Assignment #2

Project Title: “Wade in the Water” / Bb minor blues scale

Instructions: Students should play the introduction twice (note the repeat signs). Starting at bar #9, improvise (8 X 8’s), using the Bb minor blues scale where you see the “slash” notation. The resource MP3 provided gives the student the option of practicing/playing the solo sequence up to four times. The entire song will be improvised in the key of Bb minor to get comfortable with that particular blues scale. Actually, the melody itself is constructed with notes ONLY from the key of Bb minor. With the soloist alternating every 8 counts with the “ensemble”, he or she should try to come up with simple, yet interesting rhythms. This will give the soloist also time to “reflect” to be sure previous rhythms are not been repeated (rule #2).
Of course, as always, remember to follow the “NO SKIPPING” rule. We want to play the “blues scale” in sequential order so the melody that is created flows smoothly and is pleasing to the listener’s ear. All music that we personally enjoy listening to is probably 90 to 95% “diatonic” (or in scale order). The “No Skipping “rule helps us create pleasant melodies without of a lot of awkward skips, or “un-pleasing” combinations of notes. Skipping eventually does have a constructive role in blues scale improvisation, but we are not ready for that at this time.
Note: There is no score since all instruments are playing the same part.