Here are Lester Young and Buck Clayton's solos (tenor saxophone and trumpet, respectively) from "One O'Clock Jump." This is from the 1937 Decca recording. Funny thing about this tune is, despite how famous it is, it really doesn't have a melody (that I know of). I added a riff from the shout chorus at the bottom of the page. I always kinda liked to think of this as the melody. Enjoy!
Click image to access the full file.
Transcribed: August 17, 2016
Ben Webster's solo over "Stardust" from the 1964 See You at the Fair recording. You'll be hard-pressed to find a greater ballad player. You really need to dig into the recording to master his use of scoops and alternate fingerings. Enjoy!
Click the image to access the full file.
Transcribed: August 16, 2016
Harry Sweets Edison's amazing solo break over the first four bars of a D blues. From "Sent For You Yesterday." Recorded in 1938 under the Decca label with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Click image to access the full file.
Transcribed: August 15, 2016
Here is a transcription of Lester Young's solo on "Boogie Woogie (I May Be Wrong)." Recorded in 1936 before the Decca recordings, producer John Hammond described this session as "the only perfect, completely perfect recording session I've ever had anything to do with." This solo is a national treasure. I have all my beginning-jazz students check out this solo. The changes are two choruses of a C concert blues. Enjoy!
Click image to access the full file.