BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
5372 / 18210 · Workshop 37 — “St. Thomas”: Calypso Groove, Anticipation, Rhythmic Independence, and Making Simple Harmony Feel Sophisticated← prev⊞ allnext →

37.1Start with pulse, not chords

Count:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

Keep the eighth notes basically straight.

Do not automatically apply the swing feel we used in standards like “Satin Doll.”

Clap quarter notes first.

Then clap only:

2 and 4.

Then tap all eighth-note subdivisions with one hand while keeping 2 and 4 with the other.