Ed Bickert's Solo on I'm Old Fashioned

Click here to see a transcription of Roy's solo on I'm Old Fashioned

I am quite pleased to be able to offer in this issue, a transcription
that I have just finished of a solo by one of the great masters, Ed
Bickert. For those who have been puzzled by "that sound" or "those
chords," this might shed some light on his harmonic genius. I recommend
that everyone pick up the recording called "Pure Desmond," on the CTI
label where this solo was taken from. Ed is featured extensively, and it
is a great recording. I have written in the basic chord changes that the
band used on the recording so you can have a reference for Ed's chord
voicings, but will leave the detailed analysis up to you. Another reason
to listen to the recording is for the articulation. I have indicated
some of this, but not all of the slurring and subtleties of the time
feel. Here are a few devices that are at work in this solo:

(1) references to, and variations on the melody: bars 1-6, 33-34, 37-39, 45-48
(2) contrary motion between the top and bottom voices: bars 34, 40, 51, 66
(3) triads: bars 41-42
(4) use of dominant 7 voicings as substitutes for minor 7 chords: bars
18, 40, 70
(5) use of diads for self accompaniment: bars 7-11, 17-18, 26-27
(6) parallel motion: bars 45-48
(7) use of voicings with the same note on top (upper pedal tones): bars
5, 38, 53-55, 61 to 72

There are some overall characteristics that make this a great solo as
well:

(1) the control of texture by using single notes at the beginning with
the introduction of more chord voicings as the solo builds
(2) the use of range as a way of controlling tension and release, with
the climax of the solo at bar 68
(3) impeccable time feel and phrasing

Many of the voicings that Ed uses do not have the root in them, so you
might find it helpful to analyse these in relation to the basic
progression of the tune, or listen to what the bass player is doing
underneath. Regardless of how nice his chord voicings sound
individually, a lot of the magic of Ed's playing, in my opinion, comes
from a very deep sense of voice leading and melody. I have learned a lot
from doing it, and when I have it committed to memory and can play it
well, I might have some idea of what it is like to play a truly great
solo! Enjoy.

* You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to read the transcription. You can download it for free here.

Open Ed's solo as a Pdf file here *