Mini Transcription Series: Jimmy Blanton
This summer I spent some time learning some transcriptions by ear. Here’s a full take of Jimmy Blanton’s playing on a duet written and performed with Duke Ellington called Pitter Panther Patter. It’s definitely been one of the toughest transcriptions i’ve done due to the tempo rushing on the recording and the repetitive but varied nature of what Jimmy plays. It requires a lot of left hand stamina and it’s tricky to replicate the sound on my set up so i’ve still got a bit of work to do to perfect the phrasing like him. But I think it’s a good start and i think it’s pretty impressive bass playing from a then 22 year old in 1940! Have a listen with some headphones and i’d love to hear your thoughts.