Get your Valentine’s Day giggles with My Funny Valentine – the hilarious real book for lovebirds!
Discover the hilarious and heartwarming story of My Funny Valentine, a real-life tale of love, laughter, and unexpected surprises!
My Funny Valentine is a classic jazz standard that has been performed by countless musicians over the years. The song was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. Since then, it has become one of the most popular love songs of all time, with its catchy melody and clever lyrics. But what many people don't realize is that My Funny Valentine is also a real book, meaning that it has been transcribed and published as sheet music for musicians to play.
If you're a jazz musician, chances are you've encountered My Funny Valentine in some form or another. Whether you're playing in a big band or a small combo, this tune is a staple of the repertoire. And for good reason - its haunting melody and unusual chord changes make it a challenging yet rewarding piece to play. But what exactly is a real book? And how does it differ from other types of sheet music?
A real book is a collection of lead sheets, which are simplified versions of songs that show the melody, lyrics, and chord changes. Unlike traditional sheet music, which typically includes a piano arrangement and detailed instructions for how to play the song, lead sheets are designed to be a quick reference for musicians who already know how to improvise. Real books are often used in jazz and other improvisational genres because they allow musicians to quickly learn new songs and perform them on the spot.
One of the interesting things about My Funny Valentine is that it has been covered by so many different artists in so many different styles. From Chet Baker's melancholy trumpet solo to Frank Sinatra's smooth crooning, every rendition of this song brings something unique to the table. And because it's a real book tune, each musician can put their own spin on the melody and chord changes, making it a never-ending source of inspiration.
Another thing that makes My Funny Valentine such a great tune is its unusual structure. Unlike many other jazz standards, which follow a predictable AABA form, this song has a more complex ABAC structure. This means that the melody and chord changes change slightly on each repeat, creating a sense of tension and release that keeps the listener engaged. It also makes it a great tune for improvisation, since there are so many different ways to approach each section.
Of course, My Funny Valentine isn't just a great tune for musicians - it's also a beloved love song that has resonated with audiences for decades. The lyrics, which compare a lover to a funny valentine with looks that laughable and unphotographable, are both witty and poignant. They capture the bittersweet nature of love - the way it can be both funny and sad, beautiful and messy, all at the same time.
In conclusion, My Funny Valentine is much more than just a classic love song - it's also a challenging and rewarding tune for jazz musicians to play. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, this real book tune is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and inspiration. So grab your instrument and get ready to fall in love with My Funny Valentine all over again!
Introduction
My Funny Valentine is a jazz standard that was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1937. It has become a popular tune for jazz musicians to play, and it appears in many Real Books. The Real Book is a collection of lead sheets, which are musical scores that show the melody, chords, and lyrics of a song.The Story Behind My Funny Valentine
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote My Funny Valentine for the musical Babes in Arms. The song was sung by Mitzi Green in the show, and it became an instant hit. The song's lyrics describe the imperfections of the person being sung to, but also their lovable qualities. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.What is a Real Book?
A Real Book is a collection of lead sheets that are used by jazz musicians. The lead sheet shows the melody, chords, and lyrics of a song, and it allows musicians to play together without having to rehearse extensively. Many Real Books are illegal because they contain copyrighted songs without permission from the owners. However, there are now legal versions available for purchase.Using My Funny Valentine as a Practice Tune
Many jazz musicians use My Funny Valentine as a practice tune because it is a slow ballad that allows for improvisation. The melody is simple, and the chord changes are easy to follow. Practicing this song can help musicians improve their phrasing, improvisation skills, and overall musicianship.Playing My Funny Valentine in Different Keys
One of the benefits of using lead sheets is that they can be transposed into different keys. Jazz musicians often play My Funny Valentine in different keys, depending on the vocalist or soloist. Transposing a song into a different key can also help musicians improve their ability to play in different keys.The Importance of Memorizing Songs
Many jazz musicians memorize songs like My Funny Valentine so that they can play them without looking at the lead sheet. Memorization allows for more freedom in improvisation and can improve a musician's overall confidence on stage. However, it is important to remember that memorization takes time and practice.Playing My Funny Valentine with a Group
Playing My Funny Valentine with a group requires communication and collaboration. Musicians must listen to each other and adjust their playing accordingly. This type of playing can lead to new and exciting musical ideas, and it can improve a musician's ability to play with others.The Role of My Funny Valentine in Jazz History
My Funny Valentine has become an important part of jazz history because of its popularity and versatility. The song has been played in many different styles, from swing to bebop to bossa nova. It has also been covered by countless artists, making it a staple in the jazz repertoire.Conclusion
My Funny Valentine is a timeless jazz standard that has stood the test of time. Its simple melody and chord changes make it an ideal practice tune for jazz musicians. The Real Book has made it easy for musicians to access the song and play it in different keys. As a result, it has become an important part of jazz history and a beloved tune for jazz enthusiasts around the world.Introduction to My Funny Valentine Real Book
The My Funny Valentine Real Book is a collection of jazz standards that has stood the test of time. It contains the chords and melodies for 400 songs, including the iconic My Funny Valentine. The book is an essential tool for any jazz musician, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out.History of the Song My Funny Valentine
My Funny Valentine was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. The song was introduced by Mitzi Green, who played the role of Billie Smith in the show. However, it wasn't until Chet Baker recorded his version in 1952 that the song became a jazz standard.The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a favorite of jazz musicians for decades. Its popularity has led to countless recordings by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Frank Sinatra.Overview of the Real Book Concept
The Real Book is a series of fake books that contain lead sheets for jazz standards. The first volume was created in the 1970s by a group of Berklee College of Music students who wanted a more comprehensive collection of jazz tunes than what was available at the time.The Real Book quickly became essential reading for jazz musicians around the world. The books are known for their accuracy and attention to detail, making them the go-to resource for jazz musicians of all levels.Features of the My Funny Valentine Real Book
The My Funny Valentine Real Book contains the chords and melody for over 400 jazz standards. The book is spiral-bound, making it easy to use while playing an instrument. It also includes helpful features such as a chord index, a song title index, and a composer index.The book is organized alphabetically by song title, making it easy to find the song you're looking for. Each song includes the chord changes and melody, as well as suggested fingerings for guitarists and bassists.Arrangements and Transcriptions in the Book
The My Funny Valentine Real Book contains a variety of arrangements and transcriptions for each song. Some songs have multiple versions with different chord progressions or melodies. This allows musicians to choose the arrangement that best suits their playing style.The book also includes transcriptions of famous recordings of each song. This is particularly useful for jazz musicians who want to learn from the masters and incorporate their techniques into their own playing.Tips for Using the My Funny Valentine Real Book
The My Funny Valentine Real Book can be overwhelming at first, with its hundreds of songs and countless arrangements. Here are some tips for using the book effectively:1. Start with the songs you know: If you're new to jazz, start with the songs you're familiar with. This will make it easier to learn the chord changes and melody.2. Use the suggested fingerings: The book includes suggested fingerings for guitarists and bassists. Use these fingerings until you're comfortable enough to come up with your own.3. Listen to recordings: The Real Book is great, but it's no substitute for listening to recordings of the songs you're playing. This will help you understand the nuances of the melody and the rhythm.Notable Performances of My Funny Valentine
My Funny Valentine has been recorded by countless jazz musicians over the years. Here are some notable performances:1. Chet Baker: Baker's 1952 recording of My Funny Valentine is considered one of the definitive versions of the song.2. Miles Davis: Davis recorded My Funny Valentine on his 1964 album Four & More. His version is known for its intense, emotional solo.3. Ella Fitzgerald: Fitzgerald recorded My Funny Valentine on her 1956 album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook. Her version is a masterclass in vocal interpretation.Fun Facts About the Song and Real Book
- My Funny Valentine was initially written as a lullaby for the character Baby June in Babes in Arms.- The first edition of the Real Book was illegal, as it contained copyrighted material without permission from the owners.- The Real Book was eventually made legal, and subsequent editions have been authorized by the copyright holders.Reviews and Feedback on the My Funny Valentine Real Book
The My Funny Valentine Real Book has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from musicians and critics alike. Users praise the book's accuracy and comprehensive collection of jazz standards. Many musicians consider it an essential resource for learning and playing jazz.Conclusion and Final Thoughts on the Book
The My Funny Valentine Real Book is a must-have for any jazz musician. Its comprehensive collection of jazz standards and accurate arrangements make it an invaluable resource for learning and playing jazz. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the My Funny Valentine Real Book is an essential tool for any jazz musician's toolkit.My Funny Valentine Real Book: A Perspective
Pros of My Funny Valentine Real Book:
- Provides accurate notations and chords for the song My Funny Valentine
- Has many variations and arrangements to choose from
- Can be used as a reference for jazz musicians who want to learn the song
Cons of My Funny Valentine Real Book:
- May not have the exact arrangement or version a musician is looking for
- Some of the notations can be difficult to read or interpret for beginners
- Only includes one song, limiting its usefulness in a performance or practice setting
Table Comparison:
Criteria | My Funny Valentine Real Book | Other Jazz Songbooks |
---|---|---|
Accuracy of Notations | ✓ | ✓ |
Variety of Arrangements | ✓ | ✓ |
User-Friendliness | ✗ | ✓ |
Number of Songs Included | 1 | Many |
Keywords:
My Funny Valentine Real Book, jazz musicians, notations, chords, accurate, variations, arrangements, jazz songbooks
Thank You for Reading About My Funny Valentine Real Book
Dear readers,
Thank you for taking the time to read about my funny Valentine real book. It has been a pleasure sharing my thoughts and experiences with you. I hope that you found the article informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking.
If you are a music lover or a jazz enthusiast, then I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of the My Funny Valentine real book. This book is a must-have for any serious musician who wants to learn and play classic jazz standards.
The My Funny Valentine real book contains the sheet music for over 400 jazz standards, including the iconic ballad My Funny Valentine. The book is designed for musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and provides accurate transcriptions of each song.
Whether you are a pianist, guitarist, saxophonist, or any other type of instrumentalist, this book has something for you. Each song is written in standard notation and chord symbols, making it easy to follow along and learn.
The book also includes helpful features such as intros, endings, and solos, which add depth and complexity to the songs. Additionally, the book features songs from a variety of jazz genres, including swing, bebop, and cool jazz.
One thing that sets the My Funny Valentine real book apart from other jazz books is its attention to detail. The transcriptions are accurate and faithful to the original recordings, allowing musicians to learn the songs exactly as they were played by the greats.
Furthermore, the book is compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for gigs, rehearsals, or practice sessions. It is also durable and well-made, ensuring that it will last for years to come.
In conclusion, the My Funny Valentine real book is an essential resource for any jazz musician. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, this book has something to offer. So, go out and get yourself a copy today!
Thank you once again for reading about my funny Valentine real book. I hope that you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
Until next time,
Happy playing!
People Also Ask About My Funny Valentine Real Book
What is My Funny Valentine Real Book?
My Funny Valentine Real Book is a collection of jazz standards that features the song My Funny Valentine as its main title. It is a popular resource for jazz musicians and includes lead sheets, lyrics, chord changes, and arrangements for various instruments.
Who wrote My Funny Valentine?
The song My Funny Valentine was written by composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Lorenz Hart. It first appeared in the 1937 musical Babes in Arms, where it was performed by Mitzi Green.
What other songs are included in the My Funny Valentine Real Book?
Aside from My Funny Valentine, the My Funny Valentine Real Book includes over 400 other jazz standards. Some of the most popular titles include All Blues, Autumn Leaves, Cherokee, Giant Steps, and Take the A Train.
Is the My Funny Valentine Real Book suitable for beginners?
The My Funny Valentine Real Book is primarily intended for intermediate to advanced jazz musicians. While beginners may find some of the songs challenging, they can still use the book as a resource to learn about jazz harmony and improvisation.
Where can I buy the My Funny Valentine Real Book?
The My Funny Valentine Real Book is widely available at music stores and online retailers. Some popular options include Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Sheet Music Plus.
Can I legally download the My Funny Valentine Real Book for free?
No, downloading the My Funny Valentine Real Book for free would be a violation of copyright law. The book is protected by copyright, and purchasing a legal copy is necessary to support the creators and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their work.
What is the history behind My Funny Valentine?
My Funny Valentine has become one of the most beloved jazz standards of all time. The song's lyrics describe a lover who is flawed but still cherished, making it a favorite among romantic audiences. Over the years, it has been covered by countless artists, including Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, and Miles Davis.