The Jazz Sax & Improvisation Blog of Saxophonist Bobby Stern

"Coming on the Hudson" - A Johnny Griffin Tenor Saxophone Solo Transcription

9/28/2022

"Coming on the Hudson" - A Johnny Griffin Tenor Saxophone Solo Transcription

This month's post features a transcription / analysis of Johnny Griffin's tenor saxophone solo on Thelonious Monk's "Coming on the Hudson", recorded live at the legendary Five Spot Cafe in NYC on August 7, 1958. It was released as one of the tracks on the album "Thelonious in Action!". In addition to Monk and Griffin, the quartet was rounded out by bassist Ahmed Abdul Malik and the great Roy Haynes, on drums.

I've been wanting to do a transcription of Griffin's tenor solo on "Coming on the Hudson" for a long time. The tune - which is perhaps one of Monk's most "Monkish" - seemed somewhat challenging to grasp, as far as its form, rhythms and resolutions were concerned. At the same time, it ebbs and flows steadily - kind of like the Hudson River itself - whirlpools and all!

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"Coming on the Hudson" - A Johnny Griffin Tenor Saxophone Solo Transcription

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