BOTM Ballad of the Month March 2022: Don't Blame Me

[LostCircuits]

Another take on Alto

View: https://youtu.be/MgKDflmlx5M


Ciao

Guido, bellissimo as always!

 

[CarriageTownSax]

This has been on the list to learn for awhile (because of Yusef). Dropping a baseline and I hope to get something better by the end of the month. I have two backings for this; this one is from, perhaps, my least favorite in the Aebersold series, #74. There's not much happening here, but it will serve as a baseline.

Don't Blame The Reed or The Horn -- it's on me

 

[rhysonsax]

The tenor sax recording by Jack McVea that I shared in post #10 really captured my fancy so I transcribed it. He played it in concert Db (tenor Eb) and the fluent phrasing is actually pretty tough for me to match, at least at his original tempo (around 80bpm).

I made a BiaB backing track and used one of their guitar soloists for the 8 bar solo on the second bridge,

Don't Blame Me - Rhys tenor McVea Style V2a.mp3 - Box

Rhys

 

[LostCircuits]

If I ever get out again from underneath this rock before the end of the month, I'll give it a shot, right now, doubtful... 🙁

 

[rhysonsax]

There's a nice backing track in the Hal Leonard Jazz Playalong series (it's volume 106) and it recorded with it on my baritone.

Don't Blame Me - Rhys bari V1.mp3 - Box

Rhys

 

[CarriageTownSax]

No use beating a dead horse (save for the pure sadistic joy of it), but March has not been kind, so, apologies for not being more involved on this one.


guidocreo - Q&D. Backing is a bit hot in the mix and it's kind of burying that beautiful, breathy tenor sound. We can't have that, now. Man, this improv is like someone speaking the notes -- really nice effect. Really pleasant take.

#2. The sound here is very different (not just the backing), is it your usual equipment? The tenor sounds a bit more open. Very lyrical ballad style, as usual. Man, I don't think I could pick between the two of them (nor do I want to!). It's almost like you really enjoy playing ballads. 😉

alto. The little horn works well with this backing, but I think your story comes across better on tenor. It's still you and your story, but that breathy tenor is infectious. This is a very solid take in its own right, though.

Rhysonsax - Neat concept. Had to go back and listen to that version, again. Nicely executed.

V2a. My mind works in weird ways, but I'd like to hear this solo against that stride backing.

bari. This one works just as it is. Nicely done.



I went back and listened to Yusef's version, again. Try to work it in that vein, and ultimately ended up deciding that Yusef is Yusef for a reason and abandoned that concept. However (and apologies to those for whom this statement will be a repeat), while considering myself primarily a bari player, I have the definite tendency to grab the tenor where a ballad is involved. I fought that tendency for this one.

Don't Blame Me (and don't slap Chris Rock)

 

[nigeld]

We have come to the end of the month. Many thanks to @guidocreo for acting as host, and to the contributors.
As usual, this thread will remain open, so further contributions are very welcome.

 

[guidocreo]

...

#2. The sound here is very different (not just the backing), is it your usual equipment? The tenor sounds a bit more open.

Ciao,

it's another sax and another mouthpiece:
Rampone & Cazzani Performance
Jody Jazz DV