![]() ![]() It implies playing outside of the stated tonality that is understood as the basic framework for the ensuing improvisation. What is meant by chromaticism?įor these purposes, playing in a chromatic style simply means a high usage of non-diatonic notes (those that are key oriented/consonant pitches) as the primary material for creating the required melodies and harmonies played in a typical jazz setting. Though I had no system in my formative years, working largely by ear, luck and a lot of trial and error, in tandem with pianist Richard Beirach, it became apparent that there must be some logic behind what I was playing. ![]() Musically, we were the first post-Coltrane generation, having in my case at least, seen him live many times and been inspired by his innovations, as well as the work of the various Miles Davis groups during the 1960s. I developed these concepts in response to questions students posed to me at workshops concerning how one plays the “other notes”….those that stray from the stated tonality, a common technique found in the work of improvisers from my peer group. As expected the subject involves a lot of technical material, but for the sake of a lay audience, the following constitutes a basic overview. This article summarizes the concepts that comprise my book on the subject (available through Initially conceptualized in the 1980s and subsequently organized in book form in1990, this material serves as the basis for the course I teach in the subject at the Manhattan School of Music to master and doctoral students. ![]()
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