I love playing the Ray Noble tune “Cherokee.” It’s a classic bebop vehicle, and the bridge section represents a respectable knuckle-buster for even the more accomplished players. “Cherokee” is typically played anywhere from up-tempo to way, way, way up-tempo. I like to play it fast, but I’ve got my limitations. Once I hit around 300mm, I’m scrambling to stay on top of things.
Maybe one day, if I practice reeeaallly hard, I’ll be able to play it almost as well as these guys. Here are Phil Woods and Jackie McLean playing “Cherokee.” Sit back and get ready for a real bebop tour de force by two virtuoso, veteran alto sax players. Each is a distinct, mature voice in his own right, but here you can tell they’re both unabashed Bird disciples. The ideas don’t stop, and they’re dripping with classic bop vocabulary. Amazing, and a pure joy to listen to.
