Estate Jazz Piano Tutorial
Estate is an Italian song written by Bruno Martino. The tune made it’s way into the jazz standard repertoire thanks to the well know Brazilian singer, songwriter and guitarist: Joao Gilberto who created a bossa nova interpretation of the song.
It can be played both as a ballad and a bossa, but in this lesson we’re going to approach the tune with a ballad feel and we’ll be playing quite freely in places.
We’ll start off playing the first section with some simple spread voicings, outlining the roots 3rds and 7ths of the chords and the melody on top.
We’ll then play through again with extended and altered voicings to create a richer and more colorful harmonic palate.
We’ll also be adding in some melodic fills and decoration to keep things interesting when the melody or harmony is static.
Related Lessons
In a minor 251, the 5 chord will be an altered dominant chord. In this lesson we apply altered dominant chords to the major 251 progression.
Upper structure triads are complex sounding altered dominant chords. They will add texture and sophistication to your playing.
Extended chords create a richer and more complex sound than triads and 7th chords and are used to create more interesting progressions.
Beautiful recordings Lori… the Chet and guitar combo is sublime!
Likewise his recordings are often the first place I go to when I’m learning a new tune. I hadn’t heard that version, it’s lovely.
And yes I’m a big fan of Toots – he had such a warm and upbeat sound. Check out “Affinity” which is a duo album with him and Bill Evans. They play a number of the tunes we have covered on PianoGroove including “Blue In Green”, “Days Of Wine & Roses” and also “Body & Soul”. It’s a real nice album… One of my favourites!
Last fall, I jammed with a jazz harmonica player in Vancouver, B.C. (he was naturally a big fan of Toots) and so we played all 3 of those tunes which was a lovely experience. We had a drummer but no bass player which suited me fine as I play mostly solo piano and so I had no problem including the root in my voicings.
Hayden, this piece of music and your arrangement is absolutely beautiful. I have listened to it multiple times — trying to get myself ready to learn it. I keep getting caught up in listening to it instead of learning…ha ha ha…Thanks for playing it completely through at the end of the video. Very beautiful and inspiring. I’m sure i’ll have some theory questions as I begin to actual start playing it.
Thanks Lonnie, I’m glad you like the arrangement.
I think that’s a very good way to start out with learning a new tune… listen to as many different versions as possible.
I always recommend that students get into the habit of this and so it’s great that you are doing this naturally. So much can be learnt from just listening!
Sure thing, any questions let me know 🙂
Cheers, Hayden
Instantly – loving this song! Amazing lesson – Thank you, Hayden!