Help writing a jazz song.

Tommygunn · #1 06-17-2010, 02:12 PM

I need a simple bass line. ABAB rhyming pattern. Lena Horn style kinda, any key really. Imma get a bit of money for this, but I know nothing about jazz. Any key really but I need like patterns or suggestions.

Thanks

Tampabass · #2 06-17-2010, 02:15 PM

any good tacos in Houston?

Tommygunn · #3 06-17-2010, 02:19 PM

Very good tacos. Why do you ask?

LowDown Hal · #4 06-17-2010, 02:23 PM

Where can you get the best burritos?

Tampabass · #5 06-17-2010, 02:28 PM

I'd expect that Houston would have some kickin' Texas barbecue places. I've never been there, but I've been to Austin for SXSW. I really liked Iron Works BBQ - http://www.ironworksbbq.com/restaurant-menu.asp

M0ses · #6 06-17-2010, 02:31 PM

I can write a song, but I'll have to take that money you were talking about.

Tommygunn · #7 06-17-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampabass

I'd expect that Houston would have some kickin' Texas barbecue places. I've never been there, but I've been to Austin for SXSW. I really liked Iron Works BBQ - http://www.ironworksbbq.com/restaurant-menu.asp

Of course we do. Best burgers too. Austin has a lot more foreign foods so to say. But being close to the border (kinda, but not kinda lol) we have bad azz mexican food too.

M0ses · #8 06-17-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommygunn

. But being close to the border (kinda, but not kinda lol) we have Tex-Mex.

Fixed that up for ya.

standupright · #9 06-17-2010, 02:43 PM

what tacos are best for jazz?

Tommygunn · #10 06-17-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

Fixed that up for ya.

Tex-Max is way different. Still good none the less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by standupright

what tacos are best for jazz?

I'd say shrimp tacos.

5StringBlues · #11 06-17-2010, 02:53 PM

The best BBQ (IMHO) in Houston is off in an old neighborhood about 9 miles from downtown.No inside seating,but totally worth it.Especially the homemade sausage.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...k/4886113.html

Kwesi · #12 06-17-2010, 05:10 PM

Come up with the melody or chord changes first, the bassline will find it's way in there. Besides if you're really writing a jazz song I doubt it'll be as simple as ABAB unless it's modal (So What, Impressions).

Tommygunn · #13 06-17-2010, 05:36 PM

I'm writing with a non-musician. She has lyrics and a idea of what she wants it to sound like, whatever my roots or whatever are she'll have to match it. Only me and her, so I have no idea on chords and the like

lbwdog · #14 06-17-2010, 05:43 PM

So......You want to get paid for writing a Lena Horne type jazz tune, but you know nothing about chords?

Am I missing something here?

Let's talk some more about the BBQ!!!!!!

Nofretz6 · #15 06-17-2010, 05:45 PM

Check this link, scroll down - there are a few helpful topics if you are just looking for structure. Good luck.
http://www.jazzguitar.be/jazz_guitar_chords.html

Tommygunn · #16 06-17-2010, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbwdog

So......You want to get paid for writing a Lena Horne type jazz tune, but you know nothing about chords?

Am I missing something here?

Let's talk some more about the BBQ!!!!!!

I know nothing about jazz. I don't want to get paid (well I always do lol

) but my dad's girlfriend is paying me to put a poem she wrote to music. She wants it in a Lena Horne style or something, first off I don't even know who that is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nofretz6

Check this link, scroll down - there are a few helpful topics if you are just looking for structure. Good luck.
http://www.jazzguitar.be/jazz_guitar_chords.html

Thanks for the link man

Tommygunn · #17 06-19-2010, 09:32 AM

bump?

Febs · #18 06-19-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommygunn

I know nothing about jazz. I don't want to get paid (well I always do lol

) but my dad's girlfriend is paying me to put a poem she wrote to music. She wants it in a Lena Horne style or something, first off I don't even know who that is.

Here's a really crazy idea ... you could go listen to some Lena Horne!

Basseroni · #19 06-21-2010, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Febs

Here's a really crazy idea ... you could go listen to some Lena Horne!

That's the best advice I've heard. You can study the chords and the language of jazz all day long but there is no substitute for listening to the music which is going to help you become more fluent in the language. Only at that point will you be able to effectively write in that style.

JimK · #20 06-21-2010, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

Besides if you're really writing a jazz song I doubt it'll be as simple as ABAB unless it's modal (So What, Impressions).

ABAB, to me, sounds like a simple Verse-Chorus, Verse-Chorus thing.
Sometimes, a "double" verse is used at the beginning.

Lena Horne, I'm thinking, may be a quasi-lounge Jazz/Pop thing...maybe with a Bossa feel?

"So What" & "Impressions" are AABA.