Educational Resources
Below are a few transcriptions and handouts available for download. This page will be updated periodically, so stop by again to check out new content.
Sonny Rollins solo- Newk’s Fadeaway
This solo is taken from the album Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet released in 1956. It featured John Lewis (Piano), Milt Jackson (Vibes), Percy Heath (Bass) and Kenny Clarke (Drums). These first two choruses are a perfect example of bebop and references to other bebop heads.
Sonny Rollins- On a Slow boat to China
Another solo taken from Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet released in 1956. Although it is only one chorus, there is tons of melodic development and complex rhythms happening. The cool thing about Sonny’s playing is the variety of rhythms and shape of his lines.
Sonny Rollins- Almost like being in love
Here is also another solo from this album Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet. Everything on this album is amazing and I might transcribe the whole album eventually, but these ones really resonated with me. Again, this is only one chorus, but it is filled with slight melodic variations and rhythm.
Jazz Articulation 101
Here are basic articulations used in jazz. After looking at this handout, I would suggest taking one solo from above and seeing which articulations Sonny Rollins uses and match it. Credits to Tom Walsh and Scott Burns for the basic layout of this handout and teaching me these concepts.
Melissa Aldana- M&M
This solo comes from her record Melissa Aldana & Crash Trio which was released in 2014 and featured Pablo Menares (Bass) and Franciso Mela (Drums). I like the phrasing of her lines at the beginning because it starts off very sparse and quickly unfolds into these long lines. I would recommend checking out the rest of album as well because it’s a nice blend of modern jazz with tradition stemming from Sonny Rollins.
Melissa Aldana- But Not For Me
This solo is from a YouTube recording of a Masterclass at PM Woodwinds. It features Dennis Carroll (Bass) and Greg Fishman (Tenor Sax). I would recommend watching the whole video and listening to the trading between her and Fishman. I really like this solo because how she stretches her lines over the bar line and this recurring minor 7th/octave motive throughout.
Saxophone Long Tones
Here are few long tones exercises that will help build a solid foundation for developing a strong and full tone.