|
CLICK HERE to access EXCLUSIVE CONTENT in my ‘BEYOND TABS’ guitar course on patreon |
|
| Song Background | |
| The song Summertime was composed in 1935 by George Gershwin for the Opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics were written by the author Dubose Heyward who wrote the novel Porgy on which the opera was based. During the opening act of the Opera Clara sings Summertime as a lullaby to her baby. After a poor first run that divided the critics of the time Porgy and Bess has gone onto become the most performed American Opera. The song, Summertime has become a much performed and recorded jazz standard and is part of the American Songbook. Check out my recommendations below. | |
| Suggested Listening | |
|
Joe Pass Album – The Best of Joe Pass Joe Pass plays this version on a nylon strung guitar. Generally my guitar lessons are taught on a steel strung guitar but I love the sound of the nylon strings. Joe has a great fingerpicking technique and also great sense of Jazz harmony. You’ll hear lots of reharmonisation going on in this version. |
Chet Baker Album – Summertime Well it’s just that cool jazz thing coming from Chet Baker. You should be listening to his solo lines for ideas for your own lines. Not too many notes but so cool. |
|
Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald Album – Summertime A classic version that I have known for years. Listen to the soulful trumpet sound of Louis Armstrong. |
Wes Montgomery Album – Far Wes More swinging guitar lines from the thumb of Wes Montgomery. Did you know that he had a corn on his thumb which helped give him that disctinctive sound… |
|
Charles Mingus Album – 100 best of Blue Note I’ve chosen this version from Charles Mingus because of the repeated bass riff. When you’re stuck with a tune, out of ideas, this is this kind of thing you should be listening to for insperation. |
Which artist’s version of Summertime would you recommend? Tell me about it and I can feature it here |
