4 Steps to Improvisation: Black Orpheus (Manhã de Carnaval") Tutorial

Solo piano by request: Theme from the film: Black Orpheus, made in Brazil, also known as Manhã de Carnaval and "Day In the Life of a Fool". Composed by Luiz Bonfa and Antônio Maria. Antonio Carlos Jobim also wrote music for the film. Tutorial explains rhythmic and melodic aspects, melodic embellishment , easy and more complex improvisation. Lead Sheet available and Jazz Piano Book on website:www.kenthewitt....

[@MariaCosta-qf7ot]

What a lovely version of Manhã de Carnaval, one of my favorite bossa novas. It’s pretty late here, even by Brazilian standards. We’re relaxing on the veranda watching the city lights and listening to the rain with a cold caipirinha in hand (lime juice, cachaça, sugar) and drink a toast to the jazz man 6000 miles away. Parabéns e obrigada!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Sounds perfect, Maria. Thanks for painting the picture...wish I could be there! I'm drinking a toast to you and yours right now here in sunny, snowy, New England..... I beautiful place to live near all the New York jazz clubs and music I got to hear early on. But I'd love to see Brazil!

[@MariaCosta-qf7ot]

What a great location you’re in. Were in Cape Cod a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. We’re close to the city of São Paulo so when you’re in our neck of the woods give us a shout.

[@jaked.8388]

Maria, having been to places in Brasil i know how magical it can be :)

[@franciscoayala8459]

Your. Music outreach work is awesome. You contribute your great knowledge to the people who are learning. Thanks, teacher. The bossa nova syncopations are difficult, but you have the virtue of explaining the difficult easily. Then there is doing it, which is not easy 🤦‍♀️. But you learn little by little thanks to your lessons. A hug and may God give you good health to continue teaching us.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you so much...it's exactly true as you explained it!

[@klloh5012]

I can’t get tired of this piece of music. Just so beautifully written

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much!

[@TheMusicmak3r]

Kent, you're too cool.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, bro, takes a cool cat to know one!

[@CarltonMoxley]

this is one of the few videos that I wasn't completely lost Only because I've been playing the song for longtime And I've never really applied myself to the method Of having structureWithin the chord changes I accidentally acquire the rhythm By playing the song so many years It's amazing thatThe way you explained itI could sit down for an hour And find so many ins and outs Thank you things are really opening up to me I'm sure you heard that a lot But you're creating a lot of new musicians on one of them 63-year-old Brand-new Opening of my ears

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, Carlton, you are a loyal follower, and I'm always over-joyed when you tell me "things are really opening for me".... you make my day--keep in touch!

[@mikemcf33]

Kent, all your videos lower my blood pressure. thanks !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Very positive and unique comment. Anything I can do to improve your life is very rewarding to me...carry on!

[@Convert96]

Man, it was that Star Trek episode, “Alternative Factor.” The 2 guys, one from the negative, and one from the positive universe. A Day in the Life of a Fool, is one of the best songs to sing, and you bring so much to it. Love this.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Awesome comment, Jane, and thanks for your hipness with the polarity.....you really get me!....I take it you're a singer!...love that!

[@GME17i]

You made me both smile with delight and get teary eyed with " Carnival ". I used to sing it so must check the key out and the lyrics ( two versions I believe ). Soothing bosses always get me and, of course, Jobim and Getz - magic.💫🎷🎤. Thanks Kent.

[@manuelponce9838]

it's beautiful kent and you bring a lot of joy and inspiration to so many people - every video i ve watched has given some illumination insight or humour - you should be awarded the nobel peace prize!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Fantastic comment...keep watching... thanks!

[@tanuriobrito145]

Luis Bonfá & Antônio Maria.Compositores da belíssima Manhã de Carnaval ( Black Orpheus) 👏👏👏

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment!

[@oliviaedralin1436]

Thanks for sharing this I sure I will apply some embellishments… i sorto play it it w Bossa nova infliction but lot simpler … but this is so awesome

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Wonderful!

[@steveknows62]

I am both inspired and humbled by your talent.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's about the best compliment I've heard in a few words...many thanks!

[@steveknows62]

You earned it. I once met Dave McKenna, another great New England jazz pianist, in Osterville. He. too, completely blew me away.

[@bmoycesmith]

Thank you! I’ve been taking my first stab at this for the past month or so and now have some beautiful jazzy places to go. I couldn’t figure out some of the transitions myself and listening to Jazz Impressions Black Orpheus which I LOVE is just too far over my head. Your playing is too but you do shine a light🙃

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks b Smith for telling me that I shine some light. Please watch my beginner series because there's a lot of goo info there, kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists?disable_polymer=1

[@vaclavmichalekmusic]

God, I´m so addicted to that tune, thanks for bringing it in! :-)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

It's a great tune from an extraordinary film. Thanks!

[@guitargod6997]

Beautiful interpretation and insights. One thing you have in spades, Kent, is an excellent pair of ears with a direct line to your hands. You have to hear the music and play what you hear which is about listening as well. Essential. Luis Bonfa had it happening, too, no? Thanks once again.

[@alainszyller615]

Beautiful and very didactic. Thanks a lot, Teacher !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Appreciate the affirmation!

[@JOUA1400]

Makes me think of the LOVELY .. Marpessa Dawn!!!!!

[@tiziana6788]

Amo la versione Bossa Nova, uno dei miei brani preferiti! Grazie! 🙏

[@novicetech1]

Hope this helps people like me who are really studying this arrangement: Introduction: 3:50 Rhythm: 4:33 Embellishing the Melody: 6:43 Easy Improvisation: 8:44 More Complex Improv: 11:18

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for helping out...much appreciated!

[@robertthomas6003]

Terrific lesson......each section further developed the thought.....I can't speak highly enough of it.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a great comment, and very helpful to me...as I try to get better at doing this!

[@Photologistic]

I love this! Kent, your channel is awesome.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much for the comment!

[@AdrianoCasemiro]

That's just beautiful. Great to see that even white ranchers from the north get the offbeat nature of bossa nova. Bravo, maestro!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Only the hipness, kindness, of compadres from the south would understand and companion with us white ranchers up north, ....Bravo, friend, let's hang out!

[@osvaldosanguinet7758]

Sería buenísimo un PDF , son excelente sus clases! Saludos desde Uruguay.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Please write to my email if you want scores that aren't on my website.

[@jonnycoombes2247]

Thank you for posting these tutorials - they're brilliant.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much!

[@parasshah3305]

Exllent sir

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you!

[@michaelsclafanimd1844]

Kent. Great. Another amazing video. Beautiful

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment, Dr. M, always a pleasure!

[@benjaminmorris811]

Beautiful. Thank you Kent and have a wonderful new year!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you, Benjamin, I wish you the same and blessings in the new year!

[@donatorapana]

Thank You, Maestro!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

All my pleasure, and thanks for the comment!

[@ivanselleng7748]

You are the greatest sir⭐

[@KentHewittpiano88]

So are you, Ivan, that's how you know!!

[@JaymesLeavitt]

Thank you Kent I'm trying to learn this one

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the support!

[@freddiemercury4552]

Love this song.. nice!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Freddie, glad you dug it!

[@phyllishesford428]

Really loved this video - beautiful.... hope this song is on your download list!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, Phyllis, there's a lead sheet...this is advanced stuff, are you okay w/ that?

[@phyllishesford428]

It won't be an easy process I know ... probably take me a long time to figure it out but I love this bossa nova rhythm and find it uplifting....plus I always have your video to back me up!! Nice of you to ask .....

[@ColmHarling]

Firstly thank you so much for your gifts. I found your page in 2017 and I've been hooked every since. Please do Peace Piece by Bill Evans when you get time, Bill is on my infinite loop playlist since the New Year. Thank you for your creative generosity

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Colm...please check out my playlists for one on Bill Evans here: kzbin.info/aero/PLFuMibnl_h5ZNh3QHMhPJ5COU7lswpwYa

[@MaxTooney]

Great lesson! My favorite thing about this song is bar 21--when you are expecting the A minor chord, but instead you are rewarded with E min7b5. Always catches me by surprise. ADEM is still behaving, it seems. I believe he'll soon give up his 'New Year's resolution' just like his buddy "Mayhem" from the Allstate ads.

[@rachelsmename]

Before I finish watching the rest of this wonderful video, I have to say that the introduction of the song sounds exactly like a song that I believe is called "Fantasy" by Earth, Wind and Fire". I'll look up the song to find out the title for sure.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

The opening is a Brazilian bossa nova called "My Little Boat". It's from my trio album called Time on my Hands. Thanks for the comment!

[@DegreesTV]

Love your improv tutorials. They have definitely helped my piano game

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me...and I wish you success and progress in the new year. !

[@art1intermedia]

beautiful!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@cybershadow58]

You have some nice tasty improvs here! Mastering the Bossa Nova rhythm is the real key...once you do that you can step up to the melodies and speak out with creative impovisations!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

We can't play the Bossa Nova like the Brazilians but we have to thank Getz and Dizzy for bringing them here.

[@jdavis6650]

A nice rendition. Keep playing and improving.

[@pouljazzklarinetsax5605]

Bravo!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank You!

[@genuinefreewilly5706]

Awsome job Kent, great song brings back memories, heck I had to look up Jobim, I almost forgot what wonderful feel good music he has made. Not sure if you have covered 'Wave' I'd like to get that one under my belt. I love the intro and how it leads into that most essential melody line

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Oh, that's My Little Boat, a Brazilian Bossa Nova by Roberto Menescal. That's my trio album...all my fans should have it. I'd gladly give it to them... if they could come to my house, you dig? Thanks William!

[@samuelmayermusic8238]

Love the videos!!!

[@kacerbagong3764]

easy to listen.. thanks

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Appreciated!

[@muffinchini]

amazing Kent!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Appreciated!

[@mics693]

Thanks for good teaching video. I'll try. but too difficult for biginer.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks! Please watch my Beginner Improvisation videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/raSnfoKdgc92jqM

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks! Please watch my beginner Improvisation Videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/raSnfoKdgc92jqM

[@manfredpseudowengorz]

long time no see. the intro as always: blasts.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You missed ADEM really! Join the Elites!!

[@jaked.8388]

Lovely piece I was trying to picture having the chops to write that - a VERY interesting melody rhythm and getting to hands do what they do. Wow ...if ya wanna know whether you have a good tune see if the WOMEN start moving their bodies to it - if they do you've got it made in the shade. Nice work Kent :)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

On one of my vids I talk about how Duke Ellington didn't care much about playing piano, until, when he'd sit down to play, all of a sudden a girl would appear on his right side , and then another on his left side. Yes, you will attract the ladies.

[@jaked.8388]

Thanks Kent , Ellington had an interesting life too.

[@dkwvt13]

Very nice build up and some interesting movement on a Standard. One of the things I pick up from your playing is the smoothness in your phrasing. You do not "chase" notes, it all seems to be ready at hand or very efficient movents in and out of position. This is another very important carryover to guitar. That is delivered with maximum irreverence...! Thank You, 😎

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment and compliment, Donald. You words are helpful to me. There's 34 videos on Improvisation in my playlists now, I was surprised because someone had commented on Improvisation The Basics part 1. and I realized I never did part 2. But I have two pairs of studies called Improvisation 101 part 1 and 2.

[@dkwvt13]

Kent Hewitt very cool, I will do some homework. Thanks for the heads up...!

[@zedo1973]

great Standard,ty Master!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank, Zedo, swing loose!

[@fredlyr1]

Thanks man!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

cool...man!

[@austinpayne5643]

You are the 🐐🐐🐐

[@KentHewittpiano88]

First person to tell me that!

[@Lichfeldian--Suttonian]

I am not so clever and intricate with my left hand on this piece as yet, so I play the actual chords with my left and improvise with my right hand. I play in a band so it's not so bad. I love playing this piece though.

[@huynhnhungnguyenthi3882]

Thanksssssss 🎹❤️

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Many thankssss!

[@SpiroJildeh]

Hi Kent! Thanks for the video. You are spending more time on the easy parts. Who to get details on the advanced improv?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

There's more people who want beginner lessons than advanced. I need to rate all my videos for levels. I try to please everyone in some way. Believe it or not, some people complain that my videos are too complicated.

[@oliviaedralin1436]

Very off beat. But it’s so unique. Love playing it. But you’re right. Lots of ear and , hand eye coordination. Not easy but can be studied and improved on… 😊

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great comment...thanks!

[@TheUnorthodoxGears]

Nice video Kent :)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

One of the cool cats you are, my man!

[@IlarioSchanzer]

LIKE - HERMOSA MUSICA ❤ BUEN TUTORIAL 💙 SALUDOS 💜 BESOS Y ABRAZOS ❤ 😀😀

[@KentHewittpiano88]

BROTHER! Ilario, if I get back to Italy, we are going to 'hang out'! I hope life's treating you well, my friend.

[@straywave2527]

at 2:56 there is dimished chord/ melody step up that i paused and rewinded and played at 0.25 speed about 10 times ... I then spent about about 20 minutes staring at my keyboard to figure out why it works so well. To me this is a harmonic masterpiece.

[@mrjilian07]

In fact in the original sheet there are two chord in this bar : C# diminished and A7b9 It looks like he's playing diminished chords, but I'm fact there is only one who is truly diminished (the C#). The second chord can be interpreted as E7(b9) and the third as A7(b9) which leads to Dm. Try to play what he does but change the bass notes in the left hand with C# E A D and see how good it sounds It's like a disguised 2-5-1 but it's very clever

[@KentHewittpiano88]

This song is in Am. So Dm is the IV Chord. So it's just a II-V-I into the IV. The II is altered to became half diminish as it would be in the key of Dm or F major.

[@mrjilian07]

@@KentHewittpiano88 it would be half diminished if you played Em7(b5) but you're actually playing E7(b9)

[@SiliPiano]

Hey Kent, are you familiar with Bill Evans (I’m sure you are) and do you like his work? If so, what are your favourite piece(s) by him?

[@ColmHarling]

SiliPiano so many, but peace piece gets me every time. Haunted heart, emily and waltz for debby are beautiful. We lost Bill Evans far too soon, we lost a genius

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, we lost Bill in 1980 at age 51. I had the privilege to play in a band that opened in concert for his trio in Hartford the summer of 1980. I got to talk to him briefly, but I also first met him at the Village Vanguard in 1962. He was my biggest influence, and I can't begin to imagine a world without Bill Evans. I have a few videos on Bill here: (including an analysis of Waltz For Debby:) kzbin.info/aero/PLFuMibnl_h5ZNh3QHMhPJ5COU7lswpwYa

[@SiliPiano]

Wow , that's amazing. I'm sure he was a kind-hearted man. You are very lucky to talk to him.

[@Gerard_2024]

Sorry to intrude Colm Harding, but wasn´t the question addressed to Mr Hewitt ?

[@ammiammi1974]

Thanks for another wonderful lesson. Extremely helpful. I've got a question. Could you kindly let me know the name of the song that is recorded at the very begining of the video before the introduction? Many thanks.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

It's called My Little Boat (or Little Boat) written by Roberto Menescal. That's my trio recording.

[@marcialjimenez1561]

is the "bossa swing"..clearly

[@rachelsmename]

Yep, it's called "Fantasy"....so interesting! Just a little portion of the song sounds the same.

[@drpiercy]

Hi Kent, and Happy New Year to you! I watch a lot of your videos, and don't often comment, so I apologise for commenting on this one, nearly a year old. I must find a way of getting the Black Orpheus left hand notes and rhythm - I have a real book and your book, but I'm not skilled enough yet to play from just the lead sheet. I guess it takes a fair amount of effort to go from the lead sheet to properly inverted chord sequences. Oh well, must try harder! Best wishes and swing loose! Dave

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Swing loose, Dave. Yes...learning to play with just a lead sheet takes a lot of work, but it's very freeing, and then you begin to learn how to express yourself in a much more personal way. Here's something for you: file:///D:/Owner/Documents/My%20PDF%20Files/Book%20Appendix/Playing%20From%20A%20Fake%20Sheet.pdf

[@drpiercy]

@@KentHewittpiano88 Kent, thanks for your reply. But is that link just a local link in your own compute? I can't open it? Dave

[@KentHewittpiano88]

@@drpiercy I'm flying to Florida today. I'll try to cut and paste when I get some time.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Write to my email so I'll have your address.

[@raymonnn]

Hi kent very nice video. but i have troubles to get the exact rhythm on the left hand. Your just a little quick for me plus you don't do the same rhythm every time. The beginning looks like a dotted quarter note and an eight note then a rest than a quarter note, but then your doing variation on the two five so i hardly get the rest. I didn't find the sheet of the bass on your website. Any case ty again very nice tutorial and version as usual.

[@wetlandweasel]

Slow down the video!

[@jesspittard4435]

Is intro song "Little Boat" ??? how can I get in to KH sessions at SummerKeys ??? would love to come,anxious to learn, improve....

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much. Summerkeys is here: summerkeys.com I'm totally booked for this summer, but I hope you will still come (there's another jazz piano teacher). It's a wonderful place and experience.

[@jesspittard4435]

will come if you teach !!

[@elunico13]

Step 4 @ 11:17 Step 1 melody @ 2:19

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks fore the references.

[@kacerbagong3764]

help me full thx

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thx for telling me!

[@ColmHarling]

Who's your no 1 jazz piano inspiration and why?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Bill Evans (and Ahmad Jamal). Bill for beauty, profound depth and essence;... Ahmad for groove and joy.

[@rgev]

Parecen martillazos en las teclas

[@LukasVlcek]

Is there a typo in the title?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I fixed it...thanks for telling me!

[@KomotsukiDZoro]

Jesus Christ loves everyone.Repent of sin and believe that He is the Son of God,trust in Him and He will help and guide you.He is real and has helped me,no matter what we have done He is ready to accept us;no matter who we are or what we have done in the past,He can change and forgive us that we may sin no more . God bless everyone.

[@Katylest]

Your alter ego bits always make me laugh.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Wet Blanket....(and I can relate)...you have just joined the Elite Club, private pass needed for entry. Thanks, and blessings!