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Double Bass Jimmy Blanton - Body and Soul

T

ToshiClinch

May 23, 2012
3
0
#1
Hey everyone,

I've recentally been given the Jimmy Blanton transcription of Body and Soul but can't find the recording to go with it. I know there are a few takes of this version but none of the ones I find match the transcription that I have.

The transcription I am looking at is the Jimmy Blanton and Duke Ellington duet of Body and Soul which is found in the book "The bass tradition" by Todd Coolman.

Does anyone know where I can find the exact recording to the transcription?

Thank you,
Toshi
 
#4
As I recall, the transcription in Coolman's book is the second take of Body & Soul. Blanton phrases the melody similarly and plays a lot of the same licks in both takes (also interesting to think about), but there are slight differences in the way he plays all three takes.
 
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#8
pdbass said:
My humble analysis on this very important solo.
Click to expand...

Paul, two questions:

1) What are your thoughts on "pre-composing" solos when learning how to solo?

I only ask since I'd only ever heard the 2nd take of this solo (from the Coolman book), and I'm noticing the similarities between the two takes. I don't know how common it is for "legit" soloists to work something out ahead of time and develop it (your video on the big Ray Brown Black Orpheous solo comes to mind). It is helpful for struggling soloists to take this approach, and write out something we could never improvsie "in the moment?"

2) When are you doing a video on one of Slam Stewart's arco solos!
 
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#9
1) What are your thoughts on "pre-composing" solos when learning how to solo?

I think it's an EXCELLENT practice. It's definitely a part of my teaching curriculum. Until we learn to compose in an instant, I think we need to slow down the process to understand what we're hearing. There are totally similarities in each take, each amazing in its own way. Remember that it was a common practice of some of the great soloists of the day to play the same solos on certain tunes each night. It's a part of learning how to improvise with conviction and clarity. I need only point you to Jaco's solo on "Donna Lee" from the Criterion demos:


and the solo that ended up on his Epic debut:

Nearly identical. Both absolutely brilliant and innovative and should not take away from Jaco's legacy as a master improviser. Our ability to come up with and organize musical ideas, ultimately, can be compositional AND/OR spontaneous. Your favorite soloists have language they like to use over Cmin7. I know I do.

Write some bass lines, write some solos. It will help you improvise them better.

2) When are you doing a video on one of Slam Stewart's arco solos!

Definitely at some point! I was thinking about "Flat Foot Floogie" but would totally welcome suggestions if anyone has any!

Thank you for watching!!
 
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#10
pdbass said:
2) When are you doing a video on one of Slam Stewart's arco solos!

Definitely at some point! I was thinking about "Flat Foot Floogie" but would totally welcome suggestions if anyone has any!
Click to expand...

I am NO expert on Slam, and I am 100% pro-Floogie, but talking about solo-progression, I'm interested in the differences between these two solos on Sunny Side:

Sunny Side (w Art Tatum: Trio Sessions maybe? 1943 or 1944?)




Sunny Side (Slam Bam 1971)

 
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#11
For Slam Stewart I would love to see mention of the original recording of "Groovin' High". Slam plays a great solo (did he ever play a bad one?), his bass parts are integral to the arrangement (intro and interlude before solos), and he solos in between Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and holds his own! How many bass players in 1945 could do that?



- Steve
 
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