Chapter 4Collaboration Methods
Playbooks for Working Together
In 1959, Miles Davis entered the studio to record what would become the best‐selling, most popular jazz recording of all time: Kind of Blue. Even if you don't like mainstream jazz, you'll probably appreciate this album. The songs are approachable, the band sounds great, and every solo is a home run.
Davis was known for forcing his musicians to be spontaneous, so there were no rehearsals for this recording date. In fact, he gave the musicians the music to be recorded only as they entered the studio. Astoundingly, with only one exception, the first complete take of each tune for Kind of Blue was the one that got pressed on the album. In other words, they nailed it on the first try.
How is it possible for a group to come together and spontaneously create such a great work of art? What are the tools that allow for this type of exceptional collaboration? What can we learn from this group?
One of the keys to success in mainstream jazz improvisation is structure. That's right, contrary to popular belief, jazz musicians are not just making things up when they improvise. Instead, the players are well organized and follow common rules of engagement.
In particular, a “lead sheet” in jazz outlines the form of a tune. The lead sheet provides only three pieces of information: the melody, the harmonies, and the duration. That's ...
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