CLICK HERE to access EXCLUSIVE CONTENT in my ‘BEYOND TABS’ guitar course |
|
| Song Background | |
| ‘Round Midnight is a jazz standard written in 1936 by jazz piano player Thelonious Monk. It was first recorded by Cootie Williams and his orhestra in 1944 and it went on to become their theme song. While being heralded as one of the most recorded jazz standards of all time, a pivotal recording was that of Miles Davis at the 1955 Newport Jazz festival. That band included many great names including John Coltrane (tenor saxaphone), Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). I fell in love with the song after watching the film of the same name which starred Dexter Gordon whose character Dale Turner was loosely based on the lives of Bud Powell and Lester Young. I’ve listed some of my favourite recordings of the song below. Go to my blog on Round Midnight Thelonious Monk Live to watch a a live performance. | |
| Guitar Chord Progression Analysis | |
| While being one of the most recorded Jazz tunes of all time, there would seem to be a bit of debate about the chord progression for ‘Round Midnight. The chord changes for the song are laid out in the Real Book, the bible for Jazz musicisians. The progressions starts off with a minor turnaround and then goes through a number of 11-V changes. However, when you listen to Monk playing the song the changes are not so straightfoward. This is a good lesson in using your ears and listening. Check out my blog on the Round Midnight Guitar Melody where I have a look at the melodies angular shape. | |
| Suggested Listening | |
| Thelonious Monk
I think it’s good to listen to versions of songs by the composers themselves as it gives you an insight into where they were originally coming from. Be informed by other versions that inspire you but it’s good to be aware of the original |
Miles Davis
Great moody playing on this recording with Miles Davis at his best |
|
Joe Pass Once again virtuoso playing from Joe pass. Great moving lines and re-harmonisation played in a fingerpicking style. If you would like some guitar lessons to help you play like Joe check out my FREE Beyond Tabs guitar course where you’ll find over 2 hours of video guitar lessons |
Jackie Paris Jackie Paris was great singer from the bepop era. Great rendition of this classic song. |
|
Andy Summers This version was suggested by Joe. I love the huskiness of Sting’s voice with the solo guitar before the other instruments gradually come in. Great contemporary feel that absolutely works with this classic standard. Great suggestion Joe |
Which artist’s version of ‘Round Midnight would you recommend? Tell me about it and I can feature it here |