"Flyin Home" Illinois Jacquet LIVE 1949 Premium Transcription

"Flyin Home" Live Illinois Jacquet Full Sax Solo Transcription From The Ed Sullivan Show 1949

Just WOW! The first time I heard Illinois Jacquet's "Flyin Home" I was blown away. That sound, that groove, the bending and growling, just another level. I was very happy to find this live version from none other than the Ed Sullivan Show, as seeing the greats live is such a thrill, and can often be so different from the studio versions.

Check out the volume and intensity that he and the band play with, particularly the legendary "Papa" Jo Jones (from the great Count Basie band) just WAILING on the drums! What incredible energy, passion, intensity, groove... I can't imagine the impact this kind of performance had on people back in 1949!

The sheer volume and intensity is like rock and roll, and the growling was akin to amplifier distortion at a time before the technology was available, to really cut through the mix. Illinois Jacquet was one of the greats of that early RnB "Texas Tenors" style which also included Arnett Cobb, Buddy Tate, David (Fathead) Newman, King Curtis, and influenced all saxophonists.

If you enjoy growling and playing in this aggressive style, you can also check out "Big" Jay McNeely, Junior Walker, Lee Allen, and my personal favorite, Earl Bostic! Even earlier, jazz musicians such as Ben Webster and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis were doing it. I'm sure I left some out! Who are your favorites?

As usual I tried to indicate as many of the details of expression as possible. This was a challenge, as it's often not clear which notes are lip bends, grace notes with the keys, tongue mutes or harmonics, as well as an approximation of how much growl he plays with at different points. So if you have a different opinion, let me know in the comments but just know that I spent a lot of time doing my best to be as accurate as possible!

As it is so often with the greats, it's not WHAT you play but HOW you play it. Here, you can play all the notes perfectly and sound not even close to the original. The nuances of his growling intensity, tonguing, bending and articulation are so rich.

Enjoy and listen deeply!