Blues for Piano

Hello! This is a relatively new piece that I've started, based on the Count Basie 12 bar blues pattern. I'm not really sure where to go after what I have.

a) back to intro?

b) back to the head?

c) add new material?

d) repeat the last 8 measures?

Let me know what you think in that area and also what you think about the piece as it is right now. :toothygrin: Thank you!

Blues.nwc

Blues.mid

Blues.pdf

I personally think that you should repeat the melody. But first get rid of that weird measure before the end of what you have. the one with a quarter and then a dotted half. It doesn't really go.

Yes, repeat the melody, only this time with a walking bass line, I think that would jazz things up a little (pun somewhat intended). I like that progression, you've done well with it. :toothygrin:

I'm sure you know swing is writtend as simple eight notes, correct? No triplets with quarters followed by eighth, because is terribly difficult to read, I should know, I played the music from the .pdf on my piano before listening to the midi. I looked for a way to set swing in NWC, and I don't think there is a way, unless it could be done with a multipoint controller (?). I tried, no success. Your best bet would probably be to use a different program that can actually deal with swing. Finale and Sibelius are the only two programs that I know can. The other option is to just write eighth notes instead of quarter-followed-by-eight triplets. It won't playback with swing, but at least it would be more readable.

When you are done with this piece (which I like), please promise me that you will write a blues piece for piano and horn. Yes, French horn. You know you want to. We rule.

or OBOE. that would be SOOOO awesome. That would get a premiere for you too :toothygrin:

I think you've got enough....you have repeated the melody, I'd dive straight into solos. If what you're aiming for is a nice riff-based Basie blues that's all you need. The second time through, you made a valiant effort to beef it up rhythmically. I think it needs less comping and more time...the aforementioned walking bass-line would help.

Points to consider:

• In the intro, the top chords are very thin; thicken 'em up - use both hands.
  
• To me, the C# in measure 16 & 28 sounds wrong...not sure why.
  
• Save the ending for the very end - a coda if you will, after solos and such.
  

A fun tune, keep 'em coming.

The only thing I miss in this tune is a walking bassline. That would really be the icing on the cake. And perhaps less *cloggy* chords.

All great points and tips, guys! Expect to see a revised piece by the end of next week- I'm going to a composers institute next week where we will be studying jazz and movie scoring techniques as well as brushing up on traditional music. I will definitely add more instruments to this (bass, solo instruments, drums?)

Robin: I noticed the C# problem too, but I'm not what note to go to :P I'm also kinda puzzled on how I would use both hands. Just add some extra chord tones into the bass riff where it holds?

MusicMan: I actually love the horn! I'm a horn player too, so I've written a couple of pieces with the horn featured. I do realize that I wrote the swing out in a strange way, but I really wanted to hear what it would sound like in performance. I once wrote out a swing piece with straight eighth notes, and I forgot why I wanted it to be swung by listening to it so many times... so, I will change it to straight eighth notes if it is to be performed.

Thanks again!

...puzzled on how I would use both hands. Just add some extra chord tones into the bass riff where it holds?

I dunno either...'twas just an idea. Perhaps some fancy pedal work to sustain the low notes while you thicken up the top part - it just seems really thin with nothing to support the upper part...

BUT, that's just me...if you like it, leave it!

I say option C....add new material. If you went to the minor 6th and tinkered around there for a while, it would create some anticipation.

this might give you the inspiration you need

I say option C....add new material. If you went to the minor 6th and tinkered around there for a while, it would create some anticipation.

If it was for a larger ensemble, I'd tend to agree with you - some sort of shout/development section would do well to build energy, etc. BUT, where it's for a basic trio, with a blues it's tough to beat a nice, simple head arrangement.

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