Maceo Parker – C Jam Funk

By request – Here’s the solo from the end of “C Jam Funk”, the track that rolls over the credits of the film “My First Name is Maceo”.  The track is also on the accompanying CD. It’s a long track, but a short solo – 16 bars, starting around 10:30. 

The movie/album came out in 1994. I actually have it on VHS tape, but I don’t have anything that plays it anymore! Fortunately, the whole thing is on YouTube. The quality isn’t great, but it’s from 1994…

It’s a hybrid concert/documentary, with both on stage, rehearsal, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. It’s Maceo and his band doing what they do best. Super funky music and great playing all around. There are great guest stars, including the Rebirth Brass Band and George Clinton. 

This track is an up-tempo funk groove. The solo is short, and pretty tough rhythmically. As the name implies, it’s all over one chord. 

Keep the requests coming – I like the challenge!

Maceo-Parker-C-Jam-Funk

 

  • Artist: Maceo Parker
  • Album: My First Name is Maceo
  • Track: C Jam Funk
  • Instrument: Alto Sax

Enjoy!

@SDartSax

Maceo Parker – Children’s World

Here’s one that I’ve had on my to-do list forever. It’s a slow ballad, which always makes for the toughest transcription jobs. The fast passages get in to really minute subdivisions to fit everything in, which makes it difficult to notate, and to play. As a bonus, it’s in 6/8!

I love Maceo’s delivery on this one though, his tone is so beautiful. The melody is sparse and haunting, but the track builds and builds. When Maceo finally lets loose in a flurry of notes, it’s well-deserved. 

Rather than trying to read all of the subdivisions, I suggest just listening to it a bunch and trying to internalize the timings. I limited myself to one take on the melody and one take on the solo, but I wish I had a few more to listen and play through. 

A few notes on the transcription – during playback I realized I left out one bar where he’s holding the low C. Just keep holding! Also I forgot to add the chords, although it just alternates between the one and four, so it’s not super complex. 

Maceo-Parker-Childrens-World

 

  • Artist: Maceo Parker
  • Album: Life on Planet Groove
  • Track: Children’s World
  • Instrument: Alto Sax

Enjoy!

@SDartSax