1. Track Information
- Tune: Blue Bossa
- Composer: Kenny Dorham
- Key: C minor
- Style: Bossa Nova / Latin Jazz
This page provides high-quality practice backing tracks for the jazz standard 'Blue Bossa'. We offer a Full Band version for melody and solo practice in four different tempos (100, 120, 130, 140, 160 BPM), and also include a 'No Piano' version for guitarists and pianists to practice comping.
For C Instruments (Piano, Guitar, Flute)
For Bb Instruments (Tenor/Soprano Sax, Trumpet, Clarinet)
For Eb Instruments (Alto/Bari Sax)
4. Ideas for Your Practice
- Master the Bossa Nova Rhythm: When you solo, focus on using straight eighth-notes instead of swung eighths to express the Latin groove.
- Target the Minor II-V-I: Apply various licks and ideas over the core progression of the tune:
Dm7(b5) - G7 - Cm7.
- Navigate the Modulation: Isolate and practice over the
Ebm7 - Ab7 - Dbmaj7section (bars 9-12) to develop your ability to outline changing key centers.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Blue Bossa
Q1: What scales should I use for a "Blue Bossa" solo?
A1: Fundamentally, you can use the C minor scale (natural or harmonic) or the C blues scale. For the modulation to Db Major in bars 9-12, using the Db Major scale is a great way to highlight the feeling of the key change.
Q2: How is Bossa Nova rhythm different from Swing?
A2: The biggest difference is in the interpretation of eighth notes. While swing has a bouncing, "long-short" feel, Bossa Nova uses eighth notes of equal length (straight eighths) to create its signature clean and sophisticated groove.
Q3: Who composed "Blue Bossa"?
A3: It was composed by trumpeter Kenny Dorham and became famous after being featured on saxophonist Joe Henderson's 1963 debut album, Page One.
Have a request? If there's a different tempo you need or a specific standard you'd love to practice, let us know in the comments! We'll be creating future Jam Room content based on the most popular requests from the community.