Lynn’s Grins: A Charles McPherson Alto Sax Solo Transcription

Ready for another saxophone solo transcription? “Lynn’s Grins” by alto saxophonist Charles McPherson is one of my favorites. It’s a concert C blues (alto key of A) at a medium-fast tempo, and it features McPherson in full cry, showing the listening world that he knows a thing or two about bebop. (Click on the images to enlarge them.)

From his simple opening statement outlining the tonic triad, McPherson plunges headlong into a millrace of ideas, toying at times with outside colors but always staying within the basic framework of the parent key.

There’s plenty to pick up on from this solo, and the best way to do so is by getting to work on it. What are you waiting for? Get cracking!

Grover Washington Jr. Playing “Winelight”

Before there was cool jazz, there was Grover Washington. If you ever want to find out just how much you can pull out of a pentatonic scale in a one-chord jam, Grover is the guy to listen to.

That simplicity was the reason I felt lukewarm toward him back in my coming-up days when I was cutting my teeth on bebop. Charlie Parker was my man back then. Grover was pabulum. Not that I could play like him, but I felt confident that I could easily reproduce what he was doing if I wanted to.

Evidently I had a lot more ability back in college when I was just learning my horn than I have today.  Then again, there’s the possibility that I was just plain dumb. Listening to Grover today reminds me that music doesn’t have to be harmonically dense and lightning-paced in order to be both challenging and good. Grover Washington had a beautiful sound, fabulous chops, and a distinctive,  personal approach–and what he could do with a simple groove is by no means simple.

Just check out this video of a 1981 performance in Philadelphia and you’ll see what I mean. Here is Grover Washington Jr. playing “Winelight” on the alto sax. I think you’ll agree it’s a sublime rendition.