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

[Wim Dijkgraaf <w.dijkgraaf@xxxxxx>]

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
>> 
> 
>