Chris Potter "It Could Happen to You" Transcription

For this blog I thought I'd post a transcription I did recently and talk a little bit about what I learned from it.  The transcription comes from one of my favorite modern sax players, Chris Potter, and the tune is the standard "It Could Happen to You".  I only transcribed the first 2 choruses for now.  Here is the recording (from youtube):  

I love to listen to Chris Potter play standards unaccompanied and have transcribed several of his unaccompanied solos.  As a sax player, a big challenge is to be able to communicate harmonic motion and form with your lines without sounding chords, like a piano or guitar player can.  This is achieved with logical voicing leading and the careful placement of notes. 

Check out the low notes Chris starting throwing in bar 17 through the end of the first chorus.  These notes are carefully chosen to either enhance stability (bar 17) or intensify the harmonic motion (bar 26).  Going back to my previous blog, this approach to improvisation is reminiscent of the Bach Cello Suites, in which multiple melody lines are conveyed utilizing a monophonic instrument.  The only way to be able to do this, it seems to me, is to develop a deep understanding of voice-leading and harmonic function.  Chris is known to be a great pianist and often talks about the importance of playing the piano during master classes.  Bob Mintzer is also talks a lot about the importance of the piano for horn players.   

One more thing interesting to note about Chris's approach to playing standards-it is clear once you transcribe this guy that when he thinks of the changes of a tune he is thinking more of a framework than a set of unchangeable chords.  I tried in this transcription to figure out what Chris may have been thinking and write those chord symbols instead of just the original changes of the tune.  It's clear that when Chris sees a turnaround or a ii-V, he is thinking of MANY other alternatives to reach the harmonic goal of the phrase than just those chords.  Reaching that level of harmonic understanding and instrumental ability is a lofty goal for any musician!

"Blah, blah, blah-just give me the transcription already!"  Alright-here it is!  Just check back soon for more transcriptions and ideas!  Feel free to comment and thanks for visiting!