Dance Noir
Dancing in 7/4
I’ve introduced this piece before, and recently I’ve been working on it again as part of a larger project. This tune is particularly challenging because it’s in 7/4 meter. I’m basing the 7/4 on Rupak Tal, which is a rhythmic cycle used in Indian classical music. It’s counted 3-2-2, three beats, then two and two.
This tune alternates between sections with chord changes, and vamp sections (sections where there is only one chord for several measures). From an improvisational standpoint, it would be easier to just play, improvise, over a vamp section or sections. It’s a completely legitimate idea, and I can do that pretty well now. Still, I wasn’t satisfied with only that approach. So, I’ve been working on soloing over the whole form.
Recording:
What I realized pretty quickly was that the difficulty isn’t just the odd meter, but the difficulty of playing over these chord changes. I also realized that since I’m playing solo piano, I had to work out some left hand accompaniment that’s fairly repetitive to free up my right hand for improvisation. I think as I get more comfortable, the left hand can also become freer.
The chords aren’t that difficult in themselves, but the way they are phrased in certain sections is challenging. I revised the harmony slightly from the original to provide a little more clarity and ease.
Though they are mostly minor 7th chords, the chord scales need to be interpreted differently in different spots: natural minor, Phrygian mode, Dorian mode. The minor major 7ths pretty much use the melodic minor scale, as least as a starting point. The slash chords could easily be represented as minor 7th chords. I might make that revision, as well.
I’m learning a new DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), called Studio One. A couple of friends have helped me get it set up. I’m using it for the project of making solo piano recordings of as many of my tunes as I can. The DAW is great. The project overall is challenging and also a lot of fun. It’s a great thing to really dig into some pieces and find out how they work and learn how to interpret them.
This particular recording is just a step along the way. It’s not a final version. There are a few missteps, but I’m pleased with how it’s coming along.
I’m providing a pdf in case any musicians want to follow along.
I hope you will dig it!