Style:

Latin

Form:

A-A-B-A (32 Bars) [8-8-8-8]

Arrangements:

It is not uncommon for arrangements to change to a swing feel for the bridge. A short 8 bar introduction which revolves around a bII7 - I7 vamp is often included. Additionally, a brief coda is also sometimes used as a send-off to begin the solos, and also to end the performance.

Key:

C Major

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition while rather complex is mainly functional. The key centers change frequently with secondary Dominants, tri-tone substitutions, and various II - V's. A descending bassline is also used to string the changes together with several chord inversions. The melody however is rather simple, being made up almost entirely of half notes.

Recordings:

"Con Alma" translates from Spanish to "with soul". This song has been recorded over 190 times to date. Dizzy Gillespie first introduced it on his 1954 album Afro, and would also record it on several other occasions throughout his career. It is one of Dizzy's many contributions to the standard repertoire, and despite being conceived with a Latin feel it is a very versatile tune that has seen a wide variety of treatments over the years.

JGC Top Picks:

Roy Haynes, Just Us, 1960

Stan Getz, Sweet Rain, 1967

Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson and dizzy Gillespie, 1974