While preparing for a jazz workshop, I was recently reminded of the work of Wesley Chin, a music transcriber and airline pilot based in the New York metropolitan area. I realized that I found about Wesley’s work a few years ago but didn’t realize how much more he has been producing over the past few years.
I discovered that he’s responsible for a Chad LB transcription book and also this particular book that I found interesting.
This 122-page eBook is a collection of 155 melodic shapes that he encountered while transcribing many amazing jazz musician’s solos. According to Wesley:
This PDF features shapes over various chord qualities (m7, m7b5, dom7, dom7b9, dom7#9, maj7) that I have come across in my transcriptions or that I have written out. By practicing each of these shapes in all 12 keys, you soon will be able to mix and match them to create your phrases and lines. The second portion of the PDF also features 33 example phrases/lines that I have written out that use the shapes in the first section of the book. These phrases, which are written over various ii-V-I progressions, will provide insight into how you can combine the shapes by using voice leading, enclosures, and other tools.
As I played through the lines he compiled, I realized that this is a literal treasure trove of melodic ideas for the curious jazz improvisor. He’s also made it easier for us by transposing these ideas into all 12 key, should you want to read or learn them in specific keys. In addition to the shapes, he also has written 33 phrases that combines the shapes into lines that put them more in context.
There are two versions of the eBook, one in treble clef and another in bass clef. I got the treble clef version since I play guitar.
All in all, this is a cool book that I would recommend to anyone looking for lines or ideas to practice. Of course nothing will replace actually transcribing these kinds of shapes directly from a recording, but it sure helps to kick start practice sessions. I certainly enjoyed the book and plan to practice from it even more.
Pros: Great melodic ideas, well presented and organized.
Cons: None.
TLDR: Want some practice material for your jazz single note improvisation practice? This might be helpful!
Get the eBook here: Treble Clef Version and Bass Clef Version
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