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Showing posts from December, 2020

Blues for Wood: John McLean Solo

I have been thinking about doing this solo since we started.  Haven't dared until now, knowing full well that this would be near impossible for me to hit this tempo.  And I was right.  John's technique is flawless, using a combination of sweep picking and legato (hammer-ons, slides, etc).  The sweeping, picking across strings in the same direction, is something I should  need to work on.  I can play parts up to tempo, and fall flat in other areas.  This will be my technical study for the coming year.   You will recognise a lot of John-isms in this solo, that I intend to harvest, but as a whole, this solo is beyond me.  Also, I should say that a year ago, before this challenge, this would have been even farther beyond my reach...  so theres that.  

The Starting Point: Tom Easley Solo

 Great solo Tom!  Great feel and note choices.  Hear some Marc Johnson in there.  This might be the first bass solo I ever transcribed.  I love the sound of the open strings that you intersperse throughout.  I understand this is for intonation purposes, but I am going to incorporate some of that into my playing.  Anyhow, this month's theme is inspiration for me.  And you have been a great inspiration through this project and through the years.  Thank you!

Someday My Prince Will Come solo John Coltrane

This solo is pretty short and easy for John Coltrane but really like the lines and where it sits on the bass. Always liked playing this tune so nice to get some ideas.  

Time Has Told Me solo Larry Grenadier

 As we finish off this year I think really have a lot of positive takeaways from this challenge. Mostly though it is more confidence in taking on things which seems to be helping me in my teaching. Looking forward to 2021. This solo has some really great 16th lines in 3/4 that I'm hoping to mine. Really clear rhythms.