6 months ago

What is Linear Harmony?
Defines "linear harmony" as " melodic lines that connect the chords using the significant tones with careful rhythmic placement." ( page 6). Said that way, it isn't much help. This, though not a quote, might help flesh it out.

Ligon claims that a staggering amount of lines played by great jazz players from its earliest days through bebop and beyond have one of three "outlines": 3 2 1 7 / 3 (of the next chord), 5 3 1 7 / 3 (of the next chord), and 1 3 5 7 / 3 (of the next chord). The lines are embellished all sorts of ways---the book gives hundreds of examples from Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, John Coltrane, Paul Chambers, Sonny Stitt, Red Garland, Donald Byrd, Booker Little, and others--but the lines maintain their connecting function and they are part of the fabric of jazz language. Some entire solos--and good ones--have been recorded by someone (-Clifford Brown in one famous case) using the same outline on every chord change. It's hard to think that was accidental.
If you pick up the book and play some examples, you'll hear what he's getting at.

Interesting. It sounds like a lot like someone trying to a Schenkerian-esque analysis of jazz lines. (Not applying Schenker's ideas directly, but doing a similar reductionist search for fundamental structure.) I suspect that (like Schenker) I will find it to be somewhat Procrustean. (especially of a framework or system, enforcing uniformity or conformity without regard to natural variation or individuality.)But that doesn't mean that it has no value, just that sometimes you see what you're looking for. But still, it might reveal something interesting.
• Vertical vs Horizontal: Which is it?
 Chords Spelled vertical
 Harmony and Melodies are Linear
 Applying principles of harmony to melody
 Unified Concept
• Narrowing Note Choices
 Roots and the Rest of the 11 note choices
 Determining Key Center: -1/7, we are left w/6
 Fine but not Harmonically Specific/Chord Symbol
 3rd is best choice/Why? Example
• Choose the 7th of each chord. Down a step. Creates Tension. Desire to hear resolution to 3rd of next chord.

Linear Harmony
• Melodic Lines that Connect Chords Smoothly
• Good Voice Leading
• 3rds more consonant, earlier in melody before more dissonant 7ths.
• 7ths resolve OVER the bar line
• Consonance/Dissonance/Resolution
• 3 Frame Works/Outline Are pervasive

Creating Basic Outlines
• 3 basic Forms or Outlines
• Explore The Variations
End notes
Review embellishments?
Thank You!
Video Examples:
https://fb.watch/nLfZ3DWMiU/
Autumn Leaves Chord Outline:
https://www.bijantaghavi.com/how-to-outline-chord-changes-improv-on-autumn-leaves.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvyFZmjgTvk&t=1s
Round Midnight Performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zre0u5XyNfY