How to Play Bluesy Modal Jazz | Miles Davis | Nardis
If you are trying to expand your harmonica vocabulary, how about some Modal Jazz? Miles’ classic tune “Nardis” fits like a glove on a G harp. I’ll show you how to play the melody and solo over the changes (no overblows/overdraws). And for different flavors, I also play it on C and A harps. It’s more challenging but it sounds great.
The tune has a standard AABA form, but uses the Phrygian Mode and a well-known Middle Eastern scale, unusual for a Jazz standard. Made famous by pianist Bill Evans, jazz musicians have been playing this mystical modal jazz tune since it was first recorded.
“Nardis” by Miles Davis, 1958
0:00 Analyzing Nardis- scales, chords, etc.
2:25 Playing Nardis on a G harp
6:10 Playing Nardis on a C harp
7:44 Playing Nardis on an A harp
9:17 Bonus scene- Miserlou
The harmonicas I use in this video:
G harp: Hohner Marine Band with Special 20 reed coverplates customized by Joe Filisko ~2003; C harp: Hohner Rocket; A harp: Hohner Marine Band with Special 20 reed coverplates customized by Joe Filisko 2020
Posted June 12, 2021
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