Stairway To The Steinway – Freddie Redd
A bop workout! The melody line just keeps on going, connecting the changes in unexpected ways.
- Recording: Joe Roland - Easy Living
- Recorded on: March 17 & 18, 1955
- Label: Bethlehem (BCP 17)
- Concert Key: E-flat
- Style: Swing (medium up)
- Vibes - Joe Roland
- Piano - Freddie Redd
- Guitar - Dick Garcia
- Bass - Danny Martucci
- Drums - Ron Jefferson
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Video
- Guitarist Joe Freund, using technology to help him master difficult guitar lines.
This delightful hard-bop head is peppy, upbeat and just enough of a challenge to really be fun. The melody, comprised almost entirely of eighth notes, winds through II-V progressions alternating between E-flat and F. The constant chromaticism keeps the progressions from ever feeling stale; the slight rhythmic variation on the B section also keeps the melody fresh. You may find that Stairway To The Steinway makes a good warm-up since it really works the dexterity of any instrumentalist—that, and it's just so much fun to play.
"Easy Living" was recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's legendary Hackensack Studio.
This session was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder at his Hackensack studio in March of 1955. This date was for vibraphonist Joe Roland's album "Easy Living;" this release turned out to be Joe's last as a leader and he soon faded into obscurity despite his talents. Freddie, on the other hand, was heading towards the peak of his fame, which would come four years later when he composed music for the play The Connection (by Jack Gelber) in 1959 and the subsequent movie of the same name in 1960.
This session was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder at his Hackensack studio in March of 1955. This date was for vibraphonist Joe Roland's album "Easy Living;" this release turned out to be Joe's last as a leader and he soon faded into obscurity despite his talents. Freddie, on the other hand, was heading towards the peak of his fame, which would come four years later when he composed music for the play The Connection (by Jack Gelber) in 1959 and the subsequent movie of the same name in 1960.
For those looking to get the winding and serpentine language of bebop under their fingers, Freddie Redd's Stairway to the Steinway provides a wealth of information. The complexity of this finger-twisting line and its lively tempo, however, can prove intimidating for those looking to master it. But, as this video performance by guitarist Joe Fruend displays, you can overcome any such difficulty with an effective practice regimen such as the one demonstrated. By playing with the original recording (featuring guitarist Dick Garcia), you can assimilate the subtleties of phrasing, and by using an audio editing software such as GarageBand, you can play with the original recording at any speed (this process is outlined in our video performances of Chuck Wayne's Slightly Dizzy and Ray Bryant's Bel Aire). So, come see Freund's hands as he sails through this tricky melody at various speeds, and learn how to reach such a level yourself.
Both Joe Roland (vibes, leader) and guitarist Dick Garcia are alumni of the George Shearing Quintet, so this Joe Roland recording session gave pianist Freddie Redd a great opportunity to create this gem in the Shearing style.
Both Joe Roland (vibes, leader) and guitarist Dick Garcia are alumni of the George Shearing Quintet, so this Joe Roland recording session gave pianist Freddie Redd a great opportunity to create this gem in the Shearing style.
Freddie Redd
May 29, 1928 – March 17, 2021
Pianist Freddie Redd, best known for his role as composer and actor in the play and movie "The Connection," started playing the piano when he was in the Army. Mostly self-taught, he learned while performing in clubs with other musicians. According to Nat Hentoff's liner notes to "Shades Of Redd," Freddie says he's "been influenced by many things I've heard on a lot of instruments. What I do is try to piece together what stimulates me into my own way of feeling things musically." Redd's music is simultaneously optimistic and knowing—it makes you want to play along with it, to join in the experience. Read more...