Skip to main content

John Coltrane Transcription - Take the Coltrane

Hi Vibes Workshop! It's been a while since I've posted so I thought I would share this John Coltrane solo I have been working on with you all. I attached a pdf if anyone is interested in checking it out - I think there are so many brilliant things about this solo, not to mention it is just a fun way to practice technique and feel with a record!

Bluesette Solo Performance

This is another entry in my ongoing effort to write, arrange, and play solo vibraphone. The Pop Up Classes focused on single tunes have been a great opportunity to develop my approach. I recorded this a week ago after the first class on "Bluesette". I think I can play it a little better now, but I haven't had a chance to record again.

How should I stick this? Any thoughts??

I've been trying to really dive deep into Thelonious Monk recently, but I've found some of his idiosyncrasies are much easier on piano than vibes. I attached an image of his tune "Trinkle-Tinkle." I have the whole thing figured out, except the first two measures at the B section. I want to preferably get to at least 130 BPM on it, but so far I have had no luck. Any thoughts on how to stick this? Alternating vs. doubling vs. paradiddles maybe? A 4-mallet approach?

Also, I hear sax players fake this section a lot, so if faking seems like the only option, how would you fake it?