Exploring the Ballad in Jazz

So I'd now like to play with you a ballad, which is an area of jazz that we haven't yet talked about.

The Essence of a Ballad

The ballad is a real treat for a saxophone player. Here's what makes it special:

• Slow, Beautiful Songs: You have the opportunity to explore the expressive side of the instrument and of your personality.
• Structure and Harmony: While the structures and harmonies of the songs are the same, it's a chance to play at a slow tempo.
• Evoking Emotion: You can really try to evoke whatever mood and character you're after.

Masters of the Ballad

All the great saxophonists were fabulous ballad players as well. If you listen to:

• Coltrane
• Parker
• Sonny Rollins

You'll find that much as they could absolutely blaze through the fast tempos, they could really touch your soul with their ballad playing.

"Sleepless Eyes"

I've written this tune, Sleepless Eyes, which is inspired by You Don't Know What Love Is, a very famous, very sad minor ballad tune.

Structure of the Tune

• Familiar Framework: It has a very familiar structure, AABA, based around D minor.
• Bridge: There's a big lift in the bridge to the relative major, giving you a sense of optimism amidst the sadness of the song.

Solo Expectations

Traditionally, in ballads, you wouldn't take 2, 3, or 4 chorus solos. Because of the tempos, the tunes take much longer.

• Format: So there's just one chorus of solo here, one head in, one head out.