Mickey Baker Book 2

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-31-2023, 02:10 AM

13 years ago I played some of the lessons from Mickey Baker’s Book 1 (see Mickey Baker – ArchtopGuitar.net ) and after a few requests I thought it about time I did something similar for his much-neglected Book 2.

Some will debate that Book 2 is not worth looking at, or is out of date, but I’d argue otherwise. It is different from his first book, is devoted to chord-melody arrangements of the then (1950s) popular Frank Sinatra songs, and has some interesting moments worth studying. He does not include super-hip 21st-century approaches, but how could he? After all, it was written in the 1950s, so anyone with an interest in that era (still very popular with some guitarists) will get an insight into the thinking of some of the musicians at that time.

Can we please keep our comments focussed on this book, not on alternate theories or approaches - no matter how worthy - you might have?

I intend to record all the lessons, and place the most current at the top of the following:

Lesson 11 - four chord-melody arrangement excerpts: This Love Of Mine; I Dream Of You; There Are Such Things; Everything Happens To Me. It is important that you see the connection between G7b9 (GBDFAb) and the four diminished-seventh chords with the notes BDFAb, and also the similarity between chord ii6 (Dm6 - DFAB) and V7 (G7 - GDFAB). Also notice the variants of the I chord (CMaj7, CMaj9, C6, etc) to provide movement within a static chord. The Augmented 7th chord (a Dominant-function chord) makes a few appearances, both as 4-note chords and in runs of diads (two-note chords) in Major 3rds. I made one performance edit thanks to a blip in the recording - it’s easy to see in There Are Such Things as I failed to match the sound with the finger movement as I don’t play these pieces to a definite beat. I strongly suggest you listen to Sinatra’s recordings which are all on YouTube. I’m not sure if I should make a companion video to lesson 11, discussing the arrangements, pointing out his thinking. Some people want the talking, some just want the performances. I also teach via Zoom, with many students in many time zones.

Lessons 1 to 10 - this is an almost 30-minute video with easy access to each lesson - the number of the lesson can be seen as you scroll through. It introduces the chord forms which he then expands with moving notes around the chords. Some of this material subsequently finds its way into his chord-melody arrangements.

**Kirk Garrett** · 07-31-2023, 08:38 AM

This is super exciting, thank you for continuing into Book Deux….practically an undiscovered country!

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-31-2023, 08:41 AM

Cheers, Kirk. Happy to be of help. Any questions, just ask.

**Cunamara** · 07-31-2023, 02:33 PM

The Mickey Baker books are very apropos if you’re interested in jazz guitar style of that era (which we should be be, because it’s the foundation of modern jazz guitar in many ways.).

As you were playing through songs on the first video, I noticed how many similar things I have heard in Johnny Smith recordings.

**Kirk Garrett** · 07-31-2023, 03:09 PM

It’s so cool that the Micky Baker book approaches these songs. This one has always been one of my favorites going back to the Sinatra version.

Here’s another lovely “chord melody” arrangement by Barney Kessel.

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-31-2023, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by Cunamara

As you were playing through songs on the first video, I noticed how many similar things I have heard in Johnny Smith recordings.

Yes, all this stuff was in the air, and Smith and Baker were just breathing it in.

And we mustn't forget Baker's teacher, Rector Bailey, who he dedicated this book to - his "great friend and teacher".

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-31-2023, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Kirk Garrett

Here’s another lovely “chord melody” arrangement by Barney Kessel.

Agreed. Barney states the melody as written, whereas as Mickey doesn't quite do so first time through, and completely minimises it to the bare essentials second time through. We can learn from all three approaches.

**A. Kingstone** · 07-31-2023, 08:51 PM

Lovely!

I was working on Everything Happens To Me the other night. Apparently Sinatra & Baker sang different lyrics.

Rob - There Are Such Things taught me what I need to work on. Thank you. Your voicings are so consistent.

Alan

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-01-2023, 02:05 AM

My voicings? Baker’s voicings, surely, Alan?

**olliehalsall** · 08-01-2023, 02:51 AM

Thanks Rob. I'm still progressing with Book 1 (and will be for some time I think lol) but this be invaluable to me once I do.

**A. Kingstone** · 08-01-2023, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

My voicings? Baker’s voicings, surely, Alan?

Your right hand provides such consistent clarity.

I heard (saw - who am I kidding) you play a close Minor Sixth several times. I can't do that yet.

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-01-2023, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by A. Kingstone

Your right hand provides such consistent clarity.

I heard (saw - who am I kidding) you play a close Minor Sixth several times. I can't do that yet.

Thanks, Alan. You'll manage it, I’m sure. It’s a useful skill that took me a little while to develop. But seriously, your playing sounds amazing!

**AllanAllen** · 08-01-2023, 10:54 AM

Rob, this inspired me to get back into Book 1 last night so I can get to book 2. Thanks!!

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-01-2023, 10:57 AM

Ha! Good. It's all good. I would say you don't have to go ALL the way through Book 1, but 3/4 of it might be enough.

**Kirk Garrett** · 08-01-2023, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by AllanAllen

Rob, this inspired me to get back into Book 1 last night so I can get to book 2. Thanks!!

Similar story here. I’ve been working on the first Mickey Baker book while also going through Carol Kaye materials. But now seeing what happens in Book 2, and how it references actual songs, really helps to keep up my interest. I enjoy Book 1, but I wish there were song titles or hints to titles next to the exercises.

**AllanAllen** · 08-01-2023, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

Ha! Good. It's all good. I would say you don't have to go ALL the way through Book 1, but 3/4 of it might be enough.

That's pretty much where I am. Working through jazz blues exercises, at least I'm learning how to read.

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-01-2023, 12:05 PM

Yes, that's a good complaint about Book 1. The main thing in that book is learning all those awkward chords, and maybe a few introductions. The Soloing section requires a teacher (ahem!) to walk you through it. Likewise the chord section - choosing songs that could use the chords you are playing.

Book 2 is almost all about chord-melody - playing tunes with chords underneath. Most books avoid this as they have to pay royalties for using songs which are not royalty-free. So, it's good to be able to go to YouTube to hear several versions of each of the songs in use.

**Kirk Garrett** · 08-01-2023, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

Yes, that's a good complaint about Book 1. The main thing in that book is learning all those awkward chords, and maybe a few introductions. The Soloing section requires a teacher (ahem!) to walk you through it. Likewise the chord section - choosing songs that could use the chords you are playing.

Book 2 is almost all about chord-melody - playing tunes with chords underneath. Most books avoid this as they have to pay royalties for using songs which are not royalty-free. So, it's good to be able to go to YouTube to hear several versions of each of the songs in use.

Wait a second. I’m cool with having a teacher, OR I’m cool with using a book. But are you saying in order to understand the solo section of Micky Baker Book 1, a teacher is also required? How is that so? I believe you, but I’m sorry to hear it.

I’ve had no problem learning the chords and the repetitive applications Baker shows us. But it sounds like you may be recommending going through book 1 until reaching the solos part, and then skipping ahead to book 2 to do the chord melody stuff. (Or to get a teacher and go through the solos bit.)

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-01-2023, 05:39 PM

Every student is different, and in my teaching experience many students have a problem with the soloing part of Book 1, more so than the chords. A lot is left unsaid, especially how to apply what you are learning to “real” repertoire. A teacher can help you get more out of the book, by showing how to use your new moves. Some students have a natural drive to take something they learn and then immediately apply it to the standard repertoire, but some need guidance.

You could certainly do all of Book 1 followed by all of Book 2 without a teacher. But, honestly, no book can give you everything, so a teacher could help bring in other relevant stuff.

**AllanAllen** · 08-01-2023, 07:22 PM

I got a lot from reading the red hot guitar website along the way. Right now I’m just stealing a few bars and shoving them everywhere I can. So something gets out when I’m on stage.