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Author:  David Luebbert Posted:  6/19/08; 8:00:19 PM Topic:  Just Friends with coltrane substitutions Msg#:  5473 (in response to 5472) Prev/Next:  5472/5474 Reads:  616

Jordan, I wonder if Just Friends is a good candidate for Coltrane substitutions.

Those work best when there are a number of Major key ii-V-I sequences in a tune that each last for 4 measures or more. By that reckoning, the substitution would work in measures 3 through 6 where there's a single ii-V-I in G Major that qualifies and then again when that material repeats in measures 18 through 22.

Part of the fun of Trane subs is to use them in a way that still lets some flavor of the original exist in the new harmony, in the way that Countdown still shares some of the character of Tune Up.

For my taste, applying the device without discrimination across minor ii-V-I's and the long swatches of diminished harmony that existed in the original Just Friends obscures too much of what was good and characteristic in that harmony to say that the game was played well here. I bet you know this, since you admit that it's ridiculous to apply the idea here.

Is there a minor equivalent of Coltrane subs that works well? If anyone knows one, we need to hear it.

I do like it that you were tickled enough by the results of this experiment to want to post it on SongTrellis.

This harmony you've derived does make harmonic sense, so it would be interesting to hear what kind of melody you could write on top of this or to hear what kind of solo you could improvise above the sequence.

The challenge would be to avoid aping the sound of Giant Steps in your work when this sequence evokes that tune's harmony so strongly.

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