Every month we do a group transcription challenge inside the Stablemates forum. This month it’s one of my all-time favorite saxophone solos in a pop song:
(The break from 2:27-31 and the deliciously crafted solo from 2:50-3:14.)
Notice his skillful and effective placement of major 7th intervals.
This whole album had a tremendous influence on me. (Find it on Amazon, iTunes or Spotify.) This solo in particular informed much of how I would later approach similar settings.
An example that comes to mind is the beginning of my solo on this version of “Vultures” (~3:50).
I always had Branford’s work in mind in moments like that.
PS, Did you hear about the saxophone retreat I’m producing later this year?
In my humble opinion ,Branford always seems to “put it exactly where it needs to be put “, especially in a pop setting like this one. I love how he “seasons” the song just right.Very tasteful.