Transcribing is one of the most useful tools in developing your ear and learning how to improvise. I use it in many different ways. One of those ways is to learn to language. Another way I use transcription is to really get into the “essence” of a certain player. I try to imitate their sound, inflections, intonation…in a way I try to turn into that player. i may even go as far as mimicking their body movements (I go pretty deep)! Below is a list of jazz standards that I have put together that I believe will help develop your playing as a jazz improviser. Dig into them and I promise you will make giant strides in your playing. Check out my YouTube video as well!
1 - Charlie Parker’s solo on “Blues for Alice” - This is a classic! You will gain familiarity with a “Bird Blues” which is basically a modified blues progression.
2 - Clifford Brown’s solo on “Joy Spring” - Another bebop classic. This solo contains some great bebop language that starts in F and goes through 3 different key centers.
3 - Bill Evan’s on “What is this thing called love” - This was one of the first solos that i transcribed that was not in my instrument family (saxophone). As a saxophonist…you should definitely try this if you haven’t done so before. Some of the material you learn can really expand your range.
4 - freddie Hubbard’s solo on “misty” - I have to include a ballad on the list. Even though this version isn’t super slow…you can most certainly gain some ideas of what to play over this classic tune.
5 - Miles Davis on “oleo” - Rhythm changes!! In a world where it’s really popular to play a lot of notes…sometimes simplicity can go a long way.
6 - Sonny Rollins on “tenor madness” - If you can play the blues…you can play anything. Sonny throws out some awesome lines to get you inspired.
7 - Dexter Gordon on “Take the a train” - Another tune that will most likely be called at a jam session. I, personally, love dexter Gordon’s sound and approach. Check this one out if you get a chance.
8 - Miles Davis’s solo on “So what” - I initially transcribed this tune to gain insight on how to improvise over a modal tune. It can be hard sometimes to come up with ideas over long static chords. This solo can help you out.
9 - Miles Davis on Autumn leaves - i tried to make this list as practical as possible and it would not be complete without autumn leaves. this tune will help you learn how to handle major and minor ii-V-i’s (excuse the uppercase ii :)…)
10 - Sonny Rollins on “st. Thomas” - one aspect that is often overlooked in the world of improvisation is rhythmic improvisation. Check out sonny’s use of rhythmic motifs in this solo.