Soloing Masterclass

Anatomy of a Solo: Oscar Moore on "Body & Soul"

Jamie Taylor·
5.0 (1 review)
·BEGINNER·2 lessons·48m 31s of video

About this masterclass

Jamie Taylor studies an iconic 1944 solo by Oscar Moore of the King Cole Trio on Body & Soul — one of the most-played standards of all time, played by one of the electric guitar's earliest greats. Jamie shares his findings phrase by phrase, along with tips picked up over the years for examining great recordings.

In the full 46-minute class

  • A brief scene-setter on early electric guitar styles in context — Moore alongside Charlie Christian, George Barnes, and Les Paul
  • The complete solo played along with the original recording, filmed from two camera angles
  • Phrase-by-phrase analysis of harmony, rhythm, references to the original melody, and articulation — including expressive devices like tremolando and portamento vibrato
  • How Oscar and the trio find unusual alternative chord pathways through this familiar song, including some adventurous "outside" playing
  • A discussion of transcription in general — its benefits and the pitfalls to avoid
  • Synchronised Soundslice notation/tab so you always know where you are in the transcription, plus an included lead sheet of the standard

Nothing in the solo should prove prohibitive to most players, so this is an accessible class — yet even advanced students will find plenty to enjoy in a passage of playing that shows just how advanced the early electric guitarists were.

Lessons in this masterclass

Lessons

  • 1Anatomy of a Solo Full Class + Download46m 50s
  • 2Soundsliced Body & Soul1m 41s

Reviews & Ratings

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Robert Gannon
Verified Purchase
11/7/2019

"Oscar Moore, Body and Soul"

I'm stumped for words in reviewing this. It will sound trite if I go on about "how much I like the course." The fact is I do love it. I love the way Jamie presents it, and plays it beautifully! A great way to learn and enjoy a great tune. Thanks!

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About the instructor

Jamie Taylor
Jamie Taylor is one of Great Britain's finest jazz guitarists. His clear methodology is highly unique and highly innovative; truly one of jazz's finest minds. Jamie’s playing has drawn praise from top critics like The Guardian’s John Fordham and Jazzwise’s Robert Shore, and he has been heard with leading jazz musicians from both sides of the Atlantic such as Sheryl Bailey, John Stowell, Roni Ben-Hur, Sebastiaan DeKrom, Wayne Escoffery, Dave O’Higgins, Baptiste Herbin, Bart DeFoort, Steve Fishwick, Jeremy Brown, Steve Watts, Kate Williams, Pete Whittaker, Laura Jurd, Tori Freestone, Alan Barnes, and Jim Mullen. He appears regularly at top London venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and The Troubadour, and has also been featured on recordings for the jazz labels Candid and GLP. Jamie is currently a Principal Lecturer in Jazz Guitar at Leeds Conservatoire, whose full-time jazz degree course is one of the oldest in Europe (having started in 1967). He also held the post of Course Leader for this program between 2007-2009. For more information about Jamie, visit http://www.jamie-taylor.com/ PRESS: “An uncanny ability…always grooving.” Matt Warnock, Just Jazz Guitar“ “Taylor is a name to watch out for.” Stephen Graham, Marlbank “An alternative perspective on the blues legacy, taking in elements of swing, bop, and funk. It’s clever, engaging stuff.” Robert Shore, Jazzwise “(Jamil Sheriff) gives the soloists in a fine northern orchestra their cues; Jamie Taylor’s edgy guitar burns through.” John Fordham, The Guardian