JAZZ THEORY MASTERCLASS

Funkallero: The Quirky Harmonic Wit of Bill Evans

Funkallero is a strikingly modern and harmonically witty composition by the legendary pianist Bill Evans. First recorded in the early 1960s, it is a 16-bar tune that combines a quirky, rhythmic head with a sophisticated and rapidly shifting harmonic landscape.

Funkallero: Inside the Music

Every standard has a story, and Funkallero (in key of C) is a masterclass in songwriting and a foundational canvas for improvisation. Let's explore its unique approach to Bill Evans's rhythmic motifs and non-traditional minor resolutions..

A Musician's Perspective & Background

Evans reportedly loved performing this tune, as it provided a perfect vehicle for his specific approach to 'rhythmic displacement' and complex chord voicings.

Interactive Soloing Laboratory

Use the controls below to visualize key harmonic moments on the fretboard and circle of fifths.

Harmonic Deep-Dive

The harmony of Funkallero is distinctive for its rapid use of secondary dominants and its 'jagged' minor-key resolutions. It doesn't move in standard ii-V-I cadences; instead, it uses a series of unexpected shifts that keep both the listener and the performer on their toes.

Cm7 (i)

Intervals: root, b3, 5, b7

D7alt (II7)

Intervals: root, 3, 5, b7

G7alt (V7)

Intervals: root, 3, 5, b7

Melodic Ideas to Try

The melody is famously 'quirky,' built on a series of short, rhythmic motifs and 'crushed' notes that mimic the percussive attack of the piano. It has a 'staccato' and playful character that demands precise articulation and a strong sense of rhythmic placement.

The Groove & The Feel

Typically played at a medium to medium-fast swing tempo, Funkallero requires a tight and responsive rhythmic approach. The rhythm section should focus on the interaction with the melody's syncopated accents, providing a crisp and 'bouncy' pocket.

Improvisation Strategies

Soloing on Funkallero requires a 'modern' and 'rhythmically agile' mindset. Use 'motivic development'—taking a small cell from the head and seeing how many ways you can turn it upside down.

Summary & Takeaways

' It teaches you how to create a long, cohesive solo from very small, quirky materials.

Master the key of C on Guitar with our complete collection of sheet music bundles. Download the high-resolution PDFs below to practice chords, scales, and arpeggios offline.

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