"Pure Imagination" – Jazz Piano Arrangement & Voicings

Welcome to this seminar on the jazz standard "Pure Imagination". In this lesson, we explore a step-by-step approach to playing and arranging this beautiful tune, incorporating essential jazz harmony concepts, passing chords, and expressive voicings.

We will be playing in the key of Eb Major, starting with basic chord voicings before introducing sophisticated reharmonization techniques to bring depth and richness to your arrangement.

Understanding the Harmony

"Pure Imagination" heavily features a 2-5-1 progressions in Eb major. The song’s harmonic foundation is straightforward, yet it provides a wonderful platform for colorful chord extensions and suspended harmonies.

We begin with:

• F-7 → Bb9sus → Ebmaj7
• The suspended chord (Bb9sus) adds a floating, unresolved quality before resolving into the tonic chord.
• We introduce voicings that highlight guide tones (3rds and 7ths) to create smooth voice leading.

By understanding how dominant suspensions and passing diminished chords function in this tune, we can unlock a more expressive approach to playing and arranging this jazz standard.

Enhancing the Arrangement with Voicings

To develop a fuller jazz sound, we explore different types of chord voicings, including:

1. Kenny Barron Voicings

• Built on stacks of fifths, these lush voicings add depth and openness to minor chords.
• Example: F-11 voiced as F – C – G – Ab – Eb – Bb

2. Chromatic Passing Chords

• Using dominant passing chords and tritone substitutions, we create movement between phrases.
• Example: G-7 to C7 to Gb7 to F-7 to create additional harmonic interest.

3. Spread Voicings & Right-Hand Octave Melody

• We spread the tones between both hands over a wider range of the piano to maximize harmonic richness.
• Right-hand melodic embellishments add expressiveness and phrasing variation.

Reharmonization Techniques

One of the most exciting parts of jazz arranging is reharmonization, where we substitute or expand on existing chords to add unexpected colors and textures.

1. Adding Secondary Dominants

• Instead of moving directly to a chord, we introduce a dominant 7th chord a fifth above the target chord.
• Example: C7 → F minor creates a stronger resolution than moving directly to F minor.

2. Tritone Substitutions

• Instead of Bb7, we use E7 (a tritone away), adding a more modern and complex sound.

3. Other Reharmonisations

• Moving from F-11 → Emaj9#11 momentarily shifts out of key, creating an ear-catching transition before resolving back to Ebmaj7.

Building a Dynamic Performance

A great arrangement isn’t just about chords—it’s about telling a story through dynamics and phrasing.

1. Gradual Layering of Complexity

• Start with simple voicings, allowing the melody to shine.
• Slowly introduce color tones and embellishments** as the piece progresses.

2. Dynamic Control & Expression

• Contrast quiet, delicate moments with fuller, richer sections.
• Use rubato (slight tempo flexibility) to enhance the phrasing.

3. Emphasizing the Melody

• The melody is the foundation — our chord voicings should support and not overpower it.
• Melodic embellishments, such as passing tones and fills, create variation on repeated sections.

Practice Tips

1. Start with Simple 2-5-1 Voicings – Play through the tune using basic rooted 7th chords before adding color tones.
2. Experiment with Suspended Chords – Try Bb9sus before resolving to Ebmaj7 and notice the effect it creates.
3. Add Passing Chords for Movement – Use dominant passing chords and tritone substitutions to enhance the basic changes.
4. Layer Voicings Over Time – Start with block chords, then introduce rootless voicings and spread voicings as your confidence grows.
5. Practice with Dynamics – Play softly first, then build intensity gradually to develop a more expressive and nuanced performance.

Final Thoughts

"Pure Imagination" is a fantastic tune to explore voicing techniques, reharmonization, and expressive playing in jazz piano. Whether you’re keeping things simple or experimenting with advanced harmonic colors, the key is to maintain fluidity and storytelling in your arrangement.

Check out the downloadable lead sheet & transcription for detailed notation, and explore related lessons for more insights into spread voicings, passing chords, and reharmonization techniques.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and happy practicing! 🎹