Introduction
In a practice session video, saxophonist Ryan Devlin shares valuable insights into his transcription and practice methods. His approach focuses on not just learning transcriptions but effectively incorporating them into one's playing style. This detailed breakdown of his practice routine offers valuable lessons for jazz musicians at all levels.
Working with Chris Potter's Transcription
Devlin demonstrates his method using a Chris Potter transcription from "Relaxin' at Camarillo," a Charlie Parker blues performed as a duo with Christian McBride. His systematic approach includes:
- Playing through the transcription multiple times until comfortable with the recording
- Identifying and isolating specific phrases that resonate personally
- Understanding how these phrases work over the underlying chord changes
- Practicing the integration of these phrases into personal playing
The Integration Process
Devlin's method for incorporating transcribed material involves several key steps:
- Using iReal Book or practicing acapella to work with the blues form
- Playing a chorus of blues, then deliberately incorporating selected phrases
- Understanding the historical context of phrases, such as their relation to Charlie Parker licks
- Experimenting with modifications to the beginning and ending of phrases
Focus on Blues and Rhythm Changes
Devlin emphasizes practicing over blues and rhythm changes because:
- These forms are abundant in jazz repertoire
- They provide an excellent framework for practicing in all 12 keys
- Most jazz musicians have recorded solos over these progressions
Altissimo Practice Integration
A significant portion of Devlin's practice focuses on altissimo passages. He demonstrates combining known altissimo patterns with newly learned phrases, creating a seamless integration of high-register playing into his improvisational vocabulary.
Creating Personal Etudes
Devlin's practice method extends to creating personalized etudes based on transcribed solos. This approach involves:
- Selecting favorite phrases from transcriptions
- Repeated practice until internalization
- Creating variations and iterations of the learned material
- Special attention to mathematical and systematic phrases from players like Michael Brecker and John Coltrane
Conclusion
Ryan Devlin's approach to practice demonstrates a thoughtful method for developing jazz vocabulary through transcription. His systematic process of learning, integrating, and personalizing transcribed material offers a valuable template for jazz musicians looking to expand their improvisational abilities. By focusing on fundamental forms like blues and rhythm changes while incorporating advanced techniques like altissimo playing, his method provides a comprehensive framework for jazz saxophone practice.
