Author Archives: Adam

Chris Potter plays “The Source”

Posted on Jul. 16, 2011 by Adam

Today’s transcription is the modern tenor giant Chris Potter’s tribute to 60s tenor giant John Coltrane. “The Source” comes from his album Gratitude, which is loaded with dedications to Potter’s heroes. This is the first of a few tracks I … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 8 Comments

Lee Konitz plays “Subconscious Lee”

Posted on May. 21, 2011 by Adam

In the late 40s and 50s, Jazz was going through a bit of an identity crisis. The Big Band Era was over and Bebop hadn’t caught on in the mainstream despite the best efforts of Dizzy Gillespie. Older musicians seemed … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 3 Comments

A Few More Limbs

Posted on Apr. 18, 2011 by Adam

Radiohead gave a treat to fans today. If you purchased a copy of The King of Limbs through the King of Limbs website, there are now two tracks for free download on an EP called Supercollider / The Butcher. Radiohead … Continue reading →

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Live Concert Sharing

Posted on Apr. 15, 2011 by Adam

I’m a huge fan of live jazz. You really can’t understand the experience of jazz improvisation without witnessing it live for yourself. Even many, if not most, studio recordings are polished to the point where the essence of live is … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Music | 1 Comment

Michael Brecker & Bob Mintzer play “Giant Steps”

Posted on Apr. 3, 2011 by Adam

I’m in the weeds right now, so here’s an oldie! I picked this solo back at NAU in 2000. It comes from Bob Mintzer’s tribute record to the Tenor Sax, Twin Tenors. This is a killer 90s record that showcases … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 7 Comments

Bob Brookmeyer plays “Stella By Starlight”

Posted on Mar. 12, 2011 by Adam

In my second year at New England Conservatory, I had the honor of studying with Bob Brookmeyer, the wonderful composer, pianist and trombonist. Much of our time was spent talking about thematic development and finding ways to play more freely … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 4 Comments

James Blake “The Wilhelm Scream”

Posted on Mar. 10, 2011 by Adam

A track that I’m still tripping out on even a few months after I got it on my radar. I guess he’s a “dubstep” artist. I’m not really familiar with this style yet, but if Blake is indicative, I’m intrigued.

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Radiohead Anonymous

Posted on Mar. 10, 2011 by Adam

Gotta love this.

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A King of Limbs Review, pt. 1

Posted on Feb. 27, 2011 by Adam

Radiohead’s King of Limbs came in with a bit more of a whisper than expected. The sudden announcement, the fast timetable for release, and then dropping the record unexpectedly a day early, led to a release with far less fanfare … Continue reading →

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Practicing Jazz In 12 Keys

Posted on Feb. 22, 2011 by Adam

In this post, I justified why I practice in 12 keys. As promised, today’s post breaks down my approach. Jazz By Numbers To transpose rapidly between keys, you may have to change your way of thinking. When I was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing | 8 Comments