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About D C DowDell
Expertise
D C DowDell will answer questions about Jazz improvisation, composition, chord voicing, scales and modes, practice techniques and ear training. Professor DowDell also enjoys discussions on Jazz musicology and the evolution of style.

D C DowDell is a professional Jazz pianist/composer who currently teaches online Jazz studies at A Passion for Jazz!. Professor DowDell has been teaching music for over 25 years at 2 major universities, several community colleges as well as accepting students for private study.



Experience
As an educator, D C DowDell has published articles at the university level and recently published Basic Musicianship a primary reference text for pianists, vocalists and composers.

D C also maintains an active performance schedule, having appeared with Rosemary Clooney, Marilyn McCoo, Bobby Vinton to name just a few. Generally, D C stays in the Southern California area with Jazz ensemble or as a solo artist.

Organizations
American Federation of Musicians
National Music Teachers Association
International Association of Jazz Educators

Education/Credentials
Bachelors of Music Education from UCLA
Masters of Music Composition from UNT

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Jazz > Fake books

Topic: Jazz



Expert: D C DowDell
Date: 7/12/2007
Subject: Fake books

Question
I am a singer/intermediate piano player who likes to play chords right hand.
There is no figured bass in fake books. Is there a formula to play accompany
piano to my vocals?

Answer
Hello Robert and thank you for contacting me through AllExperts.com.

You are correct about there not being a figured bass in Fake Books - hence the name "Fake."

It sounds like you are interested in playing "songwriter" style, where you play the chord in the Right Hand and bass line in the Left Hand. Most player who do this just use the chord symbols in Fake Books and voice it this way.

The bass line will often alternate between the 1 and 5 of the chord. Keep it simple at first. It become more sophisticated the more you practice. Listen to other players to learn different techniques and styles.

There is a formula for piano voicing at: http://www.apassion4jazz.net/piano-voicing.html  

If you are singing the melody note, try leaving that out of the Right Hand. Also, follow some of the links at the bottom of that page as they will add to a better understanding of harmony.

Thanks for the interest,



D C DowDell
Professor of Music
A Passion for Jazz!
studio: 619.223.2069
mobile: 619.855.2069
http://www.apassion4jazz.net  

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