Dig This Samba

Visit my website at www.lot2learn.com for midi files, backing tracks and solo transcriptions.

About 10 years ago I downloaded a MIDI file called Dig This Samba. I found out that it was recorded to MIDI by a terrific pianist named Robert Aries, who played with John Scofield. The MIDI file had only piano, bass and vibes - no drums. I emailed Robert about this track and he told me he did it for a drummer who was learning the song, hence the lack of a drum track.

I tried to learn it at the time but struggled and struggled and finally gave up. I recently stumbled across the MIDI file again and decided, I want to learn this song! The degree of difficulty for me is high because first, Robert plays it at about 225 BPM and second, the fantastic melody is not something that flows under my fingers very easily.

I decided to do this song at a more reasonable 170 BPM. I used the original bass backing track from Robert's MIDI file and used a BIAB generated drum track.
One correction in the annotation - the change that reads G-7(b5) to D7(b9) is incorrect. The D7 is really a C7(b9). I have not annotated the solo section. Suffice it to say the solo is constructed primarily of chord tones, using approach notes, and trying to bring the melody into the solo at spots for reinforcement.

I recently found out who wrote the song and some history behind its author so I'm dedicating this to the late, great Manfredo Fest.
Here is a short blurb of info I found about him:
Manfredo Fest - Pianist, bandleader Born: 1936 in Porto Alegre, Brazil
Died: October 8, 1999 in Tampa, Florida
Pioneer in Jazz Samba
Born legally blind, was classically trained, at age 17 plugged into the work of George Shearing and Bill Evans. Along with German-born vibraphonist and chromatic harmonica wizard Hendrik Meurkens, collaborated on Dig This Samba.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jazz
• piano
• solo
• improvisation
• trio
• bass
• drums
• samba
• latin
• brazil
• roland
• fp-4
• Roger
• Friedman

[lionofjudah0077]

smooth, thanks for the lesson and upload

bless

[Lot2learn]

@lionofjudah0077 Thanks.

[gigibaiao]

Manfredo , e um genio musical. Parabens. Obrigada .

[Lot2learn]

@gigibaiao Thanks.

[yellowpaper61]

man you good !!!!! I also like your "Invitaion" rendition. Splendid

[Lot2learn]

I appreciate your comment.

[skullboy1990]

I wish I could play like this. I still have a Lot2learn ;)

[Ken2Kanzeon]

thanx for opening up the world of samba~~~ <3

[39monir]

Mafred é máximo em se ouvir.

[1raymb]

Do you have a lead sheet available for this tune?

[adambell666]

i was looking up melodies to play with on drums and came across this, i love it !

[Lot2learn]

@martinschoeps Thanks for your comment!