Soloing in 3/4 on "Autumn Leaves"

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The fun here is alternating between eighth note flows and then finding ways to break it up.

1) Eighth Note Flow: Since most jazz improv practice is in a 4/4 context, at first eighth notes in 3/4 can feel challenging and awkward. One way to practice this is trying to practice ALL EIGHTH NOTES improv. By keeping the eighth note flow going, you'll gain CONTROL while improvising in 3/4. That way you control the changes and the changes don't control you.
​** LH offbeats help bring out the 3/4 syncopation during the RH eighth note flow

2) Breaking up the Eighth Note Flow: rhythmic motifs are a great way to break up the eighth note flow. A common rhythmic motif we use here in 3/4 is 2 eighths to 1 quarter.
This excerpt is from "Autumn Leaves" as played by Bijan Taghavi at 2/25/23 Solo Sessions @ Dan's Studio in Cave Creek, AZ. To watch the FULL CUT, click HERE. 

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