Major Seventh Heaven: Lesson Overview

Introduction

Today, we'll explore a tune called Major Seventh Heaven, which is entirely built up of major seventh chords.

Understanding the Lead Sheet

I've written what's called a lead sheet. This condensed score contains all the essential information musicians need to follow along. Here are a few components to look out for:

• Form of the Tune:

  • This piece has a 32-bar chord sequence, structured into sections.
  • It follows an AABA form:
    • A section: Main melody (8 bars, repeated for the second melody)
    • B section: Bridge (8 bars)
    • Final A section: Repeat of the main melody

• Melody and Harmony:

  • The top line of the score contains the melody, which you, as a saxophone player, will perform.
  • Beneath it, I've provided the chords for the backing band (piano, bass, and drums).
  • The backing band will see the chords and some rhythms. For example, those crosshead notes indicate a G major 7 chord in a specific rhythm.

Tips for the Rhythm Section

• The musicians don't need the notes of G major explicitly written; they'll understand the voicing needed.
• As you listen to Duncan on the backing track, you'll notice he plays different voicings for the major seven chords, making the piece come alive with lush chords across various registers of the piano.

Performance Guidelines

After exploring the piece, I'll perform one chorus of a solo. This includes:

• Use of pentatonics
• Emphasis on chord tones of the major seventh chords
• Incorporation of a bit of blues

Now, here's how to perform Major Seventh Heaven:

1. Play the head all the way through the AABA structure.
2. Follow with one chorus and another AABA section (32 bars of solo).
3. Conclude by returning to the head.

Note:

• There is a pause marked on the final chord.
• The rhythm section will also include those written hits throughout the piece.

Enjoy your practice!