Sonny Stitt’s Solo On “Elora” (Take 2) by J. J. Johnson
This is how I found the music of the fantastic jazz saxophonist Sonny Stitt …
When I was fresh out of the Royal College, extremely young, therefore extremely ignorant I organized to have a sax lesson with the famous American saxophonist Bob Mintzer whilst he was over in the UK on trip with atrioventricular bundle the “Yellow Jackets”.
At that time I was still discovering my feet with my jazz playing and if I reflect to that lesson it makes me tremble! What in the world was I believing?! Anyway, Bob was really kind to me because lesson and really he offered me some indispensable guidelines.
Among these was that I require to transcribe more solos and I need to have a look at Sonny Stitt as a beginning location. He explained Stitt’s playing as “like Bird, however makes good sense”! It interested me therefore after the lesson I hurried into town to Piccadilly Circus and Tower Records (yes, it’s that long earlier!) and purchased a variety of Sonny Stitt’s Albums.
On among the albums was the wonderful Bebop tune “Elora” by the superb trombonist J.J. Johnson. On the 2nd take of the track (still included on the album) Sonny Stitt plays in my viewpoint among the very best Bebop solos ever taped. It’s brief, to the point, therefore really sweet!
Here’s the solo in concern …
The Transcription
Here’s a pdf of the solo for you download and work from:– How
To Practise The Transcription
This solo is an excellent one for the trainee to find out for lots of factors. Sonny Stitt’s playing is clear, has wonderful voice leading and shows some crucial Bebop gadgets.
As finding out the solo, do evaluate how it relates to the chord development of the piece. Examine out his numerous usages of enclosures as he circles around the B natural of the G7 chords. Take a look at the method he utilizes the melodic small, not dorian modes on small (7th) chords. Take on board how he utilizes the b9 and # 9 on dominant 7th chords. There is a lot terrific things in there. It’s pure untainted Bebop!
Here’s the initial recording. Take a listen, and after that when you’ve discovered it attempt and play in addition to Sonny himself!
I hope you take pleasure in playing this solo by Sonny Stitt. It’s one of my perpetuity favourites! Although it is brief, it’s complete of terrific Bebop language and the expressions are so well balanced. This solo is a masterclass in uncomplicated playing!
As I’ve pointed out formerly, transcribing and finding out solos by the perpetuity greats is a wonderful method increase your understanding of jazz. Plus it’s excellent ear training too, so get stuck in!
If you wish to understand more about taking saxophone lessons, or basic improvisation lessons, with me please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. I ‘d like to speak with you!
