Category Archives: Transcription
Lester Young Plays “Lester Leaps In”
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
Phil Woods plays “Goin’ to Chicago Blues”
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
Chris Potter plays “The Source”
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
Lee Konitz plays “Subconscious Lee”
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
Michael Brecker & Bob Mintzer play “Giant Steps”
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
Bob Brookmeyer plays “Stella By Starlight”
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
Clifford Brown plays “Joy Spring”
There was a point, while I was at New England, where I became aware that I was playing the same clichés that all sax players play, all the time. This became really obvious as tempos increased. Think about the last … Continue reading
Michael Brecker plays “Midnight Voyage”
Michael Brecker and I have a long, rich history…not the person himself (God rest his soul) unfortunately, but his recordings for sure. Michael’s records brought me into Jazz, and I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, which … Continue reading
Joshua Redman’s take on “Turnaround”
About a week ago, I posted a transcription of Ornette Coleman playing a blues of his called “Turnaround” from 1959′s Tomorrow is the Question. For the sake of comparison, I picked a solo of Joshua Redman playing the tune in … Continue reading
A little Ornette Coleman to get things started
Transcription, in my view, is the best thing an improvisor can do to improve their abilities as a player. In doing so, you study phrasing, time and groove, tunes, licks and cliches…pretty much every component of the Jazz vernacular (or whatever … Continue reading
