Keith Jarrett's Transformation of Standard Tunes: Theory, Analysis and Pedagogy

This book demonstrates the extent to which jazz pianist Keith Jarrett¿s renditions of ¿standard tunes¿ exploit certain aspects of their phrase and formal structure. Part 1 describes a methodology for explaining the phrase structure and formal design of standard tunes. Chapter 1 shows how standard tunes use a finite number of phrase models and Chapter 2 demonstrates how these phrase models are arranged into prototypical formal plans. Chapter 3 introduces the hexamodal system to provide a taxonomy of available jazz voicings and chord-scale relationships. Part 2 uses the analytical methodology outlined in Part 1 to analyze Keith Jarrett¿s remarkable approach to jazz improvisation. Chapter 4 focuses on the ways in which he transforms standard tunes. Chapter 5, then, goes on to analyze what appear to be his most sophisticated transformation of jazz standards; his solo introductions. These outstanding improvisations transcend the temporal confines of ¿variation form¿ in the manner of the ¿free fantasia.¿ The book ends with the author¿s own improvisation of the introduction in Jarrett¿s style to George Gershwin¿s ¿Embraceable You.¿