Cocktail Piano Improvisation: Analyzing “Misty”

Welcome to this deep dive into cocktail piano improvisation over the jazz standard Misty. In this lesson, we explore key improvisational concepts by analyzing two recordings—one by Kenny Barron and another by Simon Mulligan. By studying these recordings, we gain insight into motif development, harmonic approaches, and phrasing techniques that are essential for cocktail jazz piano.

This lesson is particularly useful for those who have completed the Cocktail Piano Improv Course, as it reinforces many of the foundational techniques covered in the program.

Analyzing Kenny Barron’s Approach

Kenny Barron’s recording of Misty is a masterclass in jazz improvisation, incorporating fundamental cocktail piano techniques such as stride left-hand accompaniment, targeting chord tones, and using arpeggios effectively.

Targeting Chord Tones

One of the most effective techniques in Barron’s solo is his precision in targeting chord tones, particularly the 3rd of each chord. This ensures his improvisation remains harmonically strong and clearly outlines the chord changes. He often approaches these chord tones diatonically or chromatically from above, reinforcing a smooth melodic flow.

Arpeggios & Approach Patterns

Barron frequently employs arpeggios, sometimes as standalone phrases and other times as part of approach patterns leading into target notes. His use of altered tones over dominant chords adds color and tension before resolving into the next chord.

Quoting the Melody

A common strategy for beginning a solo is to reference the original melody, which is exactly what Barron does. He establishes a sense of familiarity before gradually departing into more improvisational material.

The Stride Left Hand

Barron’s stride left-hand technique is impeccable, keeping a steady quarter-note pulse with root notes on beats one and three, and shell voicings or full chords on beats two and four. This traditional jazz approach provides a solid harmonic foundation for his improvisation.

Exploring Simon Mulligan’s Interpretation

Simon Mulligan’s version of Misty contrasts Barron’s more traditional stride style with a freer, more rubato approach. His classical training is evident in his use of ornamentation, trills, and expressive phrasing.

Motivic Development

A standout feature of Mulligan’s solo is his use of motifs—short, repeated melodic ideas that are developed throughout the solo. By repeating and subtly altering these motifs, he creates a cohesive and structured improvisation.

Harmonic Variation

Unlike Barron, Mulligan takes some liberties with the harmonic structure, occasionally stretching out chords and modifying the standard progression. This demonstrates the freedom solo pianists have when interpreting jazz ballads.

Classical Ornamentation

Mulligan frequently employs classical-style ornamentation, such as grace notes and trills, adding an expressive and lyrical quality to his improvisation. His use of rolled chords and voicing techniques also contributes to the lush, flowing texture of his playing.

Practical Application: How to Incorporate These Concepts

Practice Targeting Chord Tones

• Play through Misty and focus on landing on the 3rd or 7th of each chord.
• Use diatonic and chromatic approaches to lead into these target notes.

Apply Motivic Development

• Create a short melodic phrase and repeat it with slight variations.
• Experiment with transposing the motif over different chord changes.

Work on Cocktail-Style Arpeggios

• Practice arpeggiating major, minor, and dominant 7th chords in different inversions.
• Use arpeggios as approach patterns into target notes.

Explore Harmonic Variations

• Try adding passing chords or reharmonizing sections of Misty to develop your harmonic creativity.
• Experiment with extending dominant chords with altered tensions (e.g., B7#5#9 instead of B7).

Develop a Strong Left-Hand Accompaniment

• Practice stride left-hand patterns, ensuring a steady rhythm.
• Experiment with rootless voicings to free up the right hand for more complex melodic ideas.

Final Thoughts

By analyzing these two masterful recordings, we see how different approaches can be applied to the same tune. Kenny Barron’s structured and rhythmically precise approach contrasts with Simon Mulligan’s freer, more expressive interpretation, providing us with multiple ways to approach Misty.

The key takeaway is that improvisation is not just about playing random notes—it’s about structuring your ideas, using motifs, and staying harmonically grounded. By practicing these techniques, you’ll develop a more sophisticated and expressive approach to cocktail piano improvisation.