Cheesecake/Dexter Gordon

[arensky]

Recorded a few days ago with my friends the other members of the Equinox Jazz Quartet.

Still kind of rough, particularly around 8:50, we aren't quite sure how to end, hence the tempo confusion. Our tempo and groove in general are not really cohesive yet, we are still too into our own individual playing, not feeling the music as a single unit. My comping (rythmic punctuating accompaniment for the bass, tenor sax and my RH) seems not swinging or constipated to my ears sometimes, sometimes it sounds fine. But overall this is pretty good for a second practice I think. Hope you enjoy it, please let me know what you think!

Steinway Model "A" grand piano, upright bass made about 8 years ago in Romania with Fender bass amp, King tenor sax and various manufacturers including Tama, Zildjian and Ludwig contributing to the drum set. Recorded with an Edirol R-1, edited and EQed with Audacity shareware.

[quantum]

Sounds good, the Edirol captured quite a clear sound.  The bass was well defined, but a bit too boomy, drums were good in the balance, I would have like to hear more of a presence or fullness of tone from the sax and piano.  In general I think the piano sounded a bit thin, especially in the lower notes.  Try experimenting with mic placement.  Did you record this at home?

I can see what you mean of not being cohesive yet as an ensmble, but this is not immediately discernable as I thought you had a good overall sound.  I am not schooled in jazz much, but is it possible for your comping to give more variety in places?  Such as complimenting the solo more in places and less in others.  Maybe some hints of the original tune?

I'd say to use your individuality with an advatage, especially in the solos and give for possible bigger changes in character between solos.  But also become tighter as a group in other sections that require more of a group input, such as imporant cues, transitions, endings, etc.

This is great stuff. 

[wzkit]

Recorded a few days ago with my friends the other members of the Equinox Jazz Quartet.

Still kind of rough, particularly around 8:50, we aren't quite sure how to end, hence the tempo confusion. Our tempo and groove in general are not really cohesive yet, we are still too into our own individual playing, not feeling the music as a single unit. My comping (rythmic punctuating accompaniment for the bass, tenor sax and my RH) seems not swinging or constipated to my ears sometimes, sometimes it sounds fine. But overall this is pretty good for a second practice I think. Hope you enjoy it, please let me know what you think!

Steinway Model "A" grand piano, upright bass made about 8 years ago in Romania with Fender bass amp, King tenor sax and various manufacturers including Tama, Zildjian and Ludwig contributing to the drum set. Recorded with an Edirol R-1, edited and EQed with Audacity shareware.

I'm certainly not familiar with jazz music and so am not qualified to comment on this. All I can say is I do like what I hear. Keep 'em coming!

[pianiststrongbad]

I actually transcribed Dexter Gordon's solo to Cheesecake a year ago, it took a LONG time.

[arensky]

Thanks for the comments, glad you like it.  I expect we will get better as we play more.

Pianiststrongbad I know what you mean, transcribing takes time. I'm not particularly good at it, I usually listen to a solo I like many many times and just copy the shape of it. The idea is to to do your own thing, anyway.

At least, I've always had that impression. Latelypianists are starting to play Bill Evans transcriptions note for note, and say they're playing Jazz.  Uh, you can do that, but don't call it Jazz. 

[pianiststrongbad]

If you are interested my transcription of Dexter's solo is attatched in pdf.  It isn't perfect, but it might help you get some more ideas.  I didn't bother transposing it, so it is at concert pitch.

[arensky]

If you are interested my transcription of Dexter's solo is attatched in pdf.  It isn't perfect, but it might help you get some more ideas.  I didn't bother transposing it, so it is at concert pitch.

Thanks man!