The music of Miles Davis by Lex Giel

I don’t know what process you guys follow in learning jazz music. I rely a lot on books, music books that is. Some include CDs with patterns, arpeggios, licks, etc. Sometimes I seek out a DVD that usually includes a booklet of some kind. But among all the useful educational resources that I’ve come across, there’s this book that looks like a treasure! I’m saying “looks like a treasure” because I’m still in the process of discovery. Soon after that, digestion should follow! It doesn’t have a CD and it doesn’t have a DVD. Just a plain book!

The book is “The Music of Miles Davis” by Lex Giel and published by Hal Leonard. It professes to be for all musicians. It is positioned as “a study and and analysis of compositions and solo transcriptions from the great jazz composer and improviser.” It’s 320 pages and analyzes the works and provides transcriptions of the solos, Some of the songs covered include: All Blues, Four, Freddie Freeloader, My Funny Valentine, Nardis, So What, Solar, Stella by Starlight, Tune Up and more…

Besides the lead sheet for each tune it includes an ‘Analysis sheet’ which, according to the author, examines five fundamental aspects of the chords from the lead sheet:

1. Each chord from the lead sheet is written bar-by-bar in its basic four-part form.
2. Roman numerals under each chord identify the chord function in relation to a key or tonality.
3. A basic scale that can be played over the chord is listed under the Roman numerals.
4. The main key of tonality is listed at the top of the analysis sheet.
5. The form of each song is also listed at the top of the analysis sheet.

The book addresses keys and tonalities which, again, in the authors words:
“Keys or tonalities (which describe the use of modes) are established through chord progressions. Knowing this, it is important to realize that the bass and the piano (or accompanying instrument) are most prominently used in establishing they key in a jazz song. As songs and solos are discussed, be careful not to confuse key or tonality names with scale names as they function differently.”.

The book is being sold through online stores like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. The Amazon.com store offers a look to the inside of the book, allowing for preview of a few pages.

I think it’s worth every penny of it’s price (currently $22.76) – and, really a lot more…

I think it’s going to take me a while to fully digest this book. But I’m really thrilled with what I see, and the possibility that some day I might get a glimpse into the musical thoughts of the jazz genius called Miles Davis.

- Lazarus