All the Approaches-Lesson 3

steve — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 01:06:14 +0000

In this, the third in a series of lessons on mastering approach note patterns over a jazz standard, I use the tune “All the Things You Are” to teach you how to target and approach the chord tones for each chord. This is a great method to produce flowing, logical lines, that move convincingly through the chord changes. All the Things You Are is a terrific jazz tune to practice this over because it travels in a circle of fifths pattern through a multitude of chords.

These lessons are an offshoot of my “Approach Note Velocity” books. Whereas those books are about playing approaches over static major and minor grooves, these lessons are about playing the approaches on standards that change chords quite often.

In this lesson, I pick up the pace by tackling two more approach note patterns. I demonstrate how to use them to approach the Root, Third, Fifth and Seventh of each chord to build a solo that moves logically and musically from chord to chord. Using the great jazz standard “All the Things You Are”, I show you how to put this method into use straight away. You’ll learn how to practice these approach notes so that they become an integral and automatic part of your playing style. As we progress through these Approach Note lessons, you’ll find your technique and musicality improving tremendously as playing over standard changes becomes demystified and accessible. I show you how to apply this method to any tune you’re learning. If you’ve always wondered how the pro players manage to play over chord changes with such apparent ease, and longed to be able to do the same, then working on these “Approach Note” lessons will help you achieve that goal.

This lesson includes two PDF sheets that clearly explains all the approaches I use over “All the Things You Are.” (Audio Lesson)

Lesson Level: Beginner = 1 - Advanced = 5 ★★★★☆

Transcription of Chris Potter’s solo on “All The Thing You Are”

steve — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:41:41 +0000

This bootleg recording is of Chris Potter teaching at a clinic. It’s been floating around the internet for a number of years now and is an amazing example of what Chris Potter can do with a jazz standard like “All the Things You Are”. He’s playing it solo! Just him and his tenor sax.

Now, if you are a follower of jazz and all things saxophone you are probably quite impressed if not in shock by this solo. But I have another item that will impress and shock you also. Ben Doherty has transcribed this whole solo! Every note. This is an amazing task. I know because I had the ambition to do this myself at one time. I transcribed about 4 choruses of the solo before I gave up. I thought “This is impossible and will take way too much time”. Well, shortly after this Ben came out with his transcription and I was one happy camper. I couldn’t believe that he had done this. Here’s the link to download the transcription.

You will notice that there is a donation link. You can download the solo without donating but I encourage any of you who are grateful to donate to Ben. Even if you can only donate a few bucks, I think it is important to acknowledge the work he has done here. Who knows maybe if we appreciate him enough he’ll transcribe another Chris Potter “monster solo” for us! Thanks again Ben!

Steve Neff Music Blog » All the Things You Are

All the Approaches-Lesson 3

Transcription of Chris Potter’s solo on “All The Thing You Are”