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.

Careful: Jim Hall solo

This is a Jim Hall composition that he recorded several times during his career. This version is from a Gary Burton album " Something's Coming!" from 1963. I have been really into Jim this past month. Truly the father of modern Jazz guitar. Solo sounds easy, but it gave me some trouble. Even though Jim isn't known as a technical player, he has his moments with rakes and slurs that are hard to replicate. Amazing sense of rhythm and melody. You are going to see and hear lots more of Jim in the coming months. ☺

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.

Transcription Challenge

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