Further Melodic Development (Barney Kessel)
This Barney Kessel arrangement over the first two A sections shows how you can start shaping the melody into your own version.
Notice how he alters the melody with small new phrases and creative rhythmic placement, while supporting it with chord voicings.
Use this as a starting point: experiment with different rhythms, vary the phrasing, and try different chord voicings under the melody.
Backing Track
Listen & Play-Along
This section is great for learning to improvise with different phrases built around the chords. Great study for recognizing how to vary the syncopation.