Luis Rodriguez

Jazz Improv

5/15/13

Arturo Sandoval Transcription

As music lovers, we can all get a sense for how much the greatest musicians care about making
the best music possible, especially in the improvising world of jazz. Arturo Sandoval is no exception.
That’s why he’s recognized world-wide not only for his incredible technique and burning hot lines, but
also for having Grammys, Billboard awards, and an Emmy in his trophy case. I will be sharing a
transcription of the first twenty-four bars of his solo in the piece Arranca De Nuevo. I will show how he
uses patterns and chromatic runs to make a great solo.

Arturo uses three patterns. The first two patterns (in blue and black arrows) start at the
beginning of each 8-bar phrase. He plays these patterns first, and then continues to play tasty melodic
lines to complement each pattern. The third pattern (The white arrow with yellow outline) is played in
the last four bars, and gives a feeling of resolution in a major key (D maj). Arturo makes the resolution
very lucid by use of excellent voice leading. Simply put, this is bad-ass stuff happening.

Chromatic lines are the next big technique in his solo. This technique is very valuable because
given its pantonic nature it gives a kind of wild and truly shredding impression. Yup. The thin arrow
guides us into this “loco” section of the solo. This is definitely the climax of these first twenty four bars.

We have seen how three patterns and chromaticism can make a great solo. These are things
that we have talked about in class, there’s no secret behind Arturo’s awesome jamming capabilities. So
remember music lovers, there are no exceptions: care for your music and polish your visions until you
can see them clearly in your mind, then project your idea to the world.