In the third part of the Rhythm Changes Strategies, Randy goes into how to improvise on the B section (or often called the bridge) of Rhythm Changes. According to Randy, about 95% of rhythm changes is in the key of Bb and the basic changes for the bridge is D7 G7 C7 F7.
Randy begins by demonstrating the basic changes for the bridge before going into more complex changes. He also shares an approach to improvising on the bridge that he learned from Jackie McLean.
Moving forward, Randy shows step by step the different arpeggio & scale options for the bridge, making it more complex in a step by step manner.
Randy mentions that, “it doesn’t matter where you start out or how you get there as much as where you end up.”
With that being said, the substitute changes for the bridge becomes more complicated. It culminates with a Sonny Stitt “Eternal Triangle” bridge chord changes.
The cool thing about Randy’s teaching style is that he interjects the examples with some understated jokes which makes it fun to learn even more.
Closing the master class, Randy mentions the possibility of doing a fourth part of this series. For me, I believe that would be great since I’ve been enjoying the videos so far.
In conclusion, if you’re interested to learn how to improvise over rhythm changes, this series is a great investment for such high quality clear teaching.
Pros: Great organized master class on an important jazz song form.
Cons: Would be great to great additional transcriptions of the improvisations that Randy does throughout the video, but then again Randy plays them at a medium tempo so it’s not that difficult to transcribe.
TLDR: Want to learn to improvise over rhythm changes? Get this and the other parts in this series.
Get this master class here:
https://mikesmasterclasses.com/course/rhythm-changes-strategies-part-iii/
Or get the 3-part bundle here to save US$20 (great value!):
https://mikesmasterclasses.com/product/randy-johnstons-rhythm-changes-strategies-full-course/
Read my reviews of the previous two parts here:
Video Review: Rhythm Changes Strategies Part I by Randy Johnston
Video Review: Rhythm Changes Strategies Part II by Randy Johnston
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