Jelly Roll Morton learned to play piano at age 10, and within a few years he was playing in the red-light district bordellos, where he earned the nickname "Jelly Roll." Blending the styles of ragtime and minstrelsy with dance rhythms, he was at the forefront of a movement that would soon be known as "jazz." He is regarded as the first true jazz composer and was the first to write down his jazz arrangements – and a number of his compositions became jazz staples.

We will study one song and two instrumentals from Jelly Roll Morton's vast repertoire. Each tune will open up a world of chord voicings and bass counterpoint to push your hands to the limit.

Sweet Substitute was one of the last songs written by Jelly Roll Morton. It was first recorded and released by the Jelly Roll Morton Seven in 1940. The tune is a slow number with rich chord changes.

Grandpa's Spells is an early jazz song by Jelly Roll Morton. A multi-strain piece in a classic ragtime mold. He recorded it for Gennett Records on July 18, 1923. It was released in 1924.

Seattle Hunch was written by Jelly Roll Morton and was first released in 1929. It is a multi-strain piece with finger-twisting counterpoint between the bass and melody.

A PDF booklet has all the arrangements written out in tab, music and chord grids and can be found on the DVD.

78 minutes • Level 3 • Detailed tab/music PDF file on the DVD