Re: Transcriptions & Improvising

Richard Tabnik ( rctabnik@inch.com )
Tue, 4 Feb 1997 15:37:15 -0500 (EST)

Reed wrote:

>I say that this whole idea of transcribing solos accurately by singing
>with the record is ridiculous.

...you can say what is true in your experience, but if you refuse to check
out the 'prrof' I offered [my cds], you are in a weak position...

>
>It's the kind of wives tail that is repreated endlessly until people
>believe it's a fact.

...Besides being an ugly sexist cliche, this totally discounts the
experience of many people who studied with LT and Connie, et. al. Again,
your refused to check out the records I mentioned. But i suspect that you
are so close minded, that it wouldn't make any difference.

>
>Then the student has something that he/she can be ashamed for the rest
>of their life because they can't do it but everyone else says you
>should be able to.

...Now we come to the crux of it. This is your experience; but it doesn't
have to be like that.

>
>All the same time, they are not transcribing because they are approaching
>it in a way that doesnt work.

...garbage in, garbage out...

anyone wishing to discuss this or any other jazz related matter is invited
to contact me directly. i don't know how much we can get to by e-mail [in
person is the ideal, of course], but I'm wilin to try.

It's too bad that Reed can't address what I say directly. But I'm not out
to 'change his mind'; this scene can be done and has been done for decades.

Ask Lee Konitz...

>

Best wishes for a happy life in a peaceful world.
Sincerely,
Richard Tabnik, Jazz Alto Saxophonist
e-mail: <rctabnik@inch.com>
WWW Page: <http://www.inch.com/~rctabnik>
"The jazz musician's function is to feel." -Lennie Tristano