ Tony

[Valvey]

Originally Posted by Big Tony

That's a great tune. And I love jazz music!
But that's not jazz. It's just some nerd showing off his motor skills.
No improvisation. No creativety. No jazz.

Sorry - no cigar!

/ Tony

Chord melody is a big part of the jazz guitar repertoire. Sorry if it's not hip enough for you.

[strat a various]

I'm not real impressed with the video, but it's a nice try and it's jazz. Without starting a feud, I'll comment that if anyone intends to challenge a common definition, it's required to actually know the definition ... providing your own personal terms and boundaries is largely irrelevant. No offense intended to anyone.
We have no way of knowing if the gentleman in the video plays his little chord solo the same way every time. He may be changing it up, he may be creating and interpreting to an extent. I'm a little irritated by volunteered misinformation directed in a way to discourage beginners from applying whatever skill they've acquired to a performance. It's gauche.

[jazztele]

i thought the guy in the video had plenty of talent, and i'd be willing to bet he can improvise...he may have likely thrown in a few things there we didn't know about. probably also insipred our OP.

but gee....i wonder who the video guy's a fan of, though....hmmmmm......hmmmmm.......

[Big Tony]

I was a bit harsh in the post above. It was unnecessary.
The guy is obviously a talented musician, and guitar player (he's much better than I am).
It's a nice arrangement of a beautiful tune.
I was out of line. Sorry.

/ Tony

[strat a various]

You're a good man, Tony. It's easy to go overboard, I do it all the time around here. Takes a lot to reexamine an opinion, or just the way it's expressed. Well done.

[jazztele]

agreed. good on ya.