Solar, pronounced so-LAHR by the jazz community (attributed to Miles), rather than the usual SO-ler, is still popular and often called at jam sessions, encores, and occasionally on programs. The relative simplicity of its form (only 12 bars) and harmony (Cm with a string of [slow/chord-per-bar] ii-V-Is make it easy to memorize and blow over yet this simplicity allows for much creativity and stretching out for the soloist and accompanists.
Solar, on Walkin by Miles Davis All Stars with Horace Silver, Percy Heath, etc., is taken at a relaxed, medium swing tempo and features Miles with his famous muted tone.
Keith Jarretts Tribute CD features a more aggressive and quicker version.
Roland Davis, composer, performer www.RolandDavis.com
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