Re: [Harp-L] Toots' Formula - transcription & analysis

[michael rubin <michaelrubinharmonica@xxxxxxxxx>]

Wim,
I would love your opinions as to why he chose any notes that were not
in the rhythm chord.  Thank you very much for your work, I am
extremely excited about it.
Thanks,
Michael Rubin
Michaelrubinharmonica.com

On Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 8:02 AM, Wim Dijkgraaf <w.dijkgraaf@xxxxxx> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I haven't planned to analyze Toots' playing from this perspective yet, simply because it never became apparent to me that such a thing is an important ingredient of his playing. BUT, I'll go and listen again from this perspective! So to answer your question; I don't know yet ... ;-)
>
> But I do know that this solo is a great example for Toots' formula concerning phrasing, note choice, using the upper-structures of the harmonies and utilizing what's offered naturally by the solo tuned chromatic harmonica (he's a genius to that concern).
>
> I'm very interested to here if you have any personal thoughts on what you call "rhythmically intricate phrases".
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Wim
>
>> Hi Wim
>>
>> I took a look at your transcription. Are these rhythmically intricate
>> phrases typical in Toot's playing?
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>>
>>> It's such an immense pleasure to work on this new page. For many years I
>>> had planned to share the many solo transcriptions that I've done in the
>>> years. Especially the transcriptions of great moments in Toots' playing.
>>>
>>> Why those "great moment in Toots' playing"? Because I think he is a genius
>>> in applying harmonica specific lines that fit so incredibly well within
>>> the harmonic context of the passage. We all can learn a lot from his
>>> approach and there is so little good material out there ... with "good" I
>>> mean transcriptions and analysis by someone that plays the harmonica. Most
>>> of the transcription out there are made by conservatory students or
>>> musicians that play another instrument. So, I thought let's add my 2 cents
>>> to the wonderful world of Toots' way of playing jazz.
>>>
>>> Another event triggered me to start writing this article. A week ago I
>>> listened again to his album Footprints. Especially the tune If You Could
>>> See Me Now struck me! I suddenly realized that Toots' playing on this tune
>>> includes 99% of his "formula". By analyzing this one recording, we can
>>> grasp almost every aspect of Toots' playing. That we be nice ... wouldn't
>>> it ... ;-)
>>>
>>> Well, I started yesterday and also today I worked on the transcription.
>>> For you to enjoy the first results at
>>> http://www.effortlessharmonica.com/harmonica-how-to-play/tunes/jazz-standards/toots-formula/
>>>
>>> I will finish that webpage bit by bit and will inform you through the blog
>>> of the progress. By subscribing to the blog (e-mail) you will
>>> automatically receive digests on a daily basis.
>>>
>>> Hope to see you at http://www.effortlessharmonica.com .
>>>
>>> Have great fun,
>>>
>>> Wim
>>>
>>
>>
>
>