How to Play "New York Herald Tribune" on Piano: A Guide for the Aspiring Jazz Daredevil (or Anyone Desperately Avoiding "Hot Cross Buns")
So, you want to tackle "New York Herald Tribune," the jazz tune that's smoother than a bootleg martini and swings harder than a rogue door on a windy day. Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's sheet music stroll. This is a journey into the heart of cool, where your fingers will tap-dance across the ivories and your soul will sing the siren song of syncopation.
But First, a Word of Warning:
If your piano playing experience peaks at "Chopsticks" and your idea of improvisation involves humming along to the radio, this might not be the Everest of your musical ambitions. Think more like... Mount Kilimanjaro. With a blindfold. And a pack of rabid squirrels on your shoulders. (Seriously, those little guys are vicious.)
Okay, Now Back to the Good Stuff:
Step 1: Channel Your Inner Johnny Griffin:
Imagine you're a saxophone-wielding superhero, soaring through the smoky haze of a 50s jazz club. Your shades are on, your fedora's tilted just right, and you've got a pocketful of sass and a head full of bebop. This, my friend, is the attitude you need. Confidence is key, even if it's borrowed. Just fake it till you make it, and maybe throw in a dramatic hair flip for good measure.
**Step 2: Befriend the Blues Scale:
Think of the blues scale as your trusty sidekick, always there to lend a hand (or, you know, twelve notes). Get comfortable with its slippery slopes and bendy corners, because "New York Herald Tribune" is all about those sweet blue notes that'll make your melody cry tears of joy (or maybe frustration, depending on your finger coordination).
**Step 3: Embrace the Right Hand Shenanigans:
This tune's got right-hand acrobatics that would make Cirque du Soleil jealous. Leaps, arpeggios, double-stops (that's like playing two notes at once, for the uninitiated), it's a veritable playground for your digits. Don't be afraid to get playful, experiment, and maybe even invent a hand gesture or two to go with those fancy finger moves. (Bonus points for air saxophone during the solo.)
**Step 4: Left Hand? Who Needs a Left Hand?:
Just kidding, your left hand is crucial. It's your anchor, your rhythm keeper, your bass-playing buddy. But don't get stuck in a rut of predictable thump-thump-thumps. This is jazz, baby! Let your left hand swing, syncopate, and add sneaky little fills that'll make the music come alive. Think of it as the peanut butter to your right hand's jelly.
**Step 5: Practice Makes...Well, Not Exactly Perfect:
Nobody nails "New York Herald Tribune" on the first try (unless they're some kind of jazz prodigy born in a smoke-filled club). So be patient, practice regularly, and embrace the inevitable mistakes. They're not mistakes, they're happy accidents! Little improvisational detours on the road to mastery. Besides, who wants to listen to a perfect rendition anyway? Where's the fun in that?
Bonus Tip:
If you get stuck, remember this: it's all about the groove. Feel the rhythm, let the music move you, and don't be afraid to add your own flavor. This ain't a museum exhibit, it's a jazz party! So grab your imaginary martini, put on your coolest shades, and let "New York Herald Tribune" take you on a wild ride through the land of improvisation. And who knows, maybe you'll even impress those rabid squirrels. (But probably not.)
There you have it, folks! Your comprehensive (and slightly tongue-in-cheek) guide to playing "New York Herald Tribune" on piano. Now get out there and make that keyboard sing!
