bill evans my foolish heart transcription

Bill Evans' Masterful Arrangement of 'My Foolish Heart'

'My Foolish Heart,' a timeless tune penned by Victor Young in 1949, has been reimagined and rearranged countless times over the years. One of the most iconic renditions belongs to Bill Evans, who breathed new life into this classic with his unique harmonic sensibilities. In this article, we'll delve into Evans' transcription of 'My Foolish Heart' and explore what made it a jazz standard to die for.

When Evans recorded the tune without bass in duet with Tony Bennett, he chose an unconventional key - Bb. This decision has sparked debate among music enthusiasts, with some speculating that Evans opted for this key to allow the bassist to use open strings, creating a more resonant sound. While we may never know for certain, one thing is clear: Evans' choice of key added depth and complexity to the arrangement.

Evans also chose to play 'My Foolish Heart' with his trio in the unusual key of A major, which further highlights his innovative approach to harmony. His 1961 recording with his trio and subsequent 1975 collaboration with Tony Bennett showcase his mastery of reharmonization and modulation.

One of the most striking aspects of Evans' arrangement is his use of secondary dominants, which propel the listener through the chord progression. The original song features bVI7 chords, a harmonic interest that might go unnoticed without Evans' finesse. Another tune that employs this same technique is 'Out of Nowhere,' showcasing Evans' versatility and harmonic prowess.

In the original 1950 recording by Gordon Jenkins, one chorus features a Gb7 chord (from Cb major, Bb Locrian) and another uses Gbmaj7 (from either Bb harmonic minor or Bb natural minor, Aeolian). This borrowing from other modes rooted on Bb is an example of modal interchange, adding richness to the harmony.

Evans' arrangement also features a subtle modulation to key V in bars 13-15, which adds tension and release to the music. In contrast, the original harmony is conventional, even boring at times, but Evans' reharmonization transforms it into a jazz masterpiece.

For those new to harmonic analysis, this article provides an opportunity to learn more about the techniques used by Evans. By examining his transcription of 'My Foolish Heart,' we can gain insight into the magic that makes this song a true jazz standard. Whether you're a seasoned musician or simply a music enthusiast, this article offers a unique perspective on Bill Evans' masterful arrangement of 'My Foolish Heart.

Bill evans my foolish heart transcription