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Author:  J. Jagelka Posted:  7/2/01; 4:57:35 AM Topic:  Giant Steps Msg#:  2000 (in response to 1999) Prev/Next:  1999/2001 Reads:  4105

Dave,

That is one helluva labor of love you just went through.  I would like to add a bit about the structure for those interested. 

By moving the key centers in major thirds the form is self-limiting as B - G - Eb - G etc. just repeats.  We can go down: B - G - Eb - B or up B - Eb - G - B.  how does Coltrane achieve variety?  The first sequence is down B - G - Eb. Now what?  Modulate back up one key center and repeat the downward move, G - Eb - B.  Most mortals, having discovered a workable pattern would repeat it a third time by modulating back up a key and doing it again, Eb - B - G covering all three keys. Coltrane starts this pattern but cuts it short after the first move to Eb and then repeats the upward pattern to G to B to Eb (end) or then to B to repeat.  An excellent solution.  One that adds variety yet keeps a logical structure.

A word about the melody.  Although Giant Steps seems like just a set of great chord voicings there is a logical melody there too.  In the chords Coltrane discovered the notes that spell out first a downward Gmaj7 arpeggio and then an Ebmaj7 arpeggio, two of the keys involved.  The Bmaj7 is only implied as he then starts his upward movement.  Both arpeggios then imply a change to the minor with the fifth note ie: F#, D, B, G, Bb and D, Bb, G, Eb, F#(Gb).  This melodic device is familiar enough to our ears to tie the whole thing together and make it a lyrical melody and not just chord changes.

Joe

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