Lush Life [Jazz version] (arr. Brent Edstrom) - Charlie Parker

There are several challenging aspects within this arrangement:

• Technical Difficulty: Sections that require quick hand movements and the execution of unexpected jumps in the melody can be demanding. For example, the rapid chord changes and the melody from measures 17-20 may pose a challenge, particularly in maintaining fluidity.

• Voicing Complexity: The changes in voicing, particularly in measures 34-37, require careful finger positioning to achieve a clean sound without muddiness. Keeping the left-hand accompaniment rhythmic yet delicate while playing the static yet expressive right-hand melody demands significant coordination.

To effectively navigate the challenges presented by this piece, here are detailed practice recommendations:

• Use of a Metronome: Start practicing slowly with a metronome at about 50 BPM for sections with tricky rhythms. Gradually increase the speed as comfort levels improve, particularly focusing on measures 33-36, where there is intricate synergy required between both hands.

• Dynamic Variation: To enhance musicality, practice sections with varied dynamics. For instance, experiment with softer dynamics in the left hand during right-hand melody passages, especially evident in measures 22-24, where the primary focus is on the expressive melody.

• Hands Separately: Before assembling the two hands, practice each hand separately, paying attention to the timing and note accuracy. This is particularly important for measures 20-22 and 41-44, which have substantial melodic and harmonic responsibilities.

Composer: Billy Strayhorn

Arranger: Brent Edstrom

Key Signature: Db Major

Time Signature: 4/4

Tempo: 68 BPM

Instrument: Piano

Number of Tracks: 1

The arrangement of "Lush Life" stands out for its sophisticated harmonic structure and interplay between the right-hand melody and left-hand accompaniment.

• Form and Structure: The piece presents a typical jazz structure with a clear delineation of sections—each featuring variations on the main theme. The arrangement flows smoothly, alternating between the melody-driven phrases in the right hand and lush harmonic support provided by the left hand.

• Chord Progressions: The harmonic movement predominantly revolves around the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords typical in jazz standards. For instance, in the section defined by measures 5 to 8, the transition from Db major to Eb major pinpoints a prevalent use of the IV chord before returning to the tonic.

• Rhythmic Elements: The score incorporates syncopated rhythms and diverse articulation patterns, illustrating jazz's improvisational essence. The rhythmic techniques include triplets and swung eighth notes, particularly noticeable within sections like measures 10-12.

• Melody and Ornaments: The right-hand melody is characterized by smooth, legato lines combined with intentional dissonances, enriching the jazz feel that Strayhorn is renowned for. Notably, in measures 21 and 22, you can hear extended phrases that utilize grace notes to add expressiveness to the melody.

Lush Life

• Artist
  Charlie Parker
• Number of imitations:
  304
• Genre
  Charlie Parker
• Key
  Db
• Tempo
  68
• Pages
  4
• Notation
  Charlie Parker
• Compose
  Words and Music by BILLY STRAYHORN
• Introduction
  Lush Life' - Words and Music by BILLY STRAYHORN, This music is undefined, arr. by Charlie Parker, Suitable for all students to learn