lupin62

I was wondering if anyone here has ever played jazz fusion style music. I told my little brother, a guitar player, that I would try to put together a fusion band that we could play in during the summer since he said he needed motivation to play and likes rock more than jazz. I was thinking of trying to do something along the lines of the older miles electronic period like from the Bitches Brew, Live Evil, and A Tribute to Jack Johnson CD's. I was just wondering how difficult it would be to pull off. I'm sure it's a change from normal jazz since that's what I play now. Also, would anyone have any idea where I could find parts for everyone in the band. (I currently have a bassist, drummer, trumpet, and guitarist) I have no idea where start. I do know that the sixth edition of the Real Book has Stuff by miles, but that's it.

JustinSmith

I would just burn some cds for the guys you want to play with and tell you are interested in playing some of these tunes. If everbody body listens to them and figures out their part and role within the songs, you should be able to start playing them right away. Most of those Miles tunes are real basic compositions. The magic happens where the music goes. The tunes itself are just starting points. Basically if everyone does there homework, you can play those tunes right away. Just talk down or not talk down how you want to do it.

If you want to play more complicated fusion arrangements and compositions, check out some of Weather Report's albums from the 70's. There are many of these tunes in the new Real Books. I have recently been playing in a band that has been playing our own versions of Havona, and Palladium. Check out Heavy Weather, and Mr. Gone, or any WR albums.

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Justin J. Smith

When people believe in boundaries, they become part of them.......Don Cherry