Need some help with 'Spain' by Chick Corea

[darkHERETIC]

Hey guys, long time no post here.

I'm the guitarist in our small combo this year (trumpet, alto sax, drums, bass and me) and we're doing Spain. We've entered a competition and I've been tasked with doing a kind of cadenza thing for Spain.

Thing is, I have no idea where to start. This is me, just so you know my playing level. I'd like to do a nice chord melody kinda intro, a little like Martin Taylor or even Joe Robinson's arrangement of Misty.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to start writing something that would fit?

Thanks,
Justin

[TruthHertz]

You'll have no problem with the technical side given your ability/level. Think Phrygian. Get a recording (do you read a decent level notation? Do you work with any classical repertoire?) of Rodriguez Concerto de Aranjuez. It's often used as a source of Spanish sounds particularly on this song. Maybe begin by playing around with a particular progression of chords that leads to a cadence somewhere in the actual song. You'd like to keep it airy (read: rubato), maybe something not too fast to set up the intitial figure of Spain, let that be a surprize.
Let the sound/feel of your chosen chords determine a melody. You're good with arpeggios, and you do a nice kind of pedal thing in your piece- be inspired by what you know. Rewrite parts of your piece in phrygian and see how it sounds.

Some pieces by Albeniz, try Leyenda or Asturias, particularly the transitions into and out of the quiet passages. about 1:20, a little flourish, a dramatic pause... and the opening passage of Spain...

YouTube Video

' just a few ideas. Hope it doesn't muddy the pool.
David

[drobniuch]

begin with the intro writen for piano

[Reg]

Here's something I made for a thread a long time ago... if you check out around 3:10 on there are some cool montuno like grooves that could work well for intro material. Or if you see or hear something ask me and I'll expand on it...Reg

YouTube Video

[JohnW400]

Where are you placing the cadenza?

If it's in the beginning then do what Chick did on Light as A feather CD. Play part of the Concierto by Rodriguez


Here's an interesting version:

‪Chick Corea~Concierto de Aranjuez-Spain 1/3‬‏ - YouTube

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Originally Posted by JohnW400

Where are you placing the cadenza?

If it's in the beginning then do what Chick did on Light as A feather CD. Play part of the Concierto by Rodriguez


Here's an interesting version:

‪Chick Corea~Concierto de Aranjuez-Spain 1/3‬‏ - YouTube

Great idea! I was taught to pronounce it the "orange juice" concerto.

[darkHERETIC]

Sweet thanks guys. I'm not the best with notation (started off learning power chords and pop punk, awwh yeah), but I'll give it a shot.

I found that video of yours in one of my searches, and I've been trying to get a good comp down but I can't seem to be able to remember chord shapes for the life of me, nor what can be substituted for what.

I'll have a search for the Adagio from that Concierto as well.

Any more tips will be greatly appreciated xD. It'll be my last Jazz competition before I have to leave for Uni next year, and I'd like to go out with a bang!

[kingbiscuit]

Originally Posted by Reg

Here's something I made for a thread a long time ago... if you check out around 3:10 on there are some cool montuno like grooves that could work well for intro material. Or if you see or hear something ask me and I'll expand on it...Reg

Reg,

I'm not ready for all this (right now), but what a wealth of ideas you're throwing out on the jazz forum. great stuff!