Learn to improvise. 2005-2006. Lesson 08: jazzy effects with 'Mopje'.

Jazzy effects exist by using the following tones (assuming you play in key C):

1. e-flat (the so called 'blue note', that in fact has to float between the tones e-flat and e, but that can only be effectuated with the human voice or a solo-instrument; therefore the pianist often uses the tone e-flat together with an a or a g or even with an e),
2. b-flat during the key C (to introduce the transition to key F; b-flat is the seventh tone of the key C),
3. a (gives a swing effect),
4. The tones as above, but then put in little melodies, that will be repeated all the time (the so called 'riffs'); in these little melodies also other, neutral, tones occur, like c, e and g.
5. Tones of chords die we know from the blues (diminished chords and seventh chords).
6. Rhythmic

As an example the Dutch song 'Mopje'* below, first the original version and then made jazzy:

Toen [C] onze [G7] mop een [C] mopje was
Was ie [F] aardig om te [C] zien

Nu [G7] bromt ie alle [C] dagen
En [G7] bijt nog boven[C]dien

Waf [G7] woef waf woef waf [C] woef waf woef
En [F] bijt nog boven[C]dien

Nu [G7] bromt ie alle [C] dagen
En [G7] bijt nog boven[C]dien.

Listen to Mopje normal.
Listen to Mopje jazzy.
Listen to Mopje normal and jazzy.


HOMEWORK: Play ''Mopje'' in the normal way and jazzy.

* Footnote: 'Mopje' is a Dutch song for the kids. It says:
'When our little Mop (name of a dog) still was a little Mop / He was nice to see / Now he growls every day / And bites moreover / Waf woof waf woof waf woof waf woof / And bites moreover / Now he growls every day / And bites moreover'. It is such a simple song that is shows nicely that even the most simple song for children can be made jazzy if you know what to do.


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