Eddie Harris (1934–1996) was a pioneering jazz saxophonist known for his electric saxophone, his hit “Freedom Jazz Dance,” and his deeply original approach to improvisation. In the 1970s, he self-published a book and method titled The Intervallistic Concept , which lays out his personal system for jazz improvisation based on rather than traditional chord-scale theory.
Harris frequently moved across the horn in parallel intervals, a technique that sounds both modern and angular. Instead of connecting chords step-wise, he would leap, creating a "patched" or discontinuous melodic line that sounded remarkably smooth despite the large gaps. 2. The Use of "Patched" Phrasing
Intervallistic Concept By Eddie Harris - Jamey Aebersold Jazz eddie harris intervallistic concept pdf patched
: Bypassing traditional step-by-step linear motion to build muscle memory and a mental map based on the physical distance between notes.
The book is structured into multiple volumes (often bundled into one edition) that provide hundreds of studies to develop technical, harmonic, and rhythmic resources. INTERVALLISTIC CONCEPT: Eddie Harris: - Ejazzlines.com Eddie Harris (1934–1996) was a pioneering jazz saxophonist
The result? Atonal, angular, yet singing lines that sound like no one else. You can hear this concept in Harris’s own playing on tracks like "Freedom Jazz Dance" (though recorded before the book’s formal release) and his later 1970s recordings.
Eddie Harris was a brilliant multi-instrumentalist, inventor, and theorist. Beyond his commercial success with hits like "Compared to What," his deep theoretical approach revolutionized how saxophonists navigated the instrument. The Core Philosophy Instead of connecting chords step-wise, he would leap,
Eddie Harris didn't just teach notes; he taught a mindset. His book is famous for "Eddieisms" that challenge standard musical rules: if played in succession. No wrong notes , only wrong connections. No wrong chords , only wrong progressions. Musical sound is the beauty of life itself. 🎼 What’s Inside the Method?
It focuses on altissimo playing, complex syncopation, and rapid chord substitution.
This method is frequently found in online libraries, including sources similar to the Scribd Skips document or sheet music repositories . Why Study Intervallsitics (Skips)?
: Explores complex concepts such as superimposing intervals, polytonality, altissimo playing, and asymmetrical meters. Volume III: Practical Application