Understanding the Tones and Phrasing

Let's talk about how tones are created and the approach to phrasing in this real attitude song, which essentially embodies the blues.

Structure and Settings

• It's a 12-bar blues.
• The third harmonic is set up here.
• You're working with a classic jazz setting.

Leslie Effect

• For most of the song: The Leslie effect was set to stop.
• Footswitch setting: It starts on stop.

Phrasing

The phrasing in this piece is indicative of McGriff's playing.

Key Characteristics

• There's a lot of movement from the sixth to the minor third.
• This creates a major-minor blues dynamic, blurring the lines between the two.

Notable Techniques

• McGriff employs various techniques:
  • Single notes that highlight this tension.
  • A section in the solo featuring a big voice, like a horn line, which is unusual.

Unique Style

Typically, this kind of sound might be characterized as gospel. Instead, McGriff uses a jazz setting, which is not often heard.

Challenges

• This tune presents a challenge because:
  • Each beat in the solo section is a full chord.
  • It's easy to catch unwanted notes.

Example

When slowed down, it might sound something like this:

• I caught a couple of notes there that I didn't want, but it isn't a significant issue at speed, as long as you maintain the right impetus and feel.

Conclusion

The use of the sixth to minor third is definitely something to consider. McGriff employs many fast-paced repetitions of the same note, which are stylistic hallmarks found throughout his work. This particular tune encapsulates McGriff's style, showcasing why he's my favorite in the blues-jazz sphere.