CODYARTS

Midwestern Mythologies

work by
Steve Nelson-Raney

THE CORE/STRATA THEORY OF HARMONIC EXTENSIONS: A PROPOSAL FOR BITONAL RELATIONSHIPS

by Steve Nelson-Raney

The Core/Strata Theory of Harmonic Extensions proposes that chordal extensions do not end with the 13th of the chord, as both classical and jazz theory assumes. Rather, every seventh chord (the 'core') can be extended further and generates a series of keys/chords/scales (the 'strata') that can be thought of and heard as being related to the original seventh chord.

When assimilated conceptually and aurally, The Core/Strata Theory of Harmonic Extensions can provide a basis for improvising and composing with a new density and new harmonic colors and is most practically and accurately applied when understood as a form of bitonality - thinking/playing in two keys simultaneously.

The book presents diagrams and musical examples that clearly illustrate the foundations of the theory. Its application is discussed in both improvisational and compositional contexts. An Appendix contains original compositions that illustrate The Core/Strata Theory with some of the works analyzed in the text. An Introduction and Afterward position the ideas contained in the book within the perspective of jazz history.

The book is available for $25.00 (postpaid).