An Argument for a Harmolodic Approach to Jazz Instruction— “Kathelin Gray” and “Peace”

Often the fixed harmonic scheme of a composition is construed by many Jazz educators to be the rubric for improvisation instruction. “Playing the changes” over compositions such as “Giant Steps” or “Cherokee” is how many of us sharpened our Jazz teeth. Playing the “right notes” over the changes is understood to be a way to “successfully improvise.” Regrettably, this does not address the inter-human dynamic, nor does it honor anyone but the so-called soloist. Worse, it puts the other members of the band in a subservient position. The non-soloing musicians are placed “underneath,” as “servants” in terms of function, power, and substance. Harmolodics disposes of that dynamic entirely. The legendary drummer Roy Haynes reportedly summed up Harmolodics beautifully: “everybody soloing; nobody soloing.” Everyone’s freedom is respected, honored, and needed.