First of all, what makes a good bebop line?Īs my former teacher Hal Galper coined the term, “Forward Motion.” Basically, the idea that every line is leading to a strong melodic tone (root, 3rd, 5th, 7th) that falls on beat 1 or 3.
(Let me add that I also think he simply hears this way at this point after a great deal of practicing). The tune, C.T.A., is very similar to a rhythm changes tune, however, the A section is slightly different at the beginning. To sum up how I interpret what Brad is doing, I believe he is essentially taking the elements that make up the average melodic bebop line and applying them through different cycles, as well as simply interpolating different keys over the harmony of C.T.A.
Although I only got around to transcribing the first three choruses, I feel that there is a wealth of information that one can learn from these three alone.ĭownload Game Multiplayer Bluetooth Java. As usual, the solo itself also developed and unfolded flawlessly. Brad’s seemingly dissonant yet wonderfully melodic lines had developed to an entirely new level. When I first heard it, I was somewhat floored. Here are the first three choruses of Brad Mehldau’s solo from his most recent album recorded at the Village Vanguard in New York City, Brad Mehldau Trio (Live).
