Category Archives: Transcription

Lennie Tristano Plays “All the Things You Are”

Posted on Jun. 26, 2017 by Adam

In the buildup to the transcriptions class I’m teaching at The Nash starting this Wednesday (June 28th, 4:30pm), I’m posting some new, and some archived transcriptions. This one is from my time at New England Conservatory. NEC has a lot … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 19 Comments

Chris Potter Plays “Seven Eleven”

Posted on Jun. 24, 2017 by Adam

Starting next week (on Jun 28th), at The Nash, I’ll be teaching a 3-session class on transcription – this being the main means by which I’ve developed as a musician. We’re going to look at my process, what I do … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 3 Comments

Chris Potter plays Pat Metheny’s “New Year”

Posted on Sep. 24, 2012 by Adam

Pat Metheny has always been one of my heroes. With Michael Brecker as a saxophone hero in the 90s, you really couldn’t miss Pat, as he was on many of Brecker’s albums, and vice versa. Well, as I’m sure most … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Transcription | 4 Comments

Paul Desmond plays “Take Five”

Posted on Apr. 28, 2012 by Adam

Here’s a very famous solo from Paul Desmond, being played with Dave Brubeck. I know this one is a cliche, and that there’s many purists who scoff at the idea of this tune, but I love Desmond and had this … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Transcription | 4 Comments

Chris Potter plays Confirmation

Posted on Mar. 3, 2012 by Adam

Its been awhile since my last transcription post, but that’s not to say I haven’t been busy…my most recent project has just been a beast. For those who follow Chris Potter, you may be aware that he offers lessons through … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Transcription | 4 Comments

Lester Young Plays “Lester Leaps In”

Posted on Oct. 16, 2011 by Adam

Bob Brookmeyer hipped me to Lester Young. A few lessons into my studies with Bob, he pointed out that my improvised lines were chordal, jumpy and relatively undeveloped – another way of saying vertical and disconnected. He prescribed a steady … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 2 Comments

Phil Woods plays “Goin’ to Chicago Blues”

Posted on Aug. 28, 2011 by Adam

It’s my birthday today, but you get the present! Here’s a Phil Woods transcription from Oliver Nelson’s More Blues and the Abstract Truth. Phil Woods is possibly the greatest living bebop saxophonist, and the definitive disciple of Charlie Parker in … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 2 Comments

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

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