Hard Jazz pieces

[hobb185]

I am in a jazz combo and i am getting a little bored playing the music it is all so easy. Does anybody have suggestions for some more advanced sheet music that would challenge everybody.

[Eli_Upright12]

I like Nardis, Giant Steps, Waltz for Debby, My Favorite Things, or you could just arrange a piece in a difficult way.

[txstatebass]

After 20 years of playing, I still don't think of any piece as "easy." I love how everyone rolls their eyes at "Girl from Ipanema" and then proceeds to choke on the bridge. I like to think of any tune as another chance to say something new, groove a a little harder, try a different fingering, etc. Take it up a half-step, try to play it in 7, or 5, or alternate 7 on the A section and 5 on the bridge. Always strive for something more each time you play a song, and you never get bored with it.

[Beast]

Have you ever considered writing your own tunes?

[Elemetal]

I'm asumming you're playing written charts. Play some charts with just the changes so you can make up your own lines. That never gets old 'cause you can always look for different things to play. If thats getting boring for you then you need to take up a new hobby or new style.

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by txstatebass

After 20 years of playing, I still don't think of any piece as "easy." I love how everyone rolls their eyes at "Girl from Ipanema" and then proceeds to choke on the bridge. I like to think of any tune as another chance to say something new, groove a a little harder, try a different fingering, etc. Take it up a half-step, try to play it in 7, or 5, or alternate 7 on the A section and 5 on the bridge. Always strive for something more each time you play a song, and you never get bored with it.

+1!!!

I played a gig Friday and we played Softly as in a Morning Sunrise which could be considered an easy tune. The sax player, who is a killer player, played a solo that still has me thinking. It ain't the tune. It's how you approach it.

btw Chris (if you read this thread) the sax player was Jarrard Harris. He says hi.

[newbold]

Why not play some Sun Ra?

Some Herbie Hancock from Man-Child done straight ahead?

You could take a neoclassical/folk/jazz piece (listen to hagens-gismonti live in montreal (ECM) perhaps) and break the 2 parts into enough range for the entire band.

(upright and 10 string(individual strings) classical guitar)

If you're worried about how easy a piece is then you're a big fat Jazz nerd.

Just remember to use a pocket protector or you'll lose everybody.

[Chrix]

Originally Posted by txstatebass

After 20 years of playing, I still don't think of any piece as "easy." I love how everyone rolls their eyes at "Girl from Ipanema" and then proceeds to choke on the bridge. I like to think of any tune as another chance to say something new, groove a a little harder, try a different fingering, etc. Take it up a half-step, try to play it in 7, or 5, or alternate 7 on the A section and 5 on the bridge. Always strive for something more each time you play a song, and you never get bored with it.

Nail on the head. Every time I start to get a little tired of a tune like "Autumn Leaves," I listen to someone like Keith Jarrett or Bill Evans play it and realize it's still a great tune. You should strive to bring something new to it every time. One of the hardest parts of playing this music is to always make it interesting, particularly after playing the songs thousands of times.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't explore Wayne Shorter or Kenny Wheeler tunes or the like, and writing your own tunes are a great way to go too, but don't let yourself think the current music you're playing is boring or lame or vanilla or whatever. You need to put everything into it whether it's "In the Mood" or "ESP."

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by hobb185

I am in a jazz combo and i am getting a little bored playing the music it is all so easy. Does anybody have suggestions for some more advanced sheet music that would challenge everybody.

I think you're a genius.

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by hobb185

I am in a jazz combo and i am getting a little bored playing the music it is all so easy. Does anybody have suggestions for some more advanced sheet music that would challenge everybody.

There's sheet music available for download on Greg Osby's site.
Other than that, do transcriptions or write your own I'd say.

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by hobb185

I am in a jazz combo and i am getting a little bored playing the music it is all so easy. Does anybody have suggestions for some more advanced sheet music that would challenge everybody.

I always find that the hardest things to get are based on rhythmic syncopations or cross-rhythms - why not have a look at some Afro-Cuban rhythms?

Maybe look at Jerry Gonzalez Fort Apache band - a current fave of mine for using these kinds of rhythms in Jazz!

[Treyzer]

+1 on the Genius comment.. Although a bit Snarky...

All of you who are offering constructive advice...my hats are off to all of you. I've been playing and recording for the last 30 or so years..... and I don't view any tune as "easy" or "vanilla"

Here's a thought. This might get you to see where you are really at in terms of time, intonation, feel and of course; taste.

Start recording how awesomely you play all these "easy" tunes. I look forward to hearing you with Chick or Herbie real soon!

All the Best

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Treyzer

+1 on the Genius comment.. Although a bit Snarky...

Thanks for the tip. Fortunately, my comments on TBDB don't revolve around your judgements.
What exactly is " Snarky " ?

[gmarcus]

Confirmation - by - Charlie Parker!!!

[Bass Boy]

Originally Posted by Paul Warburton

I think you're a genius.

You beat me to it Paul!

[hdiddy]

Originally Posted by txstatebass

After 20 years of playing, I still don't think of any piece as "easy." I love how everyone rolls their eyes at "Girl from Ipanema" and then proceeds to choke on the bridge. I like to think of any tune as another chance to say something new, groove a a little harder, try a different fingering, etc. Take it up a half-step, try to play it in 7, or 5, or alternate 7 on the A section and 5 on the bridge. Always strive for something more each time you play a song, and you never get bored with it.

Don't forget you can always up the tempo!

[Phil Smith]

Up the tempos by 100 BPM and if thats too easy try 100 BPM hundred more.

[manutabora]

Dude, I should be taking lessons from you!!
If you really do need something more challenging, maybe some Charlie Parker? However, I would tend to agree with the others here that you probably just need to approach the music better. There's always something to improve upon.

[Treyzer]

"Thanks for the tip. Fortunately, my comments on TBDB don't revolve around your judgements.
What exactly is " Snarky " ?[/quote]"

"Snarky" indicates at least a tiny bit of sarcasm....

If you actually meant that you truly think this person is a genius, then I misunderstood your comment. I was not judging what you said merely agreeing with the percieved sentiment

[Paul Warburton]

Originally Posted by Treyzer

"Snarky" indicates at least a tiny bit of sarcasm....

A " TINY bit of sarcasm" ?