FNGs - On Green Dolphin Street

Here is Ed Saindon applying the improv concept of Four Note Groupings (FNGs) to the standard "On Green Dolphin Street". The first chorus in the clip is a written out solo. The following two choruses were improvised using the FNG concept. The written out solo along with the list of FNGs being applied, and the transcribed improvised choruses can be downloaded using the link below. 

FNGs is a chapter in the just released "The Complete Guide To Improvisation - Volume Two" by Ed Saindon.#TheCompleteGuideToImprovisation #AllThingsImprovisation

FNG Written Solo with Chart & Transcription

The Complete Guide To Improvisation - Table Of Contents

Joe Locke's Solo Transcription - Stolen Moments (Sailing)

Another beautiful take on Oliver Nelson's minor blues composition "Stolen Moments" by the great Joe Locke. This is a nice band featuring Billy Childs on piano, Cameron Brown on bass and Idris Muhammad on drums. The session took place in Japan and was put together as the "Joe Locke & The New York Quartet". The album is called "Sailing". Unfortunately this recording hasn't been released. Enjoy!

Stolen Moments - JL Solo Transcription

Joe Locke's Solo Transcription - Stolen Moments (But Beautiful)

Here is a transcription of Joe Locke's solo on Oliver Nelson's minor blues "Stolen Moments". It is the closing tune in the 1991 Locke/Barron "classic" duo session "But Beautiful". Another great insight into Joe's early language. Enjoy!

Stolen Moments - JL Solo Transcription

Joe Locke's Solo Transcription - You Don't Know What Love Is (But Beautiful)

This is a transcription of another tasteful solo by Joe Locke on the standard "You Don't Know What Love Is" by De Paul/Raye. It is from a duo recording entitled But Beautiful with pianist Kenny Barron, which dates back to 1991. I've posted another transcription from this same recording for the tune "On A Misty Night", as well as a transcription fro a trio version of "You Don't Know What Love Is" from 1994. The playing (compared to Joe's present standard) is much simpler, making it a great resource for students to get introduced to Joe's early vocabulary, strongly informed by Bebop players. The transcription contains the standard changes, but Joe uses some common reharmonizations, for example on bars 9-10 of the A section, which I've left up for the students to identify. Enjoy.

You Don't Know What Love Is - JL Solo Transcription

Four Note Groupings on "I Love You" & "Rhythm Changes"

This clip was taped in a recent improvisation class taught by Ed Saindon at Berklee College of Music. The class was working on applying the improvisational technique of "Four Note Groupings" to Cole Porter's composition "I Love You" and "Rhythm Changes". Here Ed is heard on piano as he demonstrates the technique, improvising primarily with FNGs. The attached PDF contains the FNG chart for "I Love You" used in this solo, as well as the "Rhythm Changes" progression along with some basic reharmonization. For further information on Four Note Groupings please refer to Ed's FNG Article. Four Note Groupings is one of the five topics extensively discussed in Volume Two of The Complete Guide To Improvisation by Ed Saindon soon to be released. 

"I Love You" & "Rhythm Changes" FNG Chart

Major 7 #5 Superimposition on "Autumn Leaves"

This is an improv concept featured in Volume Two of The Complete Guide To Improvisation. The PDF presented here was used during a class at Berklee in order to introduce the technique and begin applying it. The concept involves outlining a superimposed Maj 7th #5 structure over any chord in the improv. The related Symmetrical Augmented scale can also be used, along with passing and approach notes to notes in the Maj 7 #5 structure. 

To view/download the article and music examples and transcription from the improvised solo in the clip below, please follow the link: 

Major 7 #5 Superimposition Article & Transcription

Joe Locke's Solo - "On A Misty Night"

Here is a transcription of Joe Locke's vibes solo on Tadd Dameron's tune, "On A Misty Night". This gorgeous duo session with the great Kenny Barron on piano features many great songs, and took place in August 1991. That's just short of 25 years ago. Joe's playing has never stopped evolving, but the musicianship documented on this album is of a stunningly high level. Yet, this solo, as well as the previously posted solo on "You Don't Know What Love Is" from Joe's 1994 trio album "Very Early", are great insights into the roots of Joe's much praised and admired musical vocabulary.  

Joe Locke's Solo Transcription - "On A Misty Night"