Jim Mahaffey

The Ten-Minute Jazz Improv Vol. 4

After mastering lessons and skills learned in the previous volumes, Volume 4 teaches the popular ii-V-I progression in three settings. Students use learned skills for a ii-V-I progression (Cmi9-F9-BbMaj9) in Bb concert.

- A second setting transposes to Eb concert, a ii-V-I that leads to the IV chord Eb, or Fmi9-Bb9-Eb.

- A third setting introduces students to a ii-V-I type of progression which leads to the relative minor on G, or Ami7 (b5)-D9-Gm.

- The 'flat 5' and diminished vii chord are discussed and plenty of examples are given. In each section, the modal sequence of dorian-mixolydian-lydian is stressed and practiced.

- The bonus chart '251 Swing Street' teaches ii-V-I progressions and the swing style.