ill-never-smile-again

A Guide To Help You Play Better Jazz Piano

by
Ron Drotos

History and overview:
"I'll Never Grinning Again" is a popular standard that was written past Ruth Lowe in 1940. Information technology'south a beautiful, timeless ballad that was very pop among musicians for decades, both in concert performances and while playing for dancers.

The song is perchance most strongly associated with vocal groups, since one of the first major hit recordings of information technology was past The Pied Pipers, heard below with a immature Frank Sinatra. (BTW, if you simply know Sinatra from his afterward "Rat Pack" era, check this out. You'll be in for a surprise!)

Hither are some recommended recordings/videos:
(for international readers who may not have access to these YouTube links, I've indicated the original album names wherever possible so y'all can heed to them on music streaming services, etc.)

Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra, with Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers

Erroll Garner: Pianoforte Solo 1945-1955

Dave Brubeck Quartet: Jazz At The Higher Of The Pacific

(see Dave Brubeck link beneath)

Bill Evans: Interplay

Musical ideas and jazz piano practice tips:
While I estimate information technology would exist possible to play "I'll Never Smile Once more" as an uptempo samba in xi/4 time with rhythmic hits and a modulation every 8 bars, information technology's perhaps best to put all those "innovative" ideas aside and merely relish the melody for what it is: a "chestnut" from a time when people enjoyed popular songs that were sweetness, lyrical, and expressed feelings of tenderness with music to match!

I'1000 non putting sown today'south popular music, past the mode. There are some wonderful musicians out there "doing their thing" correct this very moment and some of them practise indeed express a broad range of emotion in their music. Simply, by and big, this isn't what we hear when we turn on the commercial radio stations.

That'southward all the more reason, in my opinion, why jazz and other "not-commercial" music is more of import than ever. Songs similar "I'll Never Smile Again" can tap into our emotions in a way that the surface of our larger culture doesn't hands do anymore.

It'south a beautiful song to play, as a carol and possibly with a tiresome stride left hand. Like many songs, then and now, the title lyric dictates part of the melody. In this case, it's the 6 opening notes: "I'll Ne-ver Smiling A-proceeds." Isn't it interesting how the composer held out the word "grin," and fabricated it the high indicate of the musical line? A unlike songwriter might take set the lyric differently, perhaps emphasizing the word "never." The more you lot investigate the relation between music and lyrics, the more you lot'll detect. Information technology'due south a wonderful journey!

Enjoy the journey, and "let the music flow!"

Further links and resources:
I'll Never Smile Again: Wikipedia

Jazz Meets The World – The World Meets Jazz
Includes a give-and-take of the Dave Brubeck version linked to above

I'll Never Grin Once more: Journey Through The Real Volume #168

How To Learn Jazz Piano
A podcast to help you learn jazz piano more finer

Jazz Piano Video Grade
This extensive, well-sequenced video course volition get you lot playing jazz standards with a sense of catamenia and fluency.

Jazz Piano Lessons via Skype
Personal guidance from an practiced, caring teacher. Beginning through Advanced.

Take a Free Jazz Piano Lesson

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