The Chromatic Concept

Juampy Juarez explores the chromatic concept — superimposing chords over other chords so the soloist plays harmonies that are not in the tune, reharmonizing with lines at the speed of thought. John Coltrane opened this era with Giant Steps (1959) and his modal album Impressions, calling his approach "sheets of sound"; after David Liebman's book A Chromatic Approach to Jazz Harmony and Melody, we can call it the chromatic concept. Coltrane also applied chromaticism to his compositions, as did Evans, Shorter and other masters.

What's covered

• Melodic minor modes over static chords
• The minor-major 7th arpeggio
• Applying major relatives, and combining major/minor sounds
• Minor conversion and changing chord quality
• Reverse ii-V-I and side-stepping
• Coltrane changes explained, and Coltrane's cycle over static chords
• Examples over standards, and more

Juampy considers this his best masterclass yet, full of creative insights, ideas and examples for the advanced improviser. The full class comes with a download.