Jazz Reharmonization, "Here's That Rainy Day". 3 Rules, (concepts)

Performance and analysis of the reharmonzation of the popular song: 'Here's That Rainy Day", by James Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. Discusses 3 rules of reharmonization: 1. Use of II-V-I progression. 2. Tritone Substitutes, 3. Diminished Chord approaches. Also features the use of descending and ascending bass lines and how to harmonize. The lead sheets for this song with the reharmonization can be downloaded on my website for free. www.kenthewitt....

[@marykough476]

One of my all time favorite songs. I was in stage band in HS and we played this, I played on a Rhodes 88. I wish I had copied the chart back then. I can figure out most of it, but your tutorial takes it in such a beautiful direction. Thank you again for all your work and teaching!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Mary. I appreciate your telling me your story about a great song.

[@ChristianSchonbergerMusic]

Just fantastic! Well over the years (decades) I gathered disconnected bits and pieces of information. Most jazz piano "teachers" give in to vanity all too easily and hold back crucial information (or just can't explain it). Tons of great insight and absolutely gorgeous sounding voicings and progressions here. I've been looking for this like crazy for all my life (I'm 54) Thanks so much! You are the man!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Christian Schonberger Christian, thanks so much! That's a great comment and much appreciated. I guess it's not too bad for a low- tech Canon Powershot S95. You can't buy them anymore. The piano is nice: a rebuilt 1905 6" Model A Mason and Hamlin...we're lucky, and love it. What's your story?

[@ChristianSchonbergerMusic]

+Kent Hewitt Kent, I sent you a P.M. with some more insight. Hope you received it. Thanks again!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Christian Schonberger Thanks ...I'll look around for it.

[@dicktiel8745]

Thanks so much, Kent. It takes some time to control, but the satisfaction is great(I'm 79!) Up to the next beautiful standdard. Kind regards from Holland

[@KentHewittpiano88]

This is a great standard and it was fun to figure out how to reharmonize it. Thanks!

[@hata463]

When I look to (you) playing it looks like it's too easy ..... but when I try it it's so hard ... God bless you for this free lessons ... Thank you so much

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Hatem Ibrahim You're welcome and many thanks for the comment. I think it may look easier than it is to play. I make plenty of mistakes and have to do re-takes. I always marvel when I hear one of the greats play flawlessly.

[@hata463]

My dear great teacher Kent, Your way in teaching is great and smooth and you're teaching exactly what we need.... May I ask you sir for Blue Moon if you please .... 100000 thanks for you .

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Hatem Ibrahim I'll put that on the list. Thanks so much for the nice comments!

[@hata463]

Thank you so much sir ..... I'm waiting ..... all respect to you.

[@suemcilliataoldotcom1331]

Fewer than eight minutes in and I have already exclaimed at the top of my lungs, with the joy of understanding, a whole bunch of times. What a feeling!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Cool comment...thank you!

[@raveniskcrow]

I am so so very grateful that you took the time to offer us an inside take. I know that most people will be lost. For me though, I have the background, Keys and locks but not knowing which keys go with what locks! This was so very helpful. I am very thankful.

[@sama5]

Excellent!!! Thank you very much. This is the format that helps me the most. Seeing the process of how you develop a solo from a lead sheet and juice it up!

[@boothamilton9850]

You know what this is? (he posited rhetorically). This is the Secret Sauce! You are jazzin' up the world, my friend. Much gratitude and respect... and thanks for all the sauce.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Jazzing up the world....best comment EVER!!!

[@mymooneyman]

Thanks Kent. This is one of my all time favorite standards. The reharm is fantastic along with the explanation. Perry

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+mymooneyman Hi Perry, it's always been one of my favorites. It also lends nicely to a bossa nova interpretation. Thanks for the comment and the kind words! I hope you have subscribed.

[@timbuiepiano]

I simply wish to say "Thank You!" This is wonderful material and your hard worked has helped unlocked so many questions on Here's That Rainy Day. It is my fav song of all time and you deserve a big big warm applause for sharing your skills with us!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You're very welcome!

[@gokselcanerli]

I love this sound. Jazz is not just learning the theory, licks , tricks etc. Plus feeling jazzy deep inside the soul. Without it you cant play jazz as good as it deserves .Mr Hewitt is not just a legent jazz piano master ive ever seen , also he encourages ppl to listen, feel, learn and try to play jazz. Youre doing great job sir. Too many thanks again. Happy new year!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I can't do it without your words of encouragement. Blessings in the new year!

[@jmbehmke]

Hey, just one thought to add. The tritone substitution can be thought of in another way. A 7th chord always has a major 3rd and minor 7th. It turns out that those notes, if reversed, will always be the major 3rd/minor7th of another chord. In C, the 7th chord has E and Bflat as the 3rd/minor 7th. Reverse them, and Bflat is the third, and E is the minor 7th, of the Gflat scale. Works for all scales.

[@Chipshotz]

I've watched this numerous times and commented previously. The theory you present here is so satisfying I feel as though I'm stealing something. I feel somewhat relieved for having bought your book but you give more than you take. You're a good and humble man KH!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for your nice words and generosity. Also I appreciate that you bought my book, that honors me the best. Enjoy!

[@paulmcgrath2430]

Much appreciated Ken. You keep opening my eyes to opportunities! Thank you

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad to help out!

[@lucabuchignani1141]

this is the most beautiful jazz composition in my opinion

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I agree, it up there in the ratings. Please subscribe!

[@TheRudydog1]

You have such a gift Mr Hewitt..I listen in envy as all of the technical turns into a beautiful piece of music.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great comment...so helpful to me...thanks!

[@bobhale3202]

Kent, your explainations on reharmonization are the best that I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Bob Hale Bob, Many thanks! I really appreciate your telling me that. I try to get the right pace and hope for clarity. For some it may be too fast.

[@SchmittyTheWeatherDog]

Brilliant. Learned a lot about one of my all time favorite tunes. Thanks KH.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad to hear that, great song....thanks!

[@suemcilliataoldotcom1331]

Rich.Dense. What will I find the next time around? Wheee! This cat is fun to be with!

[@dfaria1000]

Very nicely explained. The good news is that in Jazz, for me, there is still HOPE. Thank you for this enjoyable lesson. Much appreciated.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+DrDee Thank YOU. I really appreciate the comment and yes, there is always HOPE.

[@BMarPiano]

You're welcome - was working on reharmonizing that very song today, and you clarified some things beautifully for me - it's starting to come together!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for confirming that how I teach is effective in my methods...greatly appreciated!

[@user-vg8go2yb2j]

Man these notes sure clean out the wax in my ears like nice & sweet.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+soundcloud.com/manpuss Koool...glad to hear it! Thanks for the comment.

[@gogamusic]

Very instructive video thank you so much Ken. I will practice all these techniques on various songs. I believe this is what I needed to take me to the next level of understanding harmony.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for commenting on this video. I like this one, so it's gratifying to me to know that people still benefit from it.

[@gogamusic]

Thanks Kent!

[@neilmarchman9357]

Thanks for a tight lesson on reharmonization...3 concepts I can take along on each tune is a big help.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Neil...Thanks for the affirmation and support!

[@lewismartiniello9441]

Again, you are helping me big time & thank you for the list. You are so great to be helping others. I know a lot of the standards, so I pick up most of the concepts well. A few yrs. ago I tried "stacking" concept. so I'm ahead in that regard.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Lewis Martiniello Thanks! I guess you are talking about super-imposed chords , right. Maybe I should do a video on that subject, right? Thanks for the support.

[@lewismartiniello9441]

I just have added bits & pieces over the yrs. & Kent just exposed the whole thing in one tutorial.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Lewis Martiniello Thanks for the affirmation. Here's the list: kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists

[@lewismartiniello9441]

+Kent Hewitt Can't thank you enough. I'm old now but my playing is going to a new level. Have been using beautiful sub at 2nd note of Over The Rainbow in key of C - Lt. hand = e+b flat, rt. hand = a flat maj. 2nd invers. then move this dn. 1/2 step. w/ the melody. It"s like the sharp 5 over the rt. 7th. What do you call this?

[@UkuleleAversion]

That intro was beautiful.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+TFP 3141 Many thanks...I never know how they're going to turn out.....all improv. K

[@willleuschner5791]

Tom Parker L bbhikoo J o.

[@joeblakeukeman]

Great tune! Thank you, Kent, I appreciate your attention to detail! I’m hip to the tritone sub and inserting more ii-V-I’s than were in the original composition, but that committing to a bass line and the new chords which that introduces was an eye-opener for me! Like the stories too!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great comment, Joseph, thanks!

[@rayhuckell7263]

Beautiful melodic interpretation with fabulous substitutions and embellishments. Can't wit to try them..

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Ray Huckell Thanks, Ray. I appreciate you comment and I'm glad you like what I did w/ this re-harm. Keep watching!

[@timwells6011]

Love your playing man! Thanks for all the amazing tutorials!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Tim, for the support and comment...keeps me going.

[@terryalvarado1754]

Thanks Kent, starting to feel those changes.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

It is feeling, ears, memory, one's passion and soul, it's all part of it.

[@vinx002]

Really really good lesson. Good job man, thanks a lot

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad you liked it!

[@MikeHenrick1]

It’s funny, I haven’t got a clue what you just said, I’ve got a headache, I take the basic chords and mess about and my internal voice, tells me what’s right, I play Gmin instead of maj at the beginning, and the use some things I’ve picked up. But your theory is way beyond anything I’d ever understand, but I’d say sometimes people get so hung up on theory they forget what sounds nice or right to people ears.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You are right...theory is just academic...what you hear and feel is more important. ..It's a personal thing.

[@jimandangiegeorge2392]

Hey, Kent, I just applied your teaching here to your arrangement of My Funny Valentine, substituting A7 for Eb7 in the 6th bar of the bridge. Sounds great. Learn something new every day!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Jim, that's a great place to use the tritone substitute. Thanks for telling me!

[@adf51986]

Great Reharmonization for a great Master of Piano !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You honor me, sir...many thanks!

[@marinduque-theheartoftheph]

Awesome insights for an equally awesome song!.Thank you Kent, as always.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the compliment! Wish I'd written it.....I tried to be a good composer...not easy.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Awesome song...yes! I appreciate that you enjoy the insights...keeps me going! Thanks!

[@Chipshotz]

This video is priceless and your explanation is excellent. Thanks so much.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks... that's a great affirmation!

[@elkanfrank]

Love your videos! Great teaching and playing. I'm learning a lot from you. Thanks!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Elkan Frank Thanks for letting me know...I'm really glad to hear that!

[@dsgtms]

Simply beautiful. Awesome.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the affirmation!

[@phyllishesford428]

Well Kent, that was extremely beautiful and impressive ...

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you, Phyllis. All your comments are some of my favorites!

[@phyllishesford428]

Your talent is overwhelming and I am happy you appreciate my truly sincere words of admiration....You're cool man!!! HA HA .....@@KentHewittpiano88

[@debthomas3714]

I would give just about anything to sing this for you - your work is clean, and frank, and the lesson is an essential one. For a vocalist, I would of course, give this the evocative phrasing, the emotion, the color the work inspires. There is so much room for improvisation, but also to stay w/in harmonies. Oh, I don't know what I'm talking about -you brought out the mechanics - yes. And I hear all the progressions in my head. I have a question - you eloquently - and wayyyy above my understanding, explained the progression and the resolution (is that correct way to say it) - of the reaching chords. But don't you think some song stylists do this naturally, instinctively? I believe that this is true - and would love to hear you talk about phrase-ology. I'm just a singer, in search of a pianist like you. Thank you for your work- and your easy way of explaining things!

[@ttwa5328]

Very Nice Ken!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you!

[@Victor48323]

Hi Kent, I LOVE your videos and your cool personality!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you.... and comments like yours keep me inspired!

[@giorgioscriabin8725]

Beautiful Sir!!!! thank you... I love it.. Wishes from Italy, Como lake. Franco

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I was there, and loved it! Thanks for writing and watching! Please join the jazz ranch.

[@ofirgaash]

Hi kent! First of all, your lessons are just amazing. So informative and straight forward. Thank you so much for uploading them, keep doing it! Secodly, I can't find the sheet music with the reharmonization in your website, can you send me the link?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hi, thanks for the comment. Please write to my email address and I'll try to give you the info. [e-mail]

[@baribarium]

Great ideas, a lot of fantasy. Thank you.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for a wonderful comment, esp the fantasy part!

[@cbro777]

Another yummy favorite tune of mine you've demonstrated beautifully sir.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Chuck I've always loved this tune and it's a good one to reharmonize. Thanks for the comment!

[@blameJake]

Thanks, Kent! Great stuff! Just beautiful. I've been serenading my wife with this song. Now I'll give it some sweet twists. :-) Thanks, again!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Steve...great song... and I can remember those days when you could serenade a lady with your piano playing...nothing better!

[@dutchguy7299]

great video! I wonder, at 06:07 isnt it overcomplex to call that an Fm7 or Fm6? isnt it merely a Bflat dominant 7, with alt bassnote F? enharmonic the same, though a Bb7/F chord reads easier imho.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You can certainly do that, and Bb7/F is correct. However in jazz we look to create 2-5 progressions, esp. for improvisation, so the implication of Fm7 to Bb7 in the 2nd measure allows for more creativity w/ improv, and using all those 2-5 improv exercises you've worked... on to be used.

[@lisaamusic]

GREAT

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks!

[@masamiteraoka3287]

Thank you so much!!! Great lessons!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@Robert-ts2ef]

So lush and full and the best arrangement that I have ever heard and I would love to be able to play the full piece. Can I buy the transcription from you Kent?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Roibert, I don't have a written out arrangement ...all I have is a lead sheet that I worked up the reharmonization with. Thanks for commenting!

[@stylzkeyz]

I want to say thank you for teaching on reharming chords. You do it so eloquently. I just have one suggestion. I would like that when ever you do a reharm video you do the original version and reharm version so we can tell difference in the chords and the moments. Some of us are young, never played or listened to jazz, and may be gospel or christian musicians striving to increase our craft. I really love the "Somewhere over the Rainbow video" because of both versions and comparisons. Again just a humble request from a "for life" music student. Thank You so much Mr.Hewitt Btw very interested in purchasing your reharm book. How?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Stylz Keyz Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you saw my "Over The Rainbow" video because I did exactly what you requested. I also did it on my " Love Me Tender" video here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZemnYaVhNWhrLs I also did it on my Auld Lang Syne video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5-7f4mjesqZa5o Please check out my past videos for more on this techniques. Free score downloads for these tutorials are also available on my website. which is an extra feature that you don't see many places. Thanks!

[@lewismartiniello9441]

+Kent Hewitt I am definitely following your tutorials on a regular basis.

[@EspaTuLaFielD]

you did it! ;D beautiful this was exactly what I was looking for

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+EspaTuLaFielD That's great to hear. I really appreciate hearing that kind of comment!

[@lewismartiniello9441]

+Kent Hewitt Thank you so much. I have been accumulating ideas for many yrs. & this video is helping to pull it all together & is so enjoyable. Am a bit befuddled w/the verbiage. Your improv. is terrific. Kudos for helping others so much.

[@BMarPiano]

Very helpful - thanks!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad...thanks for the comment!

[@BAwesomeDesign]

Kent, I do appreciate this. This one seemed to hit home for me a bit more than average. I liked the idea of having a rule as to when to use the V7 approach to I... I'm guessing you'd use this in unusual chord progressions where you might want to approach the I differently--where you actually use a ii-V-I instead of what's on the sheet. Using the tritone in place of the fifth seems like a good idea too... as it seems to end up as the relative flatted ii. You said in the video that the diminished approach from below was usually used in place of a V, right? I didn't catch what the function of approaching from above would be. Great stuff, though. Right in the sweet spot. Really appreciate it.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+BAwesomeDesign I'm glad this "hits home" and thanks for a very perceptive comment....I can see that you are understanding what I'm trying to put across. So all your deductions are perfectly correct . The diminished chord can approach from above or below ...it has many functions but I always try to understand it from the half-step approach.

[@FatGuySkinnyWallet]

First of all, I love all of your videos! Thank you so much for taking your time to share your knowledge with us. Question about the 4-chord being minor (around 14:20 ): I've seen some people notate what would be a flat 3rd as a sharp 9 instead. So in this case you'd still voice the e of the Cm chord as well as the E-flat (D#). Is that just preference in sound or is there some "rule" about when to do this? Thanks!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You could use a C7#9 there but the composer chose a Cm7. It's an altered chord not in the G scale system, I like the minor sound there and then when it comes around again at the end of the song it's major. Very original idea. The only rule is you can alter chords to your own taste (if it sounds good, and the composer doesn't roll over).

[@FatGuySkinnyWallet]

@@KentHewittpiano88 Thank you for replying with that explanation. I like that it's as simple as "if it sounds good" lol!

[@joeblakeukeman]

The Cm7 - don’t think of it as the IV of G - is heard as the ii of the Bb, like, hey! we’ve turned a corner, heading for a new key, another ii-V-I.

[@razzieb695]

This is actually the only video where I understood how reharmonization works. I will try to apply this to my songs! Do you know the song "I'm Confessin that I love you"} It would be wonderful if you do a video about this specifically about stride of thelonious monk. Or A ballade way to play this with the application of reharm! Anyways another great video THANK YOU!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Razzie B Monk had a nice solo version...He may have played stride style on it. I hope you heard my other videos where I played stride style. Thanks for all your comments...keep at it!

[@razzieb695]

I really liked the stride you did at "It had to be you" that must be one of my favorite songs now! Do you have a leadsheet for it? I cant seem to find the music at your website! I would appreciate it if you ahve it thanks :D

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Razzie B I will be doing another video on that song and will have an arrangement up soon, thanks!

[@carguy3460]

As a novice, it is bewildering that anyone could remember so many chords, even if broken into 2-5-1s 1-4-5s and whatever other shenanigans and goings on are cycling.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

For a novice, I'm sure that's true. It's all learned over a period of years, depending on one's desire and aptitude. Try starting with my beginner series and easy jazz lessons: kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists

[@tyler1820]

Thanks for the lesson! I have a question, at around 9:00 when you do the tritone sub for the Bb7, what makes the Bb in the E7 a #11 as opposed to a b5?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+tyler1820 Most of the techniques here are spread voicings which means I'm building the chords from bottom to top over two octaves (and 2 hands) so the #11 is in the right hand and is above the b7 in the left hand. You have to count up from the bottom note so it's the 11th step of the scale plus one- half step. The b5 would be an octave lower. (it's the same note as the b5, but an octave higher). Thanks for the question.

[@adf51986]

Thank you for these videos Maestro !I come from Martinique and i would like work with you

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment!

[@josephdupont]

Maybe I should have saved Those leftover dreams Funny But here's that rainy day Here's that rainy day They told me about And I laughed at the thought That it might turn out this way Where is that worn out wish That I threw aside After it brought my love so near Funny how love becomes A cold rainy day Funny That rainy day is here It's funny How love becomes A cold rainy day Funny That rainy day is here

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Another great one!

[@stylzkeyz]

Thank you so much for your response. Can I make a request? Might you consider a tutorial on Caravan? Again Thank you. And in the words of Barry Harris "I showed you how its done now you do the other 11 keys" lol So Im off to practice

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Stylz Keyz Hey Keyz...that's so cool. Yes, Barry is one of the greats and there's so few left. I had the pleasure of hearing so many of them through the years and maybe that's how I learned what I know today. So I'm happy to pass it on to all of you. I'll put Caravan on the "TO DO' list.

[@otisskopik1400]

great

[@geralddavis5458]

Good morning hope your doing well Gerald here can you do a vid of timing specifically on measures I here you saying now we're already at the third measure and I'm thinking how he know that or do you learn you music from sheet music...thank you in advance

[@KentHewittpiano88]

It comes from knowing the song well...I've played this song for years. Generally I learn from different sources. I like the original sheet music, plus lead sheets for various fakebooks, and recordings of the song by different artists. The original sheet music is probably closest to what the composer intended unless you have a recording of the composer playing it...like Mercer plays Mercer.

[@raydewey1]

Sounds great but I wondered why in bar six (Lyrs: Here's that rainy day...) you played d, e, a, c, b? Was this intentional as I have always played it d, F#, a, d, b. I noticed you did it twice so maybe I have been playing the wrong melody?

[@raydewey1]

Sorry I meant that I play is d, F#, a, c, b. In other world second note F# rather than E. Thanks and this is great work you're doing.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Ray. You're playing the composer's correct melody. The only difference is I played an E instead of an F#. Call it musical (poetic) license if you wish. All (most) jazz musicians change melody notes to their personal preference...singers even do it more often. Sorry if it's confusing. You'll see on the score I provided that the note is in fact F#. storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-26455100/documents/585d7c4a3eb44MQzgCdg/Here's%20That%20Rainy%20Day.pdf

[@markbra]

Thank you so much. Do you have something reharmonizing with "constant stuctures"

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's not a term I'm familiar with..sorry.

[@JoseRodriguez-cw1jd]

is there any way you could send me the lead sheet for the song stairway to the stars,,is really hard to get it...

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Jose Rodriguez Jose, there's a basic lead sheet available now on my website under the category Music Downloads. Scroll all the way down. www.kenthewitt.com/

[@dialupmodem6583]

I have no idea how Gmaj7 could work to a Bbaug with an Fm6

[@KentHewittpiano88]

What measure are you referring to? These are substitute chords.

[@BillSmith-rx9rm]

I think music theory is as difficult as is calculus.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's interesting...I got a C in Geometry.