Category Archives: Transcription

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

Clifford Brown plays “Joy Spring”

Posted on Feb. 6, 2011 by Adam

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 →

Posted in Jazz, Transcription | 7 Comments

Michael Brecker plays “Midnight Voyage”

Posted on Jan. 15, 2011 by Adam

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 →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 6 Comments

Joshua Redman’s take on “Turnaround”

Posted on Dec. 31, 2010 by Adam

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 →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 4 Comments

A little Ornette Coleman to get things started

Posted on Dec. 27, 2010 by Adam

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 →

Posted in Jazz, Practicing, Transcription | 3 Comments