Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Jazz/Funk Style

The backing track I used in this video is available for download on my website as is a MIDI file of my piano solo and a PDF notation file of the solo. The website is http://www.Lot2Learn.com.

This is such a fun Christmas song to play. I couldn't decide what style to do (swing, Latin, etc.) and decided to give it a Funk/Jazz Fusion type of feel.

For me, the key to improvising on this song is to keep coming back to the melody. I really like the freedom to create intricate lines within the chord changes and then end up back within the melody.

The display of the chord changes shows only the very basic changes. Often, I will play altered voicings or even play a dominant 7th instead of a Minor 7th.

The keyboard used is a Roland FP-4 but the Rhodes sound is provided by the Lounge Lizard VST plugin. The midi keyboard display is from www.midikeyz.com.

Thanks for watching!
- Roger

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jazz
• improvisation
• piano
• tutorial
• christmas
• song
• lot2learn
• roger
• friedman
• Funk

[MrJazz1024]

It's awesome how I can hear a little McCoy Tyner in all of your pieces.

[Lot2learn]

@MrJazz1024 Thanks so much for your comments, they are greatly appreciated.

[lucianotube]

Amazing! I love the reharmonization and swing.

[Lot2learn]

@lucianotube Thank you for your comment.

[MaxTooney]

Great playing! I also hope that you will post more holiday offerings. There can never be too much good cheer during this season.

The Rhodes sound reminds me of Bob James. I mean this as a compliment to both of you.

[Lot2learn]

@MaxTooney I appreciate your comment, thanks.

[vincenzomileto]

wonderful!!!!

[Solcius123123]

I didn't like the end.

[PianistaItaliano]

Very nice work, especially I love the reharmonization, fantastic

[lampitoklive]

IDOL

[abhikmazumder]

Awesome!