tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-361689763749629282024-03-13T11:09:47.364-04:00African American Music, Piano Performance, Composition / Arranging, Inspirational BlogThe intent of this blog is to equip and inspire creative musicians in becoming the best musicians they can possibly be. A plethora of music topics are covered including but not limited to Gospel and Jazz Piano Lessons, Solo Transcriptions, Piano Performance Tips, Piano Practice Tips, Inspiring Performances and Master Classes, Composition and Arranging, Album Reviews and much much more.Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-65211879813164599362021-07-03T07:42:00.000-04:002021-07-03T07:42:33.170-04:0030 Must Know Jazz Piano Licks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gy2gO1-S9pw/YOBMDhJxDnI/AAAAAAAABEw/CRU6lk-93ZQDAF9sftc4ZIhjk7R3wATzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1625312256110975-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><div><br></div><div> 🎹‼NEW MUSIC BOOK ALERT ‼🎹</div><div><br></div><div>https://youtu.be/ws886D5jmHU<br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>30 Modern Bebop Licks is a compilation of 30 licks designed to help you incorporate the Bebop jazz language into your playing. Each of the 30 exercises found in the book consists of Bebop melodic lines played in the right hand with chords simultaneously played in the left hand. These modern exercises will enhance your technique and introduce you to new sounds, broadening your melodic, harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Purchasers of this PDF Download also receive a link to access a video demonstration of Dr. Alton playing each of the 30 exercises found in the book. The video demonstration is for musicians that play by ear and don’t read music.</div><div><br></div><div>To purchase, click this link: <a href="https://minstrelschool.com/product/30-modern-bebop-licks/">Purchase</a><br></div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-52270869276349926052017-10-08T04:54:00.001-04:002017-10-08T04:54:37.680-04:00Jazz Piano Lesson: Afro Blue- Robert Glasper Erykah Badu Black Radio Mid...A Jazz Piano Lesson by Dr. Alton Merrell teaching you how to play Robert Glasper and Erykah Badu's arrangement of Afro Blue" from Glasper's Black Radio album. Download a video of the tutorial, and a midi file of Dr. Alton Merrell's keyboard performance at www.altonmerrell.com. <br /><br />
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<br />Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-3820701645717980112017-10-08T04:53:00.001-04:002017-10-08T04:53:59.139-04:00Jazz Piano Lesson: Afro Blue- Robert Glasper Erykah Badu Black Radio Mid...A Jazz Piano Lesson by Dr. Alton Merrell teaching you how to play Robert Glasper and Erykah Badu's arrangement of Afro Blue" from Glasper's Black Radio album. Download a video of the tutorial, and a midi file of Dr. Alton Merrell's keyboard performance at www.altonmerrell.com. <br /><br />
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<br />Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-73909721976950505042017-09-29T22:30:00.001-04:002017-09-29T22:32:33.025-04:00Gospel Piano Lesson: How To Play Overflow - William Murphy - Alton Merrell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is a gospel piano lesson teaching you how to play "Overflow" by William Murphy. It is for the advanced student. Check it out and learn the chords to the song, as well as the improvisatory fills and riffs used during the performance. A backing track of the bass and drums is available, as well as a midi file of the keyboard performance. Check it out! </span></div>
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Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-25577049117975339822017-09-28T14:27:00.001-04:002017-09-28T14:27:40.824-04:00Gospel Piano Lesson: How To Play Amazing Grace <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6mprdPNfZUQ" width="480"></iframe>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-9239164948403136962017-09-28T14:20:00.001-04:002017-09-28T14:20:06.266-04:00Gospel Organ Lesson: How To Play Yes Lord COGIC Stye<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sVu6LlUd9oA" width="480"></iframe>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-3740094286279571812017-09-22T12:28:00.001-04:002017-09-22T12:28:01.290-04:00Jazz Piano Lesson: Licks and Tricks Series - Episode 4A new Jazz Piano tutorial from my Jazz Licks and Tricks Series is available! Download it today!<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NEIO7a4rJ0E" width="480"></iframe>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-71286604033334982632017-09-15T11:05:00.001-04:002017-09-15T11:05:39.076-04:00How To Play - To God Be The Glory like Jason White and Mike Bereal - Alt...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DZh1IAySnMo" width="480"></iframe>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-36852433947737370492017-08-23T16:51:00.002-04:002017-08-23T16:51:34.014-04:00Alton Merrell: Kenny Kirkland "Midnight Silence" Excerpt <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start;">Want to improve your piano playing? Visit </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.altonmerrell.com%2Flessons.html&h=ATPR_eKPX76OTcAvXmVLqvcnOPpnHssW4451gTdpEWY_8rMI-gfeZ_NAJ8kpWFdjclcF4RN3_g0mtmPb9B_QtMlWabpWG7ZV6Mz4I0xoPUZEuLW2XAJA7sqHPE9bl1HJjIcn_zfgVxE2dGWoQRYHtGUJ_XKbcA2-SR2rUQJl_nCNYZAoKULMUeC9hVtIIOR1CNv5-fvMSTeuzju6Q7_n_k3uzc21XUAeQsF9u7e2V0mMesZKpT0Wdn3RRoiYzFvtJsAPHZ_c8dphFZfmJGyZaXwZHENfw92dqa_I-PFi" href="http://www.altonmerrell.com/lessons.html" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.altonmerrell.com/lessons.html</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start;"> and sign up for in person or online lessons today. </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/jazz?source=feed_text&story_id=10156028301401111" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">jazz</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gospel?source=feed_text&story_id=10156028301401111" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">gospel</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pianolessons?source=feed_text&story_id=10156028301401111" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">pianolessons</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/onlinepianolessons?source=feed_text&story_id=10156028301401111" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">onlinepianolessons</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'SF Optimized', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px; text-align: start;">Check out his excerpt of Kenny Kirkland's tune "Midnight Silence." Harmonic Bliss!!!!</span></div>
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Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-25004600779684559282017-06-25T20:32:00.001-04:002017-06-25T20:32:30.209-04:00Piano Music, Worship Music, Meditation Music, Prayer Music, Study Music,...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CYeo3WCl23s" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Ideal music for your personal worship time, prayer time, meditation time, or study time. This music is also ideal background music, or relaxation, healing, anxiety, stress relieving music. <br />
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This 25 minute music track was spontaneously played during my personal worship time with the Lord, without any written music, or prior rehearsal or thought. I allowed the Holy Spirit to flow through my hands as I played this music. <br />
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I pray that as you listen to this music, you will experience God's amazing love. l pray you will experience healing from your sickness, and deliverance from anything hindering you. May you live in the freedom and abundant life God freely gives.<br />
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Download this music at: https://altonmerrell.bandcamp.com/track/closer <br />
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Watch and listen to other instrumental Piano Worship and Prayer videos at : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNDPCgTrZbPS2tCxEgwrW3w<br />
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***Please subscribe, like, comment and share this video.*** <br />
More videos like this a coming!<br />
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PianoWorshipMusic Soaking Music Worship Music Prayer Music PropheticMusic Meditation#Relaxation PianoWorship PianoCovers SoakingWorshipMusic ChristianPianoMusic ChristianPianoInstrumental PianoHymns QuietTime ChristianKaraoke Atmosphere for Worship Healing Instrumental Prayer Worship Music<br />
Instrumental Prayer Music, Instrumental Worship Music, Prayer Music, Worship Music, Soaking Music, Prayer and Soaking Music, Instrumental Soaking Music, Prayer Time, Quiet Time, Christian Karaoke Your Presence Is Heaven To Me Holy Here and Real Draw Me Close Breathe As The Deer Holy Spirit Jesus At The Center musica para dios musica para orar piano de culto instrumentales<br />
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Piano Music, Worship Music, Meditation Music, Prayer Music, Healing Music, Study Music, Instrumental MusicAlton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-16008598174108915512013-06-05T02:35:00.000-04:002013-06-05T02:35:43.700-04:00Gospel Piano Lesson Tutorial - In My Name - Milton Brunson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-60518400906069991992013-06-03T20:42:00.000-04:002013-06-04T11:37:04.653-04:00Alton Merrell - Jazz Licks and Tricks Series - Bebop ii - V - I Lick in the style of Charlie Parker / Bud Powell (Preview)<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HuW93NboYPE?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HuW93NboYPE?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-55502403753681928682013-05-28T09:07:00.000-04:002013-05-28T09:07:06.611-04:00Bobby Timmons: "This Here Is Bobby Timmons + Soul Time"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="" height="219" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3a/This_Here_is_Bobby_Timmons.jpg/220px-This_Here_is_Bobby_Timmons.jpg" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3a/This_Here_is_Bobby_Timmons.jpg/330px-This_Here_is_Bobby_Timmons.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3a/This_Here_is_Bobby_Timmons.jpg/440px-This_Here_is_Bobby_Timmons.jpg 2x" width="220" /><br />
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Jazz pianist Bobby Timmons's debut album released on the Riverside label and recorded in 1960.<br />
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<b>Track Listing:</b><br />
1. This Here - 3:34<br />
2. Moanin - 5:08<br />
3. Lush Life (Billy Strayhorn) - 2:31<br />
4. The Party's Over (Jule Styne) - 4:14<br />
5. Prelude To a Kiss (Duke Ellington) - 3:23<br />
6. Dat Dere - 5:26<br />
7. My Funny Valentine (Hart and Rodgers) - 5:08<br />
8. Come Rain or Come Shine (Arlen and Mercer) - 4:33<br />
9. Joy Ride - 3:58<br />
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Album was recorded in New York City on January 13 and 14, 1960.<br />
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<b>Personnel:</b><br />
Bobby Timmons - Piano<br />
Sam Jones - Bass<br />
Jimmy Cobb - Drums</div>
Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-65529477272308726362013-05-13T19:30:00.000-04:002013-05-13T19:37:01.189-04:00Jazz Piano Lesson - Vardan Ovsepian Mirror Exercise by Alton Merrell<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OwULpEad7jU?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OwULpEad7jU?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Vardan Ovsepian Mirror Exercise performed by Alton Merrell.<br />
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Alton is available for piano lessons via SKYPE (http://www.skype.com) and in person.<br />
Interested students can contact Alton via email at <b>contact@altonmerrell.com</b> to request your lessons.<br />
<br />
Be notified of when new video tutorials become available, subscribe to Alton's YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/AltonMerrell?feature=mhee<br />
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"Like" Alton on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alton-Merrell/209464904722<br />
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Also check out and subscribe to Alton's Gospel and Jazz Piano Education Blog at ‪http://www.jazzpianoeducation.blogspot.com
 The blog contains a plethora of educational and informative resources for musicians and educators.<br />
</div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-25026685509814689062013-05-13T19:23:00.000-04:002013-05-13T19:36:15.967-04:00Jazz Piano Lesson - Oscar Peterson Jazz Exercise #1 by Alton Merrell <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Alton Merrell performing "Oscar Peterson Jazz Exercise #1" by Oscar Peterson.</div>
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Alton is available for piano lessons via SKYPE (http://www.skype.com) and in person.<br />
Interested students can contact Alton via email at <b>contact@altonmerrell.com</b> to request your lessons. Downloadable jazz and gospel piano video tutorials are also available to download at http://www.altonmerrell.com/lessons.html<br />
<br />
Be notified of when new video tutorials become available, subscribe to Alton's YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/AltonMerrell?feature=mhee<br />
Also check out and subscribe to Alton's Gospel and Jazz Piano Education Blog at ‪http://www.jazzpianoeducation.blogspot.com
 The blog contains a plethora of educational and informative resources for musicians and educators.<br />
</div>
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Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-50772863005037111272013-01-31T07:51:00.001-05:002013-02-01T15:40:40.992-05:00Follow My New Twitter Ministry @LiveTruthDaily<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Would you be interested in reading uplifting and encouraging messages on a regular basis to help you live a victorious life? Follow my new Twitter ministry at..... @LiveTruthDaily. Hope to connect with you there.<!--EndFragment--></div>
Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-59079482449055217892013-01-29T11:57:00.003-05:002013-01-29T15:36:35.729-05:00Alton Merrell playing "Thank You Lord" by Vincent Tharpe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For inspirational/teaching purposes, below is a video of me playing organ
this past Sunday (1/27/13). I'm playing the gospel song "Thank You
Lord" written by Vincent Tharpe. I think it is a good illustration
of how to play gospel within the context of a band. </div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hVEJHQZC8ss" width="560"></iframe></div>
Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-55787998067594804172012-05-27T22:27:00.000-04:002012-05-28T08:02:23.443-04:00It's Time For You To Soar!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qEMD9M8P4HQ/TEXjkLTg2oI/AAAAAAAAAFw/3_Bz3pRAA-M/s1600/llano-bald-eagle.jpg" style="color: #191919; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496049130924989058" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qEMD9M8P4HQ/TEXjkLTg2oI/AAAAAAAAAFw/3_Bz3pRAA-M/s320/llano-bald-eagle.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 20px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 20px; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 246px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative; width: 320px;" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Life can be stressful or a bit overwhelming at times. Job, family, and an array of other responsibilities may all be vying for your time and attention. During these times, we often say "if there were only more hours in a day." Because we are so busy, we often go to McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's etc. and habitually eat fast food to accommodate our ultra fast paced lifestyle, not cognizant of the fact that the food is equivalent to GARBAGE and is destroying our health.</span></span></span></b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I submit to you that there are times in our lives that we are just TOO BUSY. Moreover, busyness can be a ploy of the enemy to derail our relationship with God. A sure fire way to know if you are in an "ungodly busy state" is to asses whether or not you have PEACE. This is important because God is not the author of confusion, stress, or weariness. If you are stressed, anxious, nervous, or confused during your busy state, STOP and meditate upon this scripture:</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;">Isaiah 40:30-31</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;"><i>Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who (</i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;"><i>hope, wait, trust</i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;"><i>) in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)</i></span><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The message translation says it like this: For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">These scriptures point out the importance of waiting, hoping and trusting in the Lord. Isaiah points out that when we wait (hope, trust, depend) on the Lord, it results in our strength being renewed. It results in us soaring on wings like eagles. Not only that, but when we expend energy tending to our various responsibilities, we won't get tired or faint.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Now waiting isn't a stagnate action. It is a posture or AWARENESS of God's presence in ALL that we do. Many times, when we are too busy, we are not aware of God's presence that leads and guides us into his will for our lives. Instead we are focused on ourselves and ALL THAT WE HAVE TO GET DONE.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I encourage you today to be constantly aware of God's presence in your life. When you are, the Lord can lead and direct you in all that you do, instead of you leading and directing yourself in a non peaceful and stress filled state of busyness.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Stop operating in your own strength, wait on the Lord as Isaiah 40:30 says, then..........</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: webdings;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Soar like the eagle you were designed to be!</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: webdings;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-2148136053156141852012-02-17T07:00:00.000-05:002012-02-17T07:00:02.968-05:00Mr. PC - Alton Merrell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Just a short clip of me messing around one day. Hope you enjoy it.</div><br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZAIllbzrGFQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-76779957339408139112012-01-25T01:37:00.000-05:002012-01-25T01:37:37.460-05:00Alton Merrell - Bach Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in c minor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cwsz9bKfuCc?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cwsz9bKfuCc?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-18020663988000498462012-01-08T21:55:00.000-05:002012-01-08T21:55:39.179-05:00Voyage Performed by Alton Merrell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Below is a video of me performing Kenny Barron's tune "Voyage."<br />
Its so fun to play. An mp3 of the backing track (bass & drums) is<br />
available to download at the following link:<br />
<br />
http://www.altonmerrell.com/jazzpianolessons.html<br />
<br />
Enjoy and thanks for watching!<br />
<br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div></div></div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-17092951952703070902011-12-30T23:22:00.000-05:002011-12-30T23:22:52.865-05:00The Life and Music of McCoy Tyner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In the fall of 2008, I began a PhD program in jazz studies at the University of Pittsburgh. On December 8, 2011, I was advanced to PhD candidacy. Yeah!!!!!!!! For those that don't know what this means, I completed all of my course work, wrote and defended my MA Thesis, passed comprehensive exams, and my dissertation proposal was accepted by my dissertation committee. Sounds like a lot huh? Well it was!!!! lol For those that are interested, here is a summary of my dissertation proposal. As I acquire the necessary research to write my dissertation, I'll share the interesting information with you. Here is the summary of my dissertation proposal, and those of you that have any information or resources that can help me complete this project, please share them with me. Thanks!<div><br />
<div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF MCCOY TYNER</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">My dissertation delineates the social and cultural forces that shaped jazz pianist McCoy Tyner’s famed improvisational style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, core components of Tyner’s improvisational techniques will be identified and insight into how his right hand works in conjunction with his left hand while improvising will be rendered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final part of my dissertation will examine some of Tyner’s improvisations to see if evidence of the social and cultural forces that shaped his musical paradigm can be found in his improvisations.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McCoy Tyner is a preeminent voice in the history of modern jazz piano performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the advent of modal jazz at the end of the 1950s, Bud Powell’s bebop framework of jazz piano improvisation, utilized and expanded upon by a host of pianists in the 1950s, was no longer viable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During his tenure with the John Coltrane Quartet between 1960 and 1965, Tyner brilliantly developed an influential approach to jazz piano improvisation that assimilated the developing modal innovations of the 1960s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Bud Powell pianistically assimilated the innovative bebop style of the 1940s led by saxophonist Charlie Parker, McCoy Tyner pianistically assimilated the innovative modal style of the 1960s led by John Coltrane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyner’s style of improvisation has influenced a host of extraordinary musicians in the twentieth and twenty-first century. Specifically, his harmonic, melodic and rhythmic contributions to jazz improvisation have been assimilated into the musical vocabulary of notable musicians like Chick Corea, Larry Young, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen, Dave Kikoski, Joey Calderazzo and a host of other pianists. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dissertation is divided into a historical and analytical section. Historical research will be rendered first and will consist of a biography and discourse delineating the social and cultural stimuli that shaped Tyner’s musical paradigm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The findings of this data will be presented on micro and macroscopic levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The microscopic level will render information on Tyner’s family (great grandparents, grandparents, parents, siblings etc.), economic status, early musical training, musical influences, friends, teachers and mentors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The macroscopic level will address the sociocultural level possibly rendering discourse on topics like Black Nationalism, the Muslim faith, tensions between Muslims and the black church, black Indian practices passed on to Tyner by John Coltrane and internal civil wars among blacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If applicable, my research findings will also state ways in which my historical and sociocultural data did not affect Tyner’s music.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The historical section of my dissertation demands a lot of primary research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be facilitated by personal interviews with McCoy Tyner and musicians that played with him such as Tootie and Jimmy Heath, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller and Odean Pope. A trip to Philadelphia, Tyner’s birth place, is also planned to look at birth records and other relevant documents and places that lend insight into the social and cultural environment in which Tyner grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E-mail, Skype and other forms of electronic communication will be utilized to continue discussions with informants in Philadelphia and other relevant areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondary sources like taped and written interviews of Tyner, along with books, periodicals, newspaper articles and album liner notes will also be consulted to gather the social and cultural data integral in my study.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The analytical part of my dissertation consists of selecting, transcribing and analyzing several of Tyner’s improvisations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My purpose in doing this is to unveil some of Tyner’s key improvisational techniques, particularly how Tyner utilizes his left hand in conjunction with his right hand while improvising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The selected improvisations will also differ from one another to assess how Tyner improvises in different musical environments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of these contrasting musical environments include the blues, modal improvisations, tonal improvisations and open and structured solo forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the contrasting attributes of the improvisations, an attempt will be made to select improvisations that have an interesting connection to the way Tyner <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thinks</i> as revealed in the first part of my dissertation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These improvisations will be transcribed and analyzed utilizing Dr. David Baker’s analytical approach as evidenced in his “The Jazz Style of…series” as a starting point, but I will ultimately develop my own analytical system for analyzing Tyner’s improvisational techniques. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scholarly studies on Tyner have solely focused on isolated components of his improvisational techniques. My research looks to significantly add too the scant body of knowledge by providing discourse on how Tyner uses his left hand in conjunction with his right hand while improvising. Moreover, I will delineate the social and cultural forces that shaped Tyner’s musical paradigm during his formative years to produce the improvisational style many have and continue to champion. <o:p></o:p></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 32px;"><br />
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</div><!--EndFragment--></div></div></div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-21432857942665054692011-12-27T13:04:00.002-05:002011-12-27T20:22:43.535-05:00Mary Lou Williams History of Jazz Tree<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUjC4yjt2hY/TvoIgxdr3OI/AAAAAAAAAK0/JRRpGlruos0/s1600/mary_tree_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUjC4yjt2hY/TvoIgxdr3OI/AAAAAAAAAK0/JRRpGlruos0/s640/mary_tree_large.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">History of Jazz by Mary Lou Williams 1979</div><br />
</div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-59697397086706259682011-12-11T20:22:00.001-05:002011-12-11T20:45:26.540-05:00Double Diminished Harmony<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Several years ago, I transcribed a song entitled "Chance" by Kenny Kirkland. It is from his self titled album released in 1999. Within his composition, Kirkland utilizes double-diminished harmony amongst other sophisticated harmonies. The sound of double diminished harmony intruiges me so I decided to share a thorough explaination of the concept in this posting.<br />
Double diminished harmony isn't soley used by Kenny Kirkland, but is utilized by a host of modern jazz pianists in the 21st century. Piainsts like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Joey Calderazzo also utilize double diminished harmony extensively in both their compositions and improvisations. Chick Corea's composition "Now He Sings, Now He Sobs" for example, exemplifies the double diminished harmony. Listen to it here.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is Double Diminished Harmony?</span></b><br />
Double diminished harmony is constructed by playing two fully diminished seventh chords in which the root note of each chord are a major ninth apart from each other. An illustration of this can be seen in example one below. (<i>F diminished 7th chord in the left hand and G diminished 7th chord in the right hand.) </i>The sound of this harmony is thick and dense. Also, an interesting fact about double diminished harmony is that the two fully diminished 7th chords making up the harmony possess all the notes of a diminished scale- starting whole step. (see example 1 and 2)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSDpZMkEMlo/TuL4r0W5grI/AAAAAAAAAI4/EtwANmJY5GA/s1600/Double+Diminished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSDpZMkEMlo/TuL4r0W5grI/AAAAAAAAAI4/EtwANmJY5GA/s640/Double+Diminished.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One Chord - Eight Different Chord Voicings</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The double diminished chord, as explained above, is one chord that can be used to voice eight different chords as follows: <b>F</b>dim7, <b>A-flat</b> dim7, <b>B</b>dim7, <b>D</b>dim7, <b>G</b>7#9, <b>Bb</b>7#9, <b>Db</b>7#9, <b>E</b>7#9. The root of these chords are derived from each note of the double diminished chord. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The fully diminished seventh chords originate from the four notes on the bottom of the double diminished chord. The corresponding scale that can be played with each fully diminished 7th chord is a diminished scale starting whole step as illustrated in example 3 below. F fully dim7 with F diminished scale starting whole step and Ab fully dim7 with Ab diminished scale starting whole step. Following example 3 below is a list of the four fully diminished seventh chords and corresponding scales that can be extracted from the F diminished scale starting whole step.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m3JYlc5Bgw/TuOYcg7EZ9I/AAAAAAAAAJA/0W-SJgpjHd8/s1600/Example+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m3JYlc5Bgw/TuOYcg7EZ9I/AAAAAAAAAJA/0W-SJgpjHd8/s400/Example+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example 3</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Fdim7 = F diminished scale (starting whole step)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">A-flat dim7 = Ab diminished scale (starting whole step)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Bdim7 = B diminished scale (starting whole step)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Ddim7 = D diminished scale (starting whole step)</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Additionally, added notes derived from the diminished scale may be added to fully diminished 7th chords rendering a more dissonant harmony. Note how the 7th of the F fully diminished seventh chord is replaced by the E in Example 4 below, and the 7th of an Ab fully diminished 7th is replaced by G in example 5 below, which is also derivied from the diminished scale. Melodically, diminished scales starting whole step can be used with these harmonies.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQOiqhdVe5U/TuOf5s5-ClI/AAAAAAAAAJg/XI-UPx81RNk/s1600/Example+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQOiqhdVe5U/TuOf5s5-ClI/AAAAAAAAAJg/XI-UPx81RNk/s400/Example+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example 4 Example 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note, for any of the diminished chords above you may add any combination of notes from Gdim7 chord to add more dissonance to the harmony.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Dominant sharp nine chords are derived from the four notes on top of the double diminished chord. The corresponding scale that works with each dominant 7 #9 chord is a diminished scale starting half step. Example 6 below illustrates this utilizing G7#9 with a G diminished scale starting 1/2 step and example 7 below illustrates Bb7#9 with B-flat diminished scale starting 1/2 step. Following example 6 and 7 below is a list of the four dominant 7 #9 chords and corresponding diminished scales that can be extracted from the F diminished scale starting whole step.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycb_hbg_FFw/TuOa5OSlQ4I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/D74vncp6BjY/s1600/Example+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycb_hbg_FFw/TuOa5OSlQ4I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/D74vncp6BjY/s400/Example+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example 6 Example 7</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">G7#9 = G diminished scale (starting half step)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bb7#9 = Bb diminished scale (starting half step)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Db7#9 = Db diminished scale (starting half step)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">E7#9 = E diminished scale (starting half step)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Melodic Shapes Within Diminished Scales</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> Within diminished harmony in general, melodic shapes such as major and minor triads and many others can be constructed to stimulate melodic interest. Example 8 below illustrates the use of major triads within diminished harmony. Particularly, B-flat, G and E major triads are played in conjunction with a F fully diminished 7 chord.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qxdz81SB3E/TuSpWhGKxcI/AAAAAAAAAJo/NirNlF-9gio/s1600/Double+Dim+Examples+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qxdz81SB3E/TuSpWhGKxcI/AAAAAAAAAJo/NirNlF-9gio/s320/Double+Dim+Examples+1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> Example 8</div></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Example 9 below illustrates the use of minor triads within diminished harmony. Particularly, B-flat, G and E minor triads are played in conjunction with an F fully diminished 7 chord.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PWQdiLp6cg/TuSqf_vK1wI/AAAAAAAAAJw/TEG4pnNQcy4/s1600/Double+Dim+Examples+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PWQdiLp6cg/TuSqf_vK1wI/AAAAAAAAAJw/TEG4pnNQcy4/s320/Double+Dim+Examples+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example 9</td></tr>
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Something important about double diminished harmony is that both the fully diminished 7th chords (with added notes if you choose) and dominant sharp nine chords can be used in conjunction with diminished melodic lines. This is very useful when improvising because a pianist for example can vary the comping chords utilized in the left hand. Example 10 below illustrates the use of various chords found within diminished harmony while playing major and minor triads in the right hand. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2326sWQZ92w/TuSsVorklMI/AAAAAAAAAKI/ZgQVaZBGUWc/s1600/Double+Dim+Examples+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2326sWQZ92w/TuSsVorklMI/AAAAAAAAAKI/ZgQVaZBGUWc/s640/Double+Dim+Examples+3.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example 10</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because the diminished scale is a symmetrical scale, a host of melodic patterns can be constructed within the diminished scale beyond major and minor triads. Example 11 below illustrates the use of rootless dominant #9 chords being arpeggiated within the F diminished scale (starting whole step). Beginning on beat 2 of measure one G7#9 is arpeggiated, beginning on beat 1 of measure two E7#9 is arpeggiated, and beginning on beat 4 of measure two Db7#9 is arpeggiated. Note, this is just one example of many melodic patterns that can be created within the diminished scale. Purpose to create your own!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example 11<br />
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</tbody></table></div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36168976374962928.post-78269084369772708172011-11-12T19:16:00.001-05:002011-11-12T19:17:00.992-05:00Kenny Kirkland playing "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets" by Sting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Here is a tasteful piano solo from Kenny Kirkland on "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets" from Sting's "Mercury Falling" album released in 1996. Kenny's Piano solo is from 1:43 to 2:43. Enjoy!<br />
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</div>Alton L. Merrell, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11473462225157856516noreply@blogger.com0