Amazing Grace jazz chord-melody approach

scotty_b · #1 August 24th, 2007

Guys
Following on from the conversation started by Ian on chords, I notated this out in case anyone would like to give it a try.
I used Sibelius to do this ( and all my charts, in case anyone is interested). I was going to post this one the other day, but then Kirk jumped me with his lovely version. It shows how vast music can be, and how a melody can be harmonised in so many ways.
I conceived this chord-melody some time ago, but had pretty much forgotten all about it until recently. There are a couple of spots I would change now, and of course if anyone wants to adapt any of this to create their own version please feel free.
Some of the chords may sound a little strange at first, if you are not used to such things. The melody has been stated as the top voice, or note, for all but the last two chords, where I concluded it.
If performing a piece like this I would probably approach it with little regard to strict time/tempo, and improvise on it as I went.
I only have the tab uploaded for now, though it should be fairly clear and easy to read. The idea is to just let the chords ring out, and really try to get the melody note on top of each chord to be clear. I'll try and record it tomorrow. All my recording gear is packed up as I have been at various schools this week recording final year student compositions, and haven't put it back in its home yet.

justinthyme · #2 August 24th, 2007

I had a quick go, Scotty - but it sounded like several cats being murdered at the same time - so I think I will:

a) wait for your rendition
b) wait several years before I try again
c) all of the above

Thanks for posting it though

knight46 · #3 August 27th, 2007

Scotty, I would love to hear your go with this. I also had trouble playing to make it sound like anything other than two cats fighting.

scotty_b · #4 August 29th, 2007

Hey guys
Sorry for the delay - had lots of work on at the moment.
This is a quick run-through once. I pictured this being played freely, and so I haven't worried about tempo or timing to much.
I recorded this with my archtop, but had to keep the volume right down as it is just after 6 in the morning here.
So here is my take on the two cats fighting!

Aunt Doty · #5 August 29th, 2007

Very different and interesting arrangement scotty_b.

It didn't sound like cats fighting when you played it!! Yes, it is definitely a different take than the one Kirk did.

justinthyme · #6 August 29th, 2007

Ahhh, so that's what its supposed to sound like

eddiez152 · #7 August 29th, 2007

Scotty, nice one in blues tone.

scotty_b · #8 August 29th, 2007

I think the two cats fighting could be intriguing - I think you guys should record it and post them.

justinthyme · #9 August 29th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty_b

I think the two cats fighting could be intriguing - I think you guys should record it and post them.

Don't hold your breath on that one, Scotty

knight46 · #10 August 30th, 2007

Scotty, that was a nice rendition and a perfect example of how the same piece of music can be interpreted differently and yet still retain the essence.

scotty_b · #11 August 30th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinthyme

Don't hold your breath on that one, Scotty

Awww c'mon - where is your sense of adventure?

scotty_b · #12 August 30th, 2007

And thanks for listening everyone!

allthumbs · #13 August 30th, 2007

Nice Scotty

justinthyme · #14 August 30th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty_b

Awww c'mon - where is your sense of adventure?

Seemingly about as well-developed as my ability to play your arrangement of Amazing Grace on guitar

AX7221 · #15 September 1st, 2007

I really liked the uniqueness of that rendition. I thought of this quote when I was listening to it

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean Cocteau;

All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.