>>> BRUNO: ...you will find IIm7 V7 I progressions in just about all music. Sometimes you will find V7 I, (G7 C)or V7 (G7 Cm)without the I chord, I normally treat them as IIm7 V7 I progression. >>>>

Thanks to Bruno and to all who responded. Your advice is very helpful. I know something about what Bruno is describing. I have studied harmony and can work out the kinds of substitutions and scales that he is talking about - on paper. My challenge now is to develop the kind of fluency that piano players have, where you can handle these changes and subs and scales in real time. What I am requesting is songs that will help me with practicing.

I have been working on "Try a little tenderness" for the past few days. This song starts with a just-plain I-vi-ii-V-I progression. (Eb-Cm-Fm7-Bb). Then it goes into some very interesting substitutions that give this song its particular flavor. I have learned a lot by working through and developing my understanding of these changes. I can now work these changes in a couple different ways in real time. What I am requesting is this:

Can y'all suggest some other songs that will help me to practice these skills?

Douglas Wolfe

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