Red Ball

This is the first of my many (actually, four) jazz compositions. This one was written based on I've Got Rhythm by George Gershwin. Can't forget about him, right? You're probably wondering, "How come you haven't gotten really famous if you're writing songs like Bach and Beethoven?" I'd better confirm that these aren't the same types of songs as Beethoven's. These are jazz songs. They are quite short and the harmony is a big part of the song, as well as the solos.



It all starts with a good idea. On my computer, I have a page of about 10 little melodies or "licks" that I wrote once for an improvisation exercise. Of course, I'll make more along the way, but so far, some of these licks have each become the foundation for a brand-new composition. Is it that hard to take a 4-bar lick, repeat it, change a couple notes, play it backwards (like I did in my most recent song), and - whoa! didn't see that coming - have a 32-bar song all ready to go?
When I'm trying to think of a title for my songs, it's often difficult to think of something that describes the song, or that the song describes. So for this one, I made an informal performance of the song with people I know, and they gave me ideas of what they think the song sounds like. For this one, I got ideas like "a summer day," "roses," "bouncing." When we put those all together, what else do we get but bouncing a red ball on a summer day?

There are other factors, though, because there are different levels of composing. You could just start with composing a song based on another. Eventually, you'll proceed to make your own melodies, and then your own song forms. Then, you may even start trying to imitate a certain style of playing. Before long, your own style will be obvious and it shouldn't be too hard to copy yourself.

Now, you might be getting frustrated. This post was kind of long, and you are probably waiting for the song. So here it is - if you just skimmed over that top part, then you could read it while you're listening to the song. I hope you like it!