Check out this great Dexter Gordon solo. Dexter is a master at quoting from different material, and you'll find many quotes in this solo. Along with some great "cliche" bebop licks. Dexter improvises for over six minutes and is inventive on each chorus.

Dexter Gordon's solo on "Red Cross" 

I loved the playing of Harold Land when he was a member of the Clifford Brown, Max Roach Quintet. So here's his classic solo from "Blues Walk." I'll add the choruses of trading between him and Clifford later.

Harold Land's solo on "Blues Walk" 

Another great Harold Land solo from the same CD.

Harold Land's solo on "Joy Spring" 

Cannonball Adderley...What else needs to be said...This is a solo from his first recording session. The tune is based on "Sweet Georgia Brown." So there are some great dominant 7th lines to copy.

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "With Apologies To Oscar"   Artist's Website

A solo from the great Sonny Rollins. Lots of ii-V7-I patterns in this one. I particularly liked this period of Sonny's career.

Sonny Rollins' solo on "Pent Up House" 

Here's Lester Young taking 1 chorus over "Just You, Just Me." And it's better than a lot of solos by cats who take 20 choruses over the same tune. Just playing the notes on this solo doesn't do it justice, check out the recording.

Lester Young's solo on "Just You, Just Me" 

Lou Donaldson is a wonderful bebop alto player. I know he's known for being a blues, soul/jazz player. But don't be fooled, Lou can really play some bebop.

Lou Donaldson's solo on "It's You or No One" 

Here's Bob Mintzer playing over Rhythm Changes in Concert "F". I love Bob's phrasing, it's so effortless. Even when he's playing in a R "&" B band or 'Electric' band, he doesn't over blow the horn.

Bob Mintzer's solo on "Runferyerlife"   Artist's Website

This is one of my all-time favorite Cannonball solos. Another solo where just reading the notes won't do it. Check out the recording, Cannon is playing so much horn!!!

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "Unit 7"   Artist's Website

A solo from the original "Mr. T"...Stanley Turrentine. Talk about someone who can play the blues! Every note that Stanley plays has the whole history of the blues behind it.

Stanley Turrentine's solo on "Look Out" 

My favorite Coltrane period is definitely the 50's and early 60's. This is a solo from his 1958 album "Soultrane." I'll definitely be posting quite a few solos of his from this period.

John Coltrane's solo on "You Say You Care"   Artist's Website

I didn't get into Stan Getz until I was in my 20's. But once I did check him out, I was hooked. I heard this solo about a year ago and it blew me away. His lines are so logical. Each phrase leads into the next. Classic Getz!!!

Stan Getz's solo on "7 Steps To Heaven" 

Here's a solo from the "Middle Weight Champion" of the tenor saxophone, Hank Mobley. Hank was very under rated as a saxophonist, but he could hold his own against the best of them. Another cat who's lines are so logical. No need for any unnecessary flash.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Sportin' Crowd" 

Here's another Cannonball solo. Cannon plays some nice long 8th note runs in this one. You should get this recording. It's a good one to cop some of his phrasing from. Enjoy!!!

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "Ease It"   Artist's Website

Here's another cat who plays the horn so effortlessly. Ralph Moore has a beautiful sound and really knows how to use dynamics to color his sound and phrasing. Ralph is so easy to listen to.

Ralph Moore's solo on "Monk's Dream" 

In my opinion Sonny Stitt was one of the best bebop saxophone soloist ever. It's hard to find another saxophonist who could put together better 8th/16th note lines than Sonny. Even though he had a wealth of worked out phrases and patterns, when he was inspired he could play solos that were simply genius in their creation.

Sonny Stitt's solo on "Dizzy Meets Sonny" 

This solo is from a musician that I just started listening to, Wardell Gray. The solo is on the Charlie Parker tune "Scrapple From The Apple" but on the bridge instead of doing Bird's changes they play the "Honeysuckle Rose" changes, the tune that Scrapple is based on. Wardell is another musician that we should all check out.

Wardell Gray's solo on "Scrapple From The Apple" 

Bob Berg will surely be missed in my musical life. I've learned a lot from listening to him. His way of playing 8th/16th note lines on the recordings he did with Mike Stern influenced the way I play on Funk and RnB tunes. I met Bob once at one of my gigs. We just stood on the corner and talk about music and New York. Bob is a great guy to cop modern double-time sounding lines from.

Bob Berg's solo on "Blue Goo" 

Here's John Coltrane playing over a mid tempo "Rhythm" tune. Trane plays some great double time lines on his second chorus. This is also a great recording to check out Tranes' "Dexter Gordon/Sonny Stitt" influence. In fact he ends his solo with one of Sonny's favorite licks.

John Coltrane's solo on "The Theme"   Artist's Website

As you probably can tell, I love bebop saxophone. There are alot of cats I still need to check out and this is one of them. Jackie McLean is one of the true masters who is still with us. This is a solo from his 1957 release "McLean's Scene."

Jackie McLean's solo on "Gone With The Wind" 

Here's another under appreciated musician, Tina Brooks. This solo is from Freddie Hubbard's "Open Sesame" CD. They play the tune "All Or Nothing At All" in the key of "F" instead of the usual key of "C".

Tina Brooks' solo on "All Or Nothing At All" 

Here's another Dexter Gordon solo. "You Don't Know What Love Is" in "Eb minor". And instead of doing it as a ballad they pick up the tempo.

Dexter Gordon's solo on "You Don't Know What Love Is" 

Another living legend, Michael Brecker. I always did like this solo. It's real understated for a Brecker solo. It doesn't contain a lot of his signature patterns or cliche' licks but he still gets his point across. Every saxophonist should own this CD.

Michael Brecker's solo on "Suspone"   Artist's Website

Vincent Herring is one of the many cats who style closely resembles that of Cannonball Adderley. But by no means is he just another "clone" of Cannonball. He has a great command of the bebop language and he uses many "modern" harmonic concepts. Vincent shows off his bebop chops in this solo.

Vincent Herring's solo on "Folklore" 

This is a solo from my first "strong" influence, Phil Woods. Phil has total control of his instrument in whatever idiom he chooses to play. Another true master of the saxophone. This solo is from one of the first "Jazz Recordings" I ever owned.

Phil Woods' solo on "Milestones" 

When I was younger I didn't really dig Paul Desmond. Maybe it's because I felt that his sound wasn't soulful or that he didn't play with enough fire. But as I got older and matured as a musician I've learned to really appreciate the purity of tone that Paul gets from his horn. And he also plays what's called for in the music that he performs. Those are all qualities of a true artist.

Paul Desmond's solo on "Everything Happens To Me" 

Here's an alternate take of Wardell Gray's legendary "Twisted" solo. He starts this solo the same way but then heads in a different direction. All the time playing classic bebop.You should compare the 2 solos on your own.

Wardell Gray's solo on "Twisted" 

This is a great solo to cop some bebop runs from. Almost every line that Hank Mobley plays here contains some facet of the "Bebop Language." Some great ii-V7-I and Turnaround lines.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Bootin' It" 

This Dexter Gordon solo catches him in a transitional stage, from swing to bebop. If you listen to this solo you'll hear Dexter using more swing elements than he would use later in his career. It's great to check out a cat as he's developing his style. It shows that even the greats had to work out their "thang".

Dexter Gordon's solo on "Number 4" 

This Cannonball Adderley solo is from a recording that I just got hip to, "Shearing/Cannonball Quintets in Newport." Another solo where Cannonball take no prisoners. It's impossible to notate Cannon's articulation and phrasing, so check out the recording if you really want to learn from this solo.

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "Hurricane Connie"   Artist's Website

Another great solo from Sonny Stitt on Duke's classic "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me." Stitt plays some nice double time runs in this one.

Sonny Stitt's solo on "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me" 

Here's a Charlie Rouse solo on a "Rhythm Changes" based tune with an altered bridge. The chord changes on the bridge are (concert) D7/Db7/C7/B7alt.

Charlie Rouse's solo on "Upptankt" 

Jerry Bergonzi is a Bad Dude! His articulation is quite varied and expressive. His technique is amazing. This solo is from one of the CD's he did while he was a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. If you like Brecker you'll dig Bergonzi.

Jerry Bergonzi's solo on "Caravan"   Artist's Website

Here's another Coltrane solo.

John Coltrane's solo on "C.T.A."   Artist's Website

Rick Margitza has a beautiful harmonic concept. He really knows how to play "outside" the changes and still makes it sound correct. On some of his transcriptions I'm like "how did he do that?" He's another cat who's really studied the masters. Also check out this arrangement of "Love For Sale".

Rick Margitza's solo on "Love 4 Sale" 

Jesse Davis is another saxophonist who has put in his time studying Cannonball Adderley. I've been checking out Jesse's playing for a long time and he just keeps getting better. This cat has a great sound..check him out!!!

Jesse Davis' solo on "On A Misty Night" 

George Coleman is one of the baddest saxophonist on the planet. This is his solo from the tune "Seven Steps To Heaven". This is also a must have Miles Davis recording. George is a cat who knows all the ins and outs of the chord changes on any tune, in any key.

George Coleman's solo on "Seven Steps To Heaven" 

One of Michael Brecker's greatest recording is the date he did with Chick Corea entitled "Three Quartets." This solo is from the re-issue. Brecker and Chick Corea (on drums) do an impromptu duet on "Confirmation." This is a wonderful solo to cop some of Brecker's "II-V7-I" lines. This is also one of the many Michael Brecker solos that I consider a "Classic."

Michael Brecker's solo on "Confirmation"   Artist's Website

This solo is from one of my favorite "New Generation Beboppers" Vincent Herring. He just takes one chorus but it's a great chorus.

Vincent Herring's solo on "Just Squeeze Me" 

If you haven't been checking out Charlie Parker...what you waiting for. Bird is the "Father" of bebop. Any solo he played contains something that we all can learn from. There have been many musicians who have played wonderful bebop, so it's easy to forget how amazing Bird was. But let's not forget that this is the man who invented "Bebop Saxophone."

Charlie Parker's solo on "Cheers" 

Here's another Phil Woods solo. Phil burns through one chorus of "Rhythm Changes." This is another solo where every line is filled with the language of Bebop.

Phil Woods' solo on "Shaw Nuff" 

Another great "contemporary" saxophonist that I really dig is Kenny Garrett. This solo is from a recording he did with John Scofield. This song is based on the tune "There Will Never Be Another You." Kenny is and excellent saxophonist who brings soul and energy to every musical statement he makes.

Kenny Garrett's solo on "Not You Again" 

This solo is from a CD I picked up on a recent trip to Vienna. It has Bob Berg playing over a "fusion" version of Giant Steps. Even on this unusual arrangement Bob plays his butt off!!! You can pick up this CD at the Gerald Gradwohl web page.

Bob Berg's solo on "Giant Steps" 

Rosario Giuliani is an excellent Italian saxophonist. This solo finds him playing some serious "Hard-Bop" alto. Rosario has a strong Cannonball/McLean influence. Check out these 10 choruses of hard swinging blues.

Rosario Giuliani's solo on "Dear Tucci" 

This solo is from a track I happened to hear on the radio. It's from a saxophonist I've heard of but never really checked out, Joel Frahm. The tune itself is the well worn standard "Get Happy." Check out the II-V substitutions he implies with his 8th note lines through out this solo.

Joel Frahm's solo on "Get Happy" 

Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt led a fairly successful band in 1950-51, and would often get back together for some great "Tenor Battles" in subsequent years. This was one of their favorite vehicles to play on. Gene was not the slick beboper that Sonny was but he had a strong since of melody and possessed a great full bodied tenor tone. I'll post both solos so that you can see how each of these 'Giants' dealt with the Blues.

Gene Ammons' solo on "Blues Up and Down" 

Here's Sonny Stitt's solo from the previous song "Blues Up and Down." Even at this early stage you can hear a few of Sonny's trademark "Licks". Sonny plays more bebop oriented runs than Gene, but both cats are swinging their butts off!!! Each of these cats would continue to develop there respective styles as they grew and matured, masterful bebop playing for Sonny and a soulful, blues drenched style from Gene that few saxophonist could hope to obtain.

Sonny Stitt's solo on "Blues Up and Down" 

Coleman Hawkins was the father of Jazz Saxophone. Sure there were other saxophonist before 'Hawk' but he was the man who gave the instrument a legitimate place in Jazz music.Check out this solo from 1960, Hawk had at this time injected elements of the Bebop era into his playing.

Coleman Hawkins' solo on "While We're Young" 

Here's a solo from Ralph Moore when he was a member of the Cedar Walton group "Eastern Rebellion". Again Ralph's sound and phrasing are impeccable.

Ralph Moore's solo on "All The Things You Are" 

Eric Alexander is a young saxophonist who has spent many hours in the 'shed. Eric has a big tone and a great understanding of playing through chord changes. Check out the way Eric plays on the II-V's on the jazz composition "Four."

Eric Alexander's solo on "Four" 

A solo from the great "Sonny Rollins." This is from the essential Sonny recording, "Sonny Rollins Volume 2." Another CD every saxophonist should own.

Sonny Rollins' solo on "You Stepped Out Of A Dream" 

Another strong bebop solo from Lou Donaldson.

Lou Donaldson's solo on "Groovin' High" 

This is a good solo to check out Dexter's time feel and phrasing. One of the best ways to get your sound together is by playing along with a great ballad player.

Dexter Gordon's solo on "You've Changed" 

Here are 2 perfect blues choruses from Harold Land from one of my favorite Clifford Brown CDs, "Study in Brown." The changes on this blues are a little different but perfect for copping some II-V licks.

Harold Land's solo on "Gerkin For Perkin" 

Another solo from Hank Mobley. Hank doesn't waste a note in this statement. Play along with this solo and check out where he places his notes in relation to the beat.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Funk In Deep Freeze" 

Check out Stanley playing on the tune Without a Song. A great study in how to inject the blues over standard chord changes.

Stanley Turrentine's solo on "Without A Song" 

The one and only Wayne Shorter. Wayne is another player I need to check out more often. This solo is from 1961, before he joined Miles Davis, and became more adventurous in his playing. This is a good place to start checking out this Jazz Giant.

Wayne Shorter's solo on "Aiertis" 

I love transcribing Coltrane playing over standards. It's fun to see how this master handles standard chord progressions.

John Coltrane's solo on "All the Things You Are"   Artist's Website

Here's a classic solo from David 'Fathead' Newman. This is another recording every saxophonist should own, especially if you plan on playing the blues. This solo contain wonderful blues and bebop ideas. 'Fathead' and Hank Crawford were very important sax players in a few of Ray Charles' early bands. Check it out!!!

David "Fathead" Newman's solo on "Hard Times" 

Keith Oxman is Tenor saxophonist from Denver Colorado (my home town). Keith has really studied bebop saxophone, in fact he's transcribed more Sonny Stitt solos than anybody I know. He was the guy a lot of us young players looked up to when we were coming up. You can pick up his CDs at amazon.com.

Keith Oxman's solo on "Idaho" 

Here's Lou Donaldson playing on the standard "If I Love Again." Check out how Lou resolves his "Dom 7" lines.

Lou Donaldson's solo on "If I Love Again" 

This is another great Cannonball solo. In analyzing this solo you'll find quite a few phrases that don't seem to have the best note choices for the chord. But with Cannonball's phrasing and sound he makes every note sound perfect.There's a great lesson to be learned here.

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "Never Will I Marry"   Artist's Website

My hat goes off to anyone who can play this solo up to tempo. Bob Berg is BURNING!!! Another wonderful solo to cop modern jazz lines. It's easy to hear that Bob had a lot of worked out stuff. I for one feel that there's nothing wrong with having licks and patterns at your disposal, as long as they are played as a natural part of your improvisation.

Bob Berg's solo on "Oleo" 

Bird plays some great lines over the "A" section of this bebop standard. Also check out how he plays over the chromatic chords coming out of the Bridge.

Charlie Parker's solo on "Dizzy Atmosphere" 

I just wanted to post something a little different than my usual bebop solo. This is just a simple solo by Michael Brecker from Diana Krall's "Live In Paris" CD. A good solo to study Mike's phrasing over a Latin-Pop style groove.

Michael Brecker's solo on "Just The Way You Are"   Artist's Website

Playing in an "Organ Combo" is one of my favorite ensemble types to perform with. This solo is from a "Blue Note" organ session featuring 'Baby Face' Willete. Fred Jackson is the Tenor player on the date and he is Killin' It! This is a great study in Gut bucket blues playing while still using elements of the bebop language.

Fred Jackson's solo on "Swingin' At Sugar Rays" 

Another cat I love listening to is Johnny Griffin. Johnny is one of the fastest saxophonist on the planet and he possesses a HUGE tone. Another bebop master.

Johnny Griffin's solo on "The Boy Next Door" 

Stan Getz is a masterful ballad player. He is always melodic and uses his sound to get every nuance out of his melodic inventions.

Stan Getz's solo on "My Ideal" 

Here's another burning solo from saxophonist Eric Alexander. Eric plays some great patterns in this one.

Eric Alexander's solo on "You'll See" 

Dexter Gordon takes another perfect chorus on Herbie Hancock's tune "Driftin'."

Dexter Gordon's solo on "Driftin'" 

Phil Woods has been a great saxophonist his entire career, but I must admit I have a fondness for his earlier years. Phil's early sound was so focus, it could cut through diamonds, and there's always a certain playfulness in his solos. Check out the phrases he plays on this mid-tempo blues.

Phil Woods' solo on "The Stanley Stomper" 

This "Rhythm" solo finds Phil Woods' in top form. Phil plays great lines throughout his 2 choruses.

Phil Woods' solo on "Lemon Drop" 

Here's Ralph Moore playing a blues drenched solo over changes similar to those of the tune "Doxy."

Ralph Moore's solo on "Cool Walk" 

Illinois Jacquet was a wonderful saxophonist in the "Texas Tenor" style of playing. If you want to play some serious Blues style tenor you should check this cat out. Illinois uses a "Growl" type of effect quite liberally in his sound. I didn't want to write that in the transcription, so again, play this solo along with the recording to cop all of the inflections.

Illinois Jacquet's solo on "Our Delight" 

Here's another New York Tenor Saxophonist I enjoy listening to. Ralph Bowen has a modern concept but still swings hard. This solo is over an uptempo minor blues with altered changes.

Ralph Bowen's solo on "Thru Traffic" 

Here's a fine solo from a young Cannonball Adderley.

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "The Song Is You"   Artist's Website

Another solo from a saxophonist who doesn't play a lot of slick licks but still plays very creative solos in the bebop style. Art Pepper is a another saxophonist I recently started listening to.

Art Pepper's solo on "Groovin' High" 

Here's a Dexter Gordon from a 1962 Blue Note date. This was a great era for Dexter.

Dexter Gordon's solo on "McSplivens" 

Here's a Hank Mobley solo from 1957.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Bags' Groove" 

James Moody is another great beboper, but he also possesses a wonderful harmonic sense. Check out how he plays around the changes of this blues tune.

James Moody's solo on "Au Privave" 

Jimmy Heath is another cat to listen to get some good bebop lines from. Check out this solo for some great change-running lines. There's alot to be learned from this solo.

Jimmy Heath's solo on "Get Happy" 

Check out Ralph Moore's use of dynamics in this solo. You need to listen to the recording because I didn't put dynamic markings in the solo. I love Ralph's sound!!!

Ralph Moore's solo on "Just Friends" 

This is a good solo to get some II-V7-I lines from. Hank plays a few common phrases that should be in every beboppers arsenal.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Tune Up" 

Here's another Wardell Gray solo. Some good swing/bebop phrases in this one. The box set CD wasn't the best source for this solo. The recording starts out almost a 1/2 step flat, it made for some challenging transcribing.

Wardell Gray's solo on "Jackie (blues tune)" 

I'm trying to get solos that you don't find on other sites or in any transcription books. With that in mind here's another solo from Charlie "Bird" Parker. While I don't believe you can play a good solo by stringing a bunch of licks and patterns together, it is a very good learning technique to analyze how a cat plays over changes. Check out what 8th note shapes and note choices a master improviser uses.

Charlie Parker's solo on "52nd St. Theme" 

This solo is from Vincent Herring. Vincent plays some great II-V7-I lines. He also gets in some wonderful tri-tone subsitutions

Vincent Herring's solo on "Love For Sale" 

This is my first Joe Henderson solo. Joe manipulates his articulation, sound and time feel so much, it's impossible to notate. Again play this one with the recording! Joe was another master of the saxophone with a style that covered every form of jazz.

Joe Henderson's solo on "Solid" 

Lou Donaldson playing the blues. It don't get much better than this.

Lou Donaldson's solo on "an untitled blues " 

A lot of good sax players get overlooked by young musicians. Sonny Red is one of those cats that you may not know about. Sonny was a very good blues/bebop alto saxophonist. Pick up a recording of his. If you like bebop you won't be disappointed. I recommend "Red, Blue and Green."

Sonny Red's solo on "The Rhythm Thing" 

Chris Potter is one of the best young saxophonist out there. He can play in any stlye and his technique has no boundaries. Check out how he goes to some unexpected places in this blues solo.

Chris Potter's solo on "Amsterdam Blues" 

This solo finds Stan Getz playing a "Rhythm" type tune in concert "Ab" with a different bridge.

Stan Getz's solo on "Potter's Luck" 

Another beautiful Wardell Gray solo.

Wardell Gray's solo on "In A Pinch" 

Here's Jackie McLean playing on the ballad "Embraceable you." There are some great double-time runs in this one.

Jackie McLean's solo on "Embraceable You" 

Here is a great solo from Junior Cook. I transcribe a lot of Rhythm Changes and Blues solos because I love to hear how the masters handle these common changes. I always find a wealth of ideas in these song forms. Junior plays so many hip lines in this solo, but it's real subtle. He's not trying to impress you with his abilities. There's a lot to be learned here.

Junior Cook's solo on "Fungii Mama" 

I heard this solo the other day and just dug the way that Tim Warfield played over this "Boogaloo" groove. Again, there are some nice 16th note runs in this solo.

Tim Warfield's solo on "Zigaboogaloo" 

This is a tune I like to play "Samba De Orfeu." Charlie Rouse play's a very melodic solo on this common progression. After the percussion solo they go up a step for Charlie's 2nd chorus.

Charlie Rouse's solo on "Samba De Orfeu" 

Here's another solo from Dexter Gordon during his Blue Note period.

Dexter Gordon's solo on "I Want More" 

Stardust is a beautiful ballad that every musician should learn (including the verse). This is an early Sonny Stitt solo and like many youngsters he's into his solo after the first few notes. Still Sonny is so melodic that you don't really miss the melody.

Sonny Stitt's solo on "Stardust" 

Gary Thomas has a very individual style of playing. Learning this solo will definitely get your fingers moving in some new ways. This solo is very chromatic so trying to cop indvidual lines doesn't quite work. Try to hear the different paths he takes in his solo statement.

Gary Thomas' solo on "Donna Lee" 

This is one of my favorite Kenny Garrett solos. Kenny plays so much horn in this solo.

Kenny Garrett's solo on "One Finger Snap" 

Another great Michael Brecker solo. Play along with the recording to cop Brecker's inflections.

Michael Brecker's solo on "Pools"   Artist's Website

Here's a wonderful solo from a cat that is more of a session player in N.Y. Andy Snitzer is on a lot of recording projects, usually more in a Pop or RnB style. He's definitely a guy worth checking out! This solo is from a straight-ahead CD he recorded in 2002.

Andy Snitzer's solo on "Blue Train" 

I love me some Hank Mobley!!! Hank plays so simple and melodic on this classic Miles Davis recording. I enjoy technically gifted players..but sometimes that's not what's needed to lay down a great solo.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Someday My Prince Will Come" 

Eric Alexander plays his Butt off on this solo. The changes are based on "Giant Steps" and he plays a ton of great patterns to cop. This should keep you busy for a while...Enjoy!!!

Eric Alexander's solo on "Giants" 

Here's another early Cannonball solo. The name of this tune "A Little Taste" was later changed to "Teaneck."

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "A Little Taste"   Artist's Website

This is an early solo from Michael Brecker when he and his brother Randy were members of Horace Silver's Quintet.

Michael Brecker's solo on "Gregory is Here"   Artist's Website

Here's Joe Henderson playing 1 chorus on Take the A-Train. This is from a wonderful recording he did with Freddie Hubbard, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White and Chaka Khan."Echos of an Era." Great singing and arrangements of well known standards and Jazz tunes.

Joe Henderson's solo on "Take The A-Train" 

John Coltrane playing the blues. Some great double-time runs can be copped from this solo.

John Coltrane's solo on "Slowtrane"   Artist's Website

Another Sonny Stitt solo. This is the Charlie Parker tune "Steeplechase" but they call it "Third Song" on the recording for whatever reason.

Sonny Stitt's solo on "Third Song" 

Here's a solo from Jimmy Heath. A good study in bebop based lines.

Jimmy Heath's solo on "The Head" 

Another solo from the ever-soulful David 'Fathead' Newman.

David "Fathead" Newman's solo on "Sweet Eyes" 

Phil Woods playing on the standard "All The Things You Are." Some cool II-V7-I ideas on the bridge sections.

Phil Woods' solo on "All The Things You Are" 

I haven't copped a Stanley Turrentine solo in awhile. Here he's playing over Clifford Brown's composition "Tiny Capers." Stanley does some nice change-running in this solo.

Stanley Turrentine's solo on "Tiny Capers" 

Charlie Parker playing 'Ornithology,' not the one from the Omnibook.

Charlie Parker's solo on "Ornithology" 

1968' Phil Woods playing over a Modal Tune. This was from a period when Phil was living in Paris.

Phil Woods' solo on "Alive And Well" 

This solo is from one of my all-time favorite Sonny Stitt CD's, "New York Jazz." Verve has reissued this one and if you like pure bebop you need to pick it up. This solo fnds Sonny swinging hard on an up-tempo blues in concert 'Db.' Check out some of the patterns he plays on bars 7 through 9 of the blues proggression...Classic Stitt!!!

Sonny Stitt's solo on "Norman's Blues" 

Another solo from the great "Jerry Bergonzi."

Jerry Bergonzi's solo on "You're My Everything"   Artist's Website

A wonderful solo from the Hard Swingin' "Harold Land"

Harold Land's solo on "Cherokee" 

Stan Getz plays a great solo on this Be-Bop classic. There are a ton of ideas to learn from in this solo.

Stan Getz's solo on "Move" 

Keith Oxman plays a burnin' solo on this Coltrane composition. This is a wonderful study on navigating through these complicated changes.

Keith Oxman's solo on "26-2" 

Here's a nice solo from Bob Mintzer. It's a duet performance with Russell Ferrante. Bob's another 'modern tenor' player that I really dig. I didn't transcribe the ending vamp, just the 2 choruses he takes over the changes.

Bob Mintzer's solo on "The Song Is You"   Artist's Website

Brad Leali is a wonderful saxophonist living in New York. Brad swings hard in any situation that he is put into. This is definitely one of the lesser known cats that you need to check out! Plus he's one of the funniest people I know. Knowing and playing with this cat over the years has influenced my playing in countless ways.

Brad Leali's solo on "But Not For Me"   Artist's Website

Eric Crystal is a very creative saxophonist who I've only played next to on limited occasions, but each time I walked away knowing that I needed to hit the "shed." This solo has him playing over the standard "Without A Song." Eric can currently be heard performing with Boz Scaggs.

Eric Crystal's solo on "Without A Song"   Artist's Website

Bob Kenmotsu is another Tenor saxophonist living in the Bay Area that you need to give a listen to. Bob spent some time in N.Y. where he was a member of Ruth Brown's band and also played in Jack McDuff organ combo. He has also recorded with Pat Martino, this cat is the "Real Deal." This is from a recording he did with trumpeter Warren Gale Jr.

Bob Kenmotsu's solo on "Punjab"   Artist's Website

Kenny Brooks is one of my favorite saxophonist to listen to period!!! His phrasing and sound are among the best. If you're a 'Jazz Tenor' fan hunt down his recordings, you can also catch him performing with the band Rat-Dog. This solo is from legendary Drummer Eddie Marshall's CD "Holy Mischief." Kenny plays 4 very inventive blues choruses.

Kenny Brooks' solo on "Too Much Romance"   Artist's Website

Dave Ellis is another wonderful saxophonist, composer and arranger who calls San Francisco home. This cat plays all stlyes of Jazz and sounds beautiful in any situation. Dave is one of the most melodic players I know. Check out his phrases and the variety of articulations he uses on this classic Charlie Parker blues. And for those of you that love great singing, take a listen to his lovely and talented sister Zoe Ellis. There's way to much talent in this family.

Dave Ellis' solo on "Barbados"   Artist's Website

This is a transcription of saxophonist Joe Cohen. I heard this solo when I was listening to a demo CD of music for an upcoming gig. I love when cats play bebop lines over funk grooves. Joe plays some strong 16th note runs over the II-V7 cycle of bars 17 thru 21 of this original composition. You can check out joe's playing in the San Francisco ensemble Realistic Orchestra. You definitly need to keep and eye on this young saxophonist.

Joe Cohen's solo on "Whas Up Doc" 

Here's another solo I heard on the radio the other day. This is from a Peter Leitch CD with Jed Levy playing Tenor Saxophone. This solo caught my attention because of Jed's use of the bebop vocabulary. He plays in a way that makes it easy to hear what he's doing. Check out this solo to get cool bebop based lines (on the Charlie Parker tune).

Jed Levy's solo on "Segment" 

I know I've posted a few solos that are hard to find, but none of the "Jazz Giants" recordings are out of print, check-out amazon.com. With that being said, this next solo you probably won't be able to find. This is from a bootleg video that features Michael Brecker. You can veiw the video clip (this month at least) at Louis Gerrits wonderful Michael Brecker site. Also email me and I'll send you a MP3 of the solo. This is a killer solo of Michael playing over a Blues Shuffle, some great stuff to cop here.

Michael Brecker's solo on "Leaving My Troubles Behind"   Artist's Website

Here's another Jackie McLean solo from Lee Morgan's BlueNote release "Cornbread." Everyone should have this recording, every tune on it is a classic.

Jackie McLean's solo on "Most Like Lee" 

This is my first Soprano Sax solo. I gotta thank Kenny Brooks for hipping me to this recording. Larry Schneider is playing so much sax!!! Rhythmically there's some different things that I had a hard time notating at the beginning of the solo..so play along with the recording, Bill Evans' Affinity. This is a great study in pentatonic playing.

Larry Schneider's solo on "Tomato Kiss" 

Here's Hank Mobley's solo on Lee Morgan's composition "Most Like Lee." From Lee's Blue Note classic "Cornbread."

Hank Mobley's solo on "Most Like Lee" 

This solo finds Lucky Thompson playing a beautiful Soprano sax solo over 1 chorus of "Have You Met Miss Jones." They play it in "Bb" Concert intead of the common key of "F."

Lucky Thompson's solo on "Have You Met Miss Jones" 

OK...here's a solo for all the Phil Woods fans who don't take the time to memorize his solos. Phil takes 1 chorus over the Sonny Rollins composition "Doxy." This is an easy solo to memorize, so you can play along with the recording and cop some of Phil's phrasing...enjoy.

Phil Woods' solo on "Doxy" 

I went to check out the movie "Ray" the other day, really good movie by the way. It inspired me to re-listen to David "Fathead" Newman's solos from Ray Charles' early "Atlantic Records" recordings. Here are two perfect solos on a couple of classic tunes.

David "Fathead" Newman's solo on "Hallelujah I Love Her So" 

David "Fathead" Newman's solo on "I Got A Woman" 

Here's another early Bob Berg solo. This solo is from a period when Bob was a member of the Cedar Walton group "Eastern Rebellion." This solo is from Sam Jones' CD "Changes and Things" but the rhythm section is the same as Cedar's group.

Bob Berg's solo on "Stablemates" 

Paul Desmond plays a beautiful solo on the standard "Easy Living."

Paul Desmond's solo on "Easy Living" 

Here's another Hank Mobley solo from a Blue Note recording I picked up on a recent trip to Japan.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Advance Notice" 

This solo is from the period that Sonny Rollins played with Thelonious Monk. I loved Sonny's playing at this stage of his development. His strong bebop roots are certainly on display.

Sonny Rollins' solo on "The Way You Look Tonight" 

David Sanborn had a huge influence on my sax playing in my 20's and early 30's, and I still try to cop that sort of vibe when I'm playing over R&B tunes. In my opinon he was and still is the definitive Alto player for R&B and Pop/Rock music. He's mellowed out a little over the years, with his last couple of CD's being more in an acoustic setting. Check out his playing over Dizzy Gillespie's tune "Tin Tin Deo." Great use of syncopation over the ending vamp section.

David Sanborn's solo on "Tin Tin Deo"   Artist's Website

Here's a solo by another saxophonist you may not know of (but you should), "Nigel Hitchcock". This cat has some serious "chops!!!" He's all over his horn on this 'rhythm' based tune. If you like bebop sax with a tinge of R&B thrown in, check out his CD "Snakeranch Sessions." I picked up a copy from amazon.com.

Nigel Hitchcock's solo on "Wail"   Artist's Website

Dexter Gordon playing the blues. More great lines...

Dexter Gordon's solo on "The Jumping Blues" 

Here's George Coleman's solo on the Miles Davis tune "All Blues."

George Coleman's solo on "All Blues" 

This solo is from the classic Lou Donaldson CD "Blues Walk" on Blue Note records. There's great minor blues playing here, and Lou swings so HARD throughout!!! A lot of times we forget how much impact a simpler statement can make. Lou shows us the way.....

Lou Donaldson's solo on "Blues Walk" 

Here's a wonderful solo from S.F. saxophonist Steve Heckman. This solo comes from his CD "With John In Mind." Steve plays great post-bop saxophone through out the recording. This is just one of the solos that I get inspiration from.

Steve Heckman's solo on "Body and Soul"   Artist's Website

Here's my latest Coltrane transcription. This is from a recording he did with guitarist Kenny Burrell.

John Coltrane's solo on "Freight Trane "   Artist's Website

Here's a Michael Brecker solo I transcribed from a bootleg video I checked out on my favorite Brecker related Website. Email me if you want an MP3 copy of the solo. Thank you again Louis.

Michael Brecker's solo on "Suspone (bootleg version) "   Artist's Website

Cannonball Adderley recorded under the name "Buckshot Le Funke" on the Louis Smith CD "Here Comes Louis Smith." This is a great session all the way around, pick it up!!!

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "Val's Blues"   Artist's Website

Here's another early bebop/blues solo from Sonny Stitt.

Sonny Stitt's solo on "Splinter" 

Another Rick Margitza solo. Great inside/outside playing in this one.

Rick Margitza's solo on "Nica's Dream" 

This solo contains some GREAT Sonny Stitt double time runs. He's killin' it through out this one..Enjoy!!!

Sonny Stitt's solo on "Tour De Force" 

Italian saxophonist Stefano di Battista play's a couple of burnin' choruses over Charlie Parker's 'Confirmation.' This is another cat you should give a listen to. Check out his "Parker's Mood" CD released on Blue Note records.

Stefano di Battista's solo on "Confirmation"   Artist's Website

Playing this short solo along with the recording will definitely help get your jazz phrasing together. Lester Young works his own magic into his 16 bar statement on this recording with Billie Holiday...

Lester Young's solo on "The Man I Love" 

Another wonderful solo from tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley...Perfection...

Hank Mobley's solo on "Cool Eyes" 

Check out Gene Ammons' solo on the jazz standard "Scrapple From the Apple."

Gene Ammons' solo on "Scrapple From The Apple" 

Here's a solo from alto saxophonist Jesse Davis.

Jesse Davis' solo on "I Hear A Rhapsody" 

This is a 1992 Criss Cross' recording from Eric Alexander. Great use of the "Bebop" lanquage!!!

Eric Alexander's solo on "Swedish Schnapps" 

This solo is from Vincent Herring when he was a member of Nat Adderley's Quintet in 1991. Some wonderful Cannonball inspired playing.

Vincent Herring's solo on "Big 'P'" 

Chances are you won't have this solo unless you either live in Japan or you collect Import CDs. You can find this Kenny Garrett recording here under the name "Garrett 5." This is a good solo to play along with because it's not so technically demanding. Kenny has a unique way of phrasing and this is a good starting point on learning that aspect of his playing. Email me and I'll send you a MP3 of the solo...

Kenny Garrett's solo on "Little Melonae" 

Hank Mobley plays some great ii-V7-I lines in this solo on "Pennies From Heaven." There's not a wasted note in this solo.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Pennies From Heaven" 

Time to get away from bebop again. If you pick up Marcus Miller's latest release "Silver Rain" you'll hear Kenny Garrett play a FUNKY A** solo on Marcus' cover of the Prince tune "Girls and Boys." Another good study of Kennys phrasing.

Kenny Garrett's solo on "Girls And Boys" 

Here's a Stanley Turrentine solo you'll find as a bonus track on Jimmy Smith's classic recording "Back At The Chicken Shack."

Stanley Turrentine's solo on "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" 

Here's a Charlie Parker solo to work out on....

Charlie Parker's solo on "Groovin' High" 

And here's a John Coltrane solo to work out on....

John Coltrane's solo on "I Never Knew"   Artist's Website

On Cannonball Adderley's solo over the jazz standard "Groovin' High," he takes his choruses in the key of 'Db' concert. I think that the tune was originally wrtten with the modulation as part of the arrangment. More great ii-V7 ideas from a Jazz Master.

Cannonball Adderley's solo on "Groovin' High"   Artist's Website

Here's another Stan Getz solo to work on....

Stan Getz's solo on "Apple Jam" 

Some more early "1950's" Sonny Rollins to cop some great stuff from. Also check out the way Sonny uses different articulations through out these 2 choruses. Listen to the recording!!!

Sonny Rollins' solo on "No Moe" 

Here's another Sonny Rollins' solo from the same CD.

Sonny Rollins' solo on "Almost Like Being In Love" 

I've been a fan of Rickey Woodard's playing for several years. I recently had my first chance to perform with him on a gig we did together with Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers, and he sounded GREAT!!! If you're a fan of 'Hard Swinging Sax,' do yourself a favor and check Rickey out. This solo came from his newest CD "Picture This." You can pick it up at his website. This is one BAD Dude...

Rickey Woodard's solo on "My Shining Hour"   Artist's Website

This solo is from a fellow Bay Area saxophonist that you need to listen to. I've played next to this cat on Monday nights for the past 3 yrs. Alex Budman is a very creative artist who always plays in the moment. This is a cat who always takes chances with his solos and doesn't rely on a lot of worked out patterns and licks. Check out this beautiful solo on an original tune written by pianist Leonard Thompson. Playing next to this young man definitely pushes me to perform at a higher level...email me for the MP3 of this solo.

Alex Budman's solo on "When We Walked In The Sun"   Artist's Website

Here are two 'takes' of Wardell Gray playing over the same tune. What's great about these solos is Wardell's use of the Bebop Language. Essentially every idea he plays is based on those rules (chord outlines, enclosures, chromatic approach tones, etc...). If you want to learn about that language, do yourself a favor an analyze the lines in these two solos.

Wardell Gray's solo on "Blue Gray (take 2)" 

Wardell Gray's solo on "Blue Gray (take 3)" 

Here's another Lou Donaldson bebop solo to check out.

Lou Donaldson's solo on "That Good Old Feeling" 

Here's a Phil Woods solo off of a recent CD of his entitled "Groovin' to Marty Paich."

Phil Woods' solo on "Walkin' Shoes" 

I wrote this Hank Mobley solo in 4/4 eventhough the time-feel is 12/8. Check out how melodic Hank sounds during his double-time runs.

Hank Mobley's solo on "Senor Blues" 

Here's another solo from Hank Mobley.

Hank Mobley's solo on "There Will Never Be Another You" 

Here's another solo from Phil Woods.

Phil Woods' solo on "Solar" 

I was on this gig with Rickey, he was swingin' so hard! There are some great lines to copy in this solo. Email me for a MP3 copy of the solo.

Rickey Woodard's solo on "On the Sunny Side of the Street"   Artist's Website

Here's an early Frank Foster solo. I wish I could swing this hard!

Frank Foster's solo on "Blues for Benny" 

Sal is a underrated giant that you should know about. He was a star soloist in the Woody Herman band and only made a few small group recordings. This solo is from his classic recording "Heavyweights."

Sal Nistico's solo on "Au Privave" 

A Sonny Rollins' solo from The Clifford Brown release "More Study In Brown"

Sonny Rollins' solo on "Flossie Lou" 

A wonderful solo from the early Coltrane period. Great 16th note runs that really outline the harmony.

John Coltrane's solo on "On a Misty Night"   Artist's Website

This is my first Al Cohn solo. Al and Zoot Sims were both very good no-nonsense swing players. If you enjoy the "West Coast School" of Tenor players, you can't go wrong by checking out Al Cohn.

Al Cohn's solo on "The Lady Is A Tramp" 

Here's Dexter Gordon playin' the blues...enjoy!

Dexter Gordon's solo on "Blowin' for Dootsie" 

I only know of Dick's playing from a few Big Band recordings (Louie Bellson, Toshiko Aikyoshi). I heard this solo on a latter day Blue Mitchell CD. The line that Dick plays on the first 8 bars of the second chorus floored me. If you want to raise a few eyebrows the next time you play "Rhythm Changes," cop that lick!!!

Dick Spencer's solo on "Ow!" 

Andrew play's undiluted "Bebop." He plays great lines, has loads of technique, and posseses a soulful sound. Another cat who isn't widely known, although he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as many of todays Neo-Bebopers.

Andrew Speight's solo on "Tell Me"   Artist's Website

Harry is a young Tenor player who is keeping the tradition of Al Cohn, Zoot Sims and Stan Getz alive. Check how he effortlessly play's through the changes of this classic Woody Herman tune "Four Brothers."

Harry Allen's solo on "Four Brothers" 

Here's another Vincent Herring solo.

Vincent Herring's solo on "Minority" 

Here's another one from early Harold Land.

Harold Land's solo on "Speak Low" 

More blues from Lou Donaldson … enjoy

Lou Donaldson's solo on "Lou's Blues" 

What more is there to be said about this Tenor Sax Giant. If you haven't checked out Steve Grossman, you are doing yourself a huge disservice. Steve's playing is steeped in the language of Sonny Rollins, but, he also brings his own unique ideas to the table. A great study in chromatic substitutions.

Steve Grossman's solo on "There Will Never Be Another You" 

Here's a young L.A. based saxophonist that I recently got hip to. David plays great lines that are rooted in the bebop tradition…

David Sills' solo on "David Sills"   Artist's Website

Here's a couple of Moody's solos from the same period that he recorded the classic "I'm In The Mood For Love" AKA "Moody's Mood For Love."

James Moody's solo on "Indiana" 

James Moody's solo on "Lester Leaps In"