Larry Schneider, Sno’ Peas (Phil Markowitz), Bill Evans, Affinity, Warner Bros. (1979) CD 3293

snopeas.pdf

From about 3:00 until 4:30 Larry Schneider is absolutely remarkable. Really one of my favourite tenor players. Included in the transcription is the fingerings I used in difficult passages. The sheer volume of notes at times is evident in the transcription being written out with only two measures per line.

This was very fun to play. I would encourage others to attempt it. In addition to the remarkably playful and measured rhythmic sense and superimpositions, the colourful harmonic values and sweeping arpeggios reminiscent of Bill Evans’ soloing, this recording features some of the most amazing control over rhythmic placement that often transcended my ability to notate. Especially evident at the start of the solo this laid-back phrasing is one of the most crucial elements of music one can adopt from transcribing and playing along.

I’ve often wished I played the saxophone. As fun and informative as this was to play on the piano, a whole world of tonal possibilities exist to be emulated by saxophonists.