Miles Davis’ 🎺 Solo over Bye Bye Blackbird 🐦‍⬛

Reader,

The thing I love about Miles Davis is how intentional he is with every note. Every now and then it’s fun to listen to some crazy fast, technical soloing. But, this track from Miles is the exact opposite. It’s melodic and so transparent that every nuance is on display. Each note is intentional, beautiful and colorful. The rhythms simple, but interesting through variety.

I learn so much more from solo’s like this one than I do from the virtuosic show-off moments.

This weeks 2-5-1

Each week I share 2 transcribed phrases, 5 ideas observed from 1 featured jazz recording.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" comes to mind with this solo. Here are some things to pay attention to as you listen:

1. Backphrasing. Listen to how Miles’ delays the melody behind the harmony, much like a singer would
2. In the first solo, Miles uses the notes from the melody as a guide tone line to improvise around
3. Miles solo is very “singable.” Simple melodies infused with the essential elements of modern jazz (of the time)
4. But it’s not just singable melodies, but simple rhythms played with great feel. Even though the rhythms are simple, notice how much variety there is throughout.
5. Red Garland and John Coltrane’s solos are masterpieces as well. Notice how they bring their own trademarks and artistry to the tune, but follow the tone set by Miles initially.

Last week, we introduced this new 2-5-1 format. I asked you for feedback, and the response was overwhelming. I’m glad you enjoy this format, and I look forward to continuing it.