Tomi Vartiainen

Combined Improvised Single Note Melody Line and Chord Comping for Jazz Guitar OBJECTIVES FOR MY DOCTORAL RESEARCH The main goal of this doctoral research is to develop my own jazz expression towards interactive, communicative and rhythmically swinging playing in a jazz band. I am developing an approach for myself by combining the chord comping with single note melody improvisation. This synthesis is somewhat less common as a stylistic means of expression but still a vital part of the jazz guitar tradition. The artistic part of my research plan consists of two recordings and three concerts. In them, I study the possibilities of adapting a typical two-handed jazz piano expression for the guitar in which chord comping is integrated into improvisational single-note melodies. In my doctoral research, I study this mode of expression with the rhythm section. The starting point for my doctoral research and my topic was very practical. For the past few years, I’ve focused on performing with my guitar trio and developing as a player in situations where I don’t have an accompanying instrument in my lineup. To build desired musical energy, it has been important to develop content for playing in which interactive band communication would play a key role.

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