Introduction to "First Impression"

So I'm going to play a tune with you now called First Impression, which is a modal type tune. It features some of the chords and scales that we've introduced in this chapter on modes.

Structure of the Tune

• It's another AABA tune.
• The 32-bar form definitely has a place in modal jazz.

Chords and Scales

I'll just kind of show you some of the chords and scales that will be useful to play in this:

1. D Major Seven Chords:

   • This should be quite familiar with these chord tones.

2. Transition to D7:

   • I then change the D to a D7.
   • There's really only one note changing, but I want to find a Mixolydian mode or a flattened seventh to my D.
   • So I'm actually just going to play a D Mixolydian scale here.

3. B Flat Lydian Chord:

   • Next, I move down to a B flat Lydian chord.
   • A B flat major 7 sharp 11, which would be a bit of a mouthful to say.
   • The chord tones are so major seven, but on the top, I'm going to have a sharpened 11.
   • So in this case, a sharpened 4th: B, C, D.
   • Instead of E flat, I'm going to have an E natural on the top of my B flat major 7 sharp 11 chord.

4. Resolution:

   • Then I'm resolving back to a D major 7.
   • So that's the A sections.

The Bridge

In the bridge, I'm just moving between:

• An E minor 7 chord with these chord tones.
• I would think to use a Dorian scale there because of my overall tonality of D major.
• I think the Dorian fits really nicely as the second mode of D major.

Surprising Chord Change

Next, I'm going down a semitone to another major 7 sharp 11 chord. This time, it's a Lydian chord: E flat, but with a sharpened 11.

• So again, E flat, F, G.
• Instead of a normal A flat, I want an A natural on the top.

Then those two chords repeat in the bridge.

Conclusion

Finally, we're back to the last A section, which we've already looked at.

I'm going to play a performance of First Impression. There's no written solo this time, so I'm going to improvise a solo for two choruses.

• I'll play one head at the start,
• Followed by two choruses of solo,
• And finish with a head.