Not So Easy As It Sounds!!
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:57 pm
We all know Chet made it look so easy. Sometimes it SOUNDS easy, but it's not! Fools the ears. Case in point, I'm working on Chet's arrangement of Streets Of Laredo. Doesn't "sound" that terribly difficult. I have the transcription, and I have a DVD of him performing it live, so should be a piece of cake.
However, I've been working on the arrangement for a long time. All those thirds and other "simple" harmonies. Boy, was I wrong. There are some truly tricky chords and spots in there. Couple knuckle busters. Moving bass lines and such. I am REALLY having to work on this one to get it to a place where I feel Chet would be proud.
A LOT of Chet's tunes are like that. But once I get started on a Chet tune, I feel I need to apply some sticktoativeness. Sometimes it takes me over a year to nail it. And ESPECIALLY Jerry's tunes. But admittedly, Jerry's tunes sound as hard as they are.
Doug
However, I've been working on the arrangement for a long time. All those thirds and other "simple" harmonies. Boy, was I wrong. There are some truly tricky chords and spots in there. Couple knuckle busters. Moving bass lines and such. I am REALLY having to work on this one to get it to a place where I feel Chet would be proud.
A LOT of Chet's tunes are like that. But once I get started on a Chet tune, I feel I need to apply some sticktoativeness. Sometimes it takes me over a year to nail it. And ESPECIALLY Jerry's tunes. But admittedly, Jerry's tunes sound as hard as they are.
Doug