A Touch of Afternoon Breeze

Hi guys,

Over the years, I've been stuck with classical music, yesterday, I decided to try something new. This is my first attempt at writing a jazz piece. Please expect amateur chord progressions and improper handling of technical elements in jazz. The piece is suppose to depict a very relaxed scenery. All comments are welcomed and please go easy on me, thanks. :)

Instruments used: Solo Piano

Length: 1:14 min

Link:

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Cheers,

-James

Can someone please check this piece for me? Thanks.

Hey man, I'd love to help you , but I don't know anything about Jazz. If you want to find someone who does though, seek out robinjessome i believe his name is, he is a jazz god.

Who says classical musicians can't play jazz? That was pretty good for your first jazz composition. I pictured a solo pianist playing in a lounge listening to this. I suggest that you use different chord voicings when you play solo piano. Add more 9ths and #11s. Experiment with chords that don't sound safe and right. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, good job! Cool stuff!

Was that a recording of you playing?

A terrific first effort. The harmony, while basic, is quite nice. Melodically, I feel it's lacking a clear direction; it just seems a bit...meandering.

A few points (bearing in mind, I'm no pianist):

:: The accompaniment could be a bit smoother, and could support the lead line better. Perhaps thinking more contrapuntally, or melodically with the right hand as well.

:: Harmonically, try experimenting with more 'colour' tones - extensions, alterations.

:: Also, voicing-wise you could try toying with inversions or otherwise opening up (or closing in) your voicings. (Recommended reading: Amazon.com: The Jazz Piano Book: Books: Mark Levine)

Do you listen to much jazz?

Keith Jarrett - Somewhere Over The Rainbow