Seven Jazz Arts Studio students enjoyed an intensive study of some of their favorite recorded solos. Their assignment was to transcribe, analyze and perform each solo in class.

Every performance was required to be at the original tempo and idiomatically accurate (style, feel, articulation, musicality, etc.). Two performances of each solo were given, one along with the original recorded track and another with a live rhythm section which captured the manner and feel of each recording. Bassist Griffin Hussong and drummer Ryan Hunter performed in each rhythm section, providing a sensitive backdrop for each piece.

The goal of this assignment was to further develop skills in the areas of ear training, notation, analysis, phrasing, solo architecture, jazz vocabulary and general performance. Many students also advanced their instrumental technique as they practiced rigorously to emulate some of the finest and most fluent musicians in history.

Some of the transcriptions were done by hand while others were done using notation software. Occasional minor notation errors occurred and were corrected in class. However, virtually every performance was very accurate and faithful to the original recording.

Below, you can view each transcription (click on soloist) and listen to the original solo (click on track).