Kai Liu (China) "Learning odd meter in contemporary jazz through Dalcroze eurhythmics"
A VDM Masterclass
Brad Mehldau is undoubtedly the most influential jazz pianist of the past three decades. Building upon the heritage of traditional jazz, he has also integrated elements from classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, as well as rock musicians like the Beatles into his solo piano and trio performances, leading the trend of contemporary jazz. In my opinion, the various elements that Brad Mehldau uses for improvisation and composition can correspond to the various eurythmic themes in Dalcroze's approach.
One of the important elements Brad has brought to contemporary jazz is his exploration of playing odd meters, such as 7 or 5 meters, with a particular emphasis on 7 meters. He not only uses these odd meters to rearrange American classic jazz standards, such as "All the Things You Are," but also incorporates them into many of his original compositions.
In this course, I will guide everyone to experience and learn about the odd meters and harmony found in Brad Mehldau's most important original composition, "Resignation," through Dalcroze eurhythmics.
Masterclass #29 was originally given on June 17/18, 2023.
Eurhythmics + Improvisation: jazz, analysis, improvisation, chord sequences, mixed meter, 7/8 time signature
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