....Who could ask for anything more? That's part of the lyrics to this classic jazz standard by George Gershwin. Many songs have been composed based on this (they are called "rhythm changes", since they have the same chords), including one I played with my community band called "Red Cross".
I used to think that "rhythm changes" meant changing up the rhythm, until my teacher told me what it really meant.
As for recording this song, it took a LOT of attempts to line up tracks, convert audio files, and plug in wires until I finally figured out how to make it work. I used a program called iReal Pro that can generate backing tracks based on the chords you give it. Of course, it doesn't substitute for the melody that you'd play on your instrument, but it's really helpful if you want to practice "with the band".
Now I have a question for you: Who could ask for anything more than taking a listen to this song?
Jan. 24: I've recently heard that Duke Ellington was a better musician than George Gershwin. I'm not in agreement with this. Are you?
So spill the beans... why are the songs called rhythm changes ? Can you explain "they have the same chords" a little bit more ?
ReplyDeleteEvery song has its set of chords which are played to accompany the melody. Different songs generally have different sets of chords, but sometimes a composer will write a song based on someone else's.
DeleteThese songs will have the same set of chords as the original, so, for example, you could play the melody of I've Got Rhythm, and then the melody of Red Cross, without changing what you play in your left hand.
So, the songs are called rhythm changes, because they have the same chord "changes" as I've Got "Rhythm".
Like your style. Sounds good with the band in the background.
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