The influences of John Coltrane in Kenny Garrett's style of improvisation

Manvydas Pratkelis

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Name: Manvydas Pratkelis Main Subject: Jazz Saxophone Research Supervisor: Patrick Schenkius Title of Research: The influences of John Coltrane in Kenny Garret’s style of improvisation Research Question: Which improvisation techniques did Kenny Garrett take from John Coltrane and what did he do to adopt these techniques to his own improvisation on the alto saxophone Summary of Results: The main reason of this research is to learn about the major influential aspects of alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett’s improvisation, which he adopted from studying tenor saxophonist John Coltrane’s improvisation, and how he uses it on alto saxophone. This does not mean that John Coltrane was his only influence, as there is no doubt that Garrett studied a lot of Charlie Parker’s improvisation and that of many more jazz musicians. However, I found that Garrett’s biggest influence is Coltrane, especially his harmonic improvisation and melodic aspects. The main source of information for the analysis are various John Coltrane recordings from 1957 till 1966, and Kenny Garrett’s studio and live recordings from 1984 till 2005. My research is mainly of two parts: First - looking for similarities, the same harmonic- melodic structures of phrases, listening to Coltrane and Garrett from the original recordings, finding similar aspects, and notating similar characteristics. Second – the analysis, understanding, and adopting of these ideas in my own playing. Biography: After winning the Grand Prix in the international “Vilnius Jazz Young Power” in 2010, alto saxophonist Manvydas Pratkelis has come a long way. He has developed into an expressive, universal and subtle performer, exploring technique and improvisation in a wide range of musical traditions and styles, starting from early jazz, to be-bop, free jazz, fusion, contemporary, hip-hop, funk, R&B styles.

type	research exposition
date	03/03/2016
published	23/08/2016
last modified	23/08/2016
status	limited publication
share status	private
license	All rights reserved
url	https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/256565/256566
published in	KC Research Portal
portal issue	3. Internal publication

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The influences of John Coltrane in Kenny Garrett's style of improvisation (2016)

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