Duke Robillard

Lesson >


Avalon


Melody

Duke Robillard Lesson >

Avalon > Melody

Hi Folks,

This week we learn the melody to Avalon a la Duke. The actual melody is quite a bit simpler than I actually play it but I came up with a rendition that I feel swings nicely on guitar so that's what we are learning. It would be good to listen to as many versions as you can find to get a real feel for the original melody.I came up with my arrangement when I was recording my Conversations in Swing album with Herb Ellis. I am fond of the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra cool 2 beat arrangement so I do the melody slow then faster to give the song both feels. Benny Goldman's version is a particularly good one to check out. And also we have the special "stripper ending" which goes from the swinging groove to a blusey bump and grind finish which is a nice touch.

Have fun learning it and don't forget to check out of versions for perspective on the melody.

Enjoy!

Duke

 

 

Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Swing
Duke Robillard
Swing
Herb Ellis
Avalon

Print Print Chords & Tab

Loop 0:00 Duke and Herb Ellis Playing Avalon

Loop 1:20 Breakdown Melody

Loop 11:13 Practice Loop of Melody

 

Download the Sheet Music PDF

 

Loop 12:06 Inversions and Variations

Loop 13:38 Fast Melody Breakdown

Loop 15:55 Practice Loop of Slow and Fast Melody Together

Loop 17:26 Closing Thoughts

 

 

 

 

Comments

Log in to leave a comment



Bruce Dumes
Bruce Dumes Oct 22, 2016

Hey Duke! Always loved this tune. I hope you are going to do a track for this one, it would *really* help a lot. I'm looking forward to the challenge of solo! How's the feel on this? I've never been a particularly strong swing player. Hope you're well! Thanks, Bruce

 
Login popup sm Login popup banner

Member Log In

Forgot your password? Click here

New To Sonic Junction?

See Sign Up Info >

Popup close
 
Login popup sm

New To Sonic Junction?

Try 2 Lessons Free

Popup close