March 2021 - Potpourri

Been working on a big batch of new tunes for summer gigs. Also recording myself playing on them and really trying to be critical of what I hear. Enlightening to do this. So that has really been my main focus this past month, and not at all represented here.... this is what I got done on the challenge...

First up is a nice Bert Ligon etude I found somewhere. Not pushing this tempo so much here, just trying to flow and be specific with articulations.

I have been also working hard on my comping / voicings. This brought me to Barry Harris and his 6th diminished concepts... Basically inversions of various 6th chords (major, minor, 7, b5, etc.), with diminished passing chords. This concept goes way deep, and I am only at the beginning (memorising grips).... Hoping it will pay off in the future..... regardless it is fun.

Drop 2 Voicings.

Here is a little C6 vamp so you can hear the concept.

This is an exercise that my friend Henke told me he did a lot. Playing constant 8ths or 16ths over a tune. I have been doing this a few times a week for the past month. Only giving you a taste here, because it is boring to listen to.

Rob Easley · Giant 16ths

Comments

There will never be another you: Chet Baker Solo

I have come to the conclusion that I stray too far from the melody when soloing. This is a perfect example of melodic development and embellishment. Very short, but great little solo. Didn't put any great effort into the notation... but oh well.

In Your Own Sweet Way: Steve Masakowski Solo

The first double-time line in the second chorus kicked my ass. Finally just threw my hands at it and came close... then had a few other flub-ups along the way. Love this guy's chord solo approach. Loads of useable stuff here, especially the self-comping. Starting to get my head around his style... may even do another Masakowski solo soon, to complete my transformation.

Faith in You: Pat Metheny Solo: March

This all started by you sending me a bunch of charts. Faith in you was one of them. I had decided to keep mining the Frisell vein, and spent a lot of time listening to this tune. Getting it in my ears, so to speak. It was Pat's solo resonated more in the end. Amazing!! Frigging triads throughout. So melodic. Such simple and beautiful melodies. Pat also ornaments nearly every note. Muting, slipping, sliding, etc. A couple of rough patches, but very playable. Fuddled my way to "good enough".... also note the Ibanez PM-200 guitar!

Transcription Challenge

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