Green Dolphin Street

Sailor · #1 03-20-2010, 08:02 PM

My (ex) teacher says this is a must to learn. Any tips on soloing to this tune would be appreciated.

Thanks, Sailor

JimBobWay · #2 03-20-2010, 09:09 PM

I like Eric Dolphy's version best - it was one of those tunes that defined 'jazz' for me (YouTube - Eric Dolphy Quintet - On Green Dolphin Street). I gotta hand it to Eric - he out-Stravinsky-ed Stravinsky on this one, and with a good solid tongue in cheek (Rite of Spring on Green Dolphin Street on the Spring Equinox!). The band is best of breed, kudos to Hubbard & Haynes. Both Freddie & Eric lay out soulful, personal solos.

But Larry Coryell also did a very nice chord melody version, and published it in Guitar Player magazine many years ago, along with recommended chord scales...here's his approach (w/Birelli) YouTube - Larry Coryell & Bireli Lagrene - On Green Dolphin Street (2/5) See GP for the sheets.

randalljazz · #3 03-21-2010, 01:43 AM

grant green's version:

http://www.brucesaunders.com/Grant%2...phin%20St..pdf

Scrybe · #4 03-21-2010, 08:17 PM

Learn to solo over ii-V-I cos the B section has a ton of them and V-I's in it! Um, I'd also try to stay aware of the rhythm changes (latiny for the A, then swing for the B) and try to emphasis that rhythmically in my soloing. It has a slightly weird structure, not straight AABA, more an AABC, if that makes sense. Can't remember how I deal with that, off the top of my head.

Hope this helps! Beyond that, check Spotify and listen to the million versions listed there. My favourite right now seems to be the Herbie Hancock solo piano versions, though I'm damned if I can play that way guitar! The Grant Green version is great for soloing ideas, imvho. I also dig Miles Davis' cut of it though. I gotta go check that Dolphy now, though.... ;-)

mr. beaumont · #5 03-21-2010, 08:41 PM

the dolphy's great, scrybe, you won't be dissapointed.

good advice too...lots of non-resolving ii V's, the change in feel, and that great stretch of "slash" chords at the beginning...it's like the final exam in the first semester of "jazz 101!"

Scrybe · #6 03-21-2010, 08:55 PM

Thanks Mr. B, I'm starting to feel I have something to contribute to these boards instead of just sucking all the info off all you more experienced players, hahaha! But seriously, now I have a little (few months..) experience, I'm gonna start contributing my thoughts where I feel it's appropriate, so it's always good to hear if I've hit the mark or missed it. Props for the comment.

Yeah, I love the opening slash chords - had a little experience dealing with them in my previous life playing rock, but in this context, I'm seriously loving it! Green Dolphin St is one of my fave tunes to run with my band at the moment, not so difficult as to make it impossible for me to hang, but challenging enough and harmonically interesting enough to make the solos very melodic and fun to improvise. Gonna be in my set list (private or band) for a looooong time, awesome tune.

cosmic gumbo · #7 03-24-2010, 04:01 PM

I remembered when my dad caught me and Buckwheat down on Green Dolphin Street after it got dark out. He whupped my butt and took away my banjo for a whole week....memories..

JohnW400 · #8 03-24-2010, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

I remembered when my dad caught me and Buckwheat down on Green Dolphin Street after it got dark out. He whupped my butt and took away my banjo for a whole week....memories..

Man ... you crack me up. I'll bet you can quote entire episodes. Keep up the good work

mr. beaumont · #9 03-25-2010, 08:05 AM

even funnier is that admist all the "little rascals" silliness, CG comes in with some genuinely helpful posts as well...i like the uncertaincy of seeing alfalfa in a thread and not knowing which CG we're getting...