Exploring the B Section of "Body and Soul" in the Style of Beegie Adair

Welcome to this in-depth lesson on the playing style of Beegie Adair, focusing on the B section of the jazz standard "Body and Soul." This lesson explores how Beegie Adair approaches the bridge with intricate voicings, stride influences, and an expansive command of the keyboard.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how Beegie Adair structures the B section, including her chordal approach, improvisation techniques, and signature fills that define her solo piano style.

Breaking Down the B Section

The B section of "Body and Soul" marks a modulation from Db major to D major, introducing a contrasting harmonic landscape. This section is crucial for jazz pianists as it requires smooth transitions between keys while maintaining lyrical phrasing and harmonic depth.

Chord Voicings and Approaches

Beegie Adair employs rich, two-handed voicings with extensive use of 10th intervals in the left hand. This technique not only enhances the depth of the harmony but also allows for greater flexibility in melodic improvisation.

• Dmaj7 to E-7 (flat 5) – The first harmonic shift introduces a minor 11th voicing, sometimes played with a flattened 5th for added tension.
• F#-7 to G-7 to C7 – This sequence outlines the progression towards the resolution in D major.
• E7 instead of E-7 – A reharmonization technique where the ii chord is played as a dominant 7th, creating a stronger pull to the A7 and final resolution.

Signature Harmonic Colors

A hallmark of Beegie Adair’s approach is her use of upper structure triads. For example, over E7, she often places a G# major triad to introduce a sharp 11 color. Similarly, over A7, she uses an F major triad to emphasize the flat 13 and sharp 11, adding a floating, unresolved quality to the harmony.

Melodic Interpretation & Improvisation

One of the defining aspects of Beegie Adair’s solo style is her ability to blend melody and harmony seamlessly. Her improvisations over the B section are a masterclass in voice-leading and embellishment.

Octave Melodies with Inner Chord Tones

Beegie Adair often plays the melody in octaves while inserting chord tones between them. This technique enhances the fullness of her sound without overcomplicating the texture.

• Chromatic Approach Notes – She frequently leads into melody notes with chromatic passing tones, creating a smooth and expressive phrasing.
• Emphasis on Altered Chords – In dominant chords, particularly A7, she introduces sharp 5s and flat 9s to create tension before resolving to D major.

Stride & Rhythmic Embellishments

A significant feature of Beegie Adair’s playing is her use of stride-style left-hand movement. She combines deep bass notes with light, upper-register chord hits, maintaining rhythmic energy while allowing room for melodic expression.

Bringing It All Together

Understanding the B section of "Body and Soul" through the lens of Beegie Adair’s playing style provides insight into how to create lush harmonies and compelling improvisations. The key elements to focus on include:

• Mastering 10th interval voicings in the left hand.
• Using upper structure triads to add harmonic color.
• Developing octave-based melodies with inner chord tones.
• Employing chromatic approach notes for smooth melodic phrasing.
• Incorporating stride patterns for a full, dynamic sound.

Practice Tips

1. Break Down the Chord Progression – Play through the B section using simple 7th chords before adding extensions and alterations.
2. Experiment with Upper Structures – Try playing a major triad a whole step above dominant chords to hear how it changes the color.
3. Use Octave Melodies – Play the melody in octaves and experiment with adding chord tones in between for a fuller sound.
4. Emphasize Guide Tones – Focus on the movement of 7ths resolving to 3rds within the 2-5-1 progressions.
5. Practice Slow, Then Add Stride Feel – Work on left-hand stride movements at a slow tempo before gradually increasing speed.

By integrating these techniques into your playing, you will develop a deeper understanding of Beegie Adair’s approach and enhance your ability to play jazz ballads with expressive harmonic depth.