Improvising on "Old Devil Moon"

[Gheorghe]

I just want to ask you musicians about that great tune.

Of course I know the form of the song, but is it true that for the solos most musicians omit the last 4 bars ? 

I have listened to some records, one of it by Clifford Jordan and the Magic Triangle, and one by Bud Powell.

Sure I also know the Miles Davis version, but that one is in Eb and I have to play it for someone who want´s it in F.

So please, tell me if I´m right and on solos you just play the form, but not the last 4 bars, or am I wrong ? 

[Daniel A]

I couldn't say what way is the most common, but I have heard a couple of different recordings with J.J.Johnson and he always seem to include those four bara.

I think it's a nice way to conclude a solo and if you're doing several choruses I like to hear it at least in the final chorus.

 

[Gheorghe]

Yes you are right, I heard it. 

It´s good that way, easier to memorize, I mean I don´t like to have sheet on the piano, so you are right, I just keep the form of the song the way I have memorized it and play the solos just in the form. 😀

[JSngry]

Check with whoever you're playing it with to see if that's the way they do it or not before the gig.

[Gheorghe]

On 9/10/2025 at 8:16 PM, JSngry said:

Check with whoever you're playing it with to see if that's the way they do it or not before the gig.

yes thats it, I ask the tenor player the way he wants to do it.