Scott Henderson Discussion

[tboulette]

Scott,

It's been awhile since I've been on the board. I always enjoy reading your responses to questions. I have one that I don't think has been asked before -- at least I can't find it using the limited search capabilities of the forum -- but if I'm mistaken, I apologize. Here it is:

Yesterday I was giving the Primal Tracks CD a spin and went through "Sub Aqua". In that tune, there's a particular spot in the outro solo where you lay back in a way I've thought for years was really cool (this is the phrase beginning about 4:11 in the tune, if you're interested in precisely what I'm referring to). I'm at the point in my playing where I realize I'll never get much faster or more technically proficient (day gig doesn't help there), so I thought I'd spend what little time I have trying to learn to add some grooviness to what I can already do.

Do you have any suggestions or advice for how to work on laying back or otherwise floating the time when soloing? Listening to guys who are/were great at it (Miles comes to mind) certainly helps, but I'm wondering if there's anything I should be doing with my guitar in my hands.

Thanks!
Tim

[Scott Henderson]

I listened to that phrase and I understand - it just comes from listening to blues players and how they play notes later than expected. It's not really instrument specific - in other words it has less to do with your guitar, and more to do with developing a rhythmic vocabulary in your head from listening to those kind of players. I think if you listen to Albert King for a few days and try to copy what he does, you'll find yourself doing it too.

Wayne Shorter is the kind of saxophone player who plays floating phrases and plays behind the beat a lot - he's a great musician to listen to for phrasing. Also singers, even good pop singers like Beyonce, often sing notes and phrases behind the beat. John Scofield is also known for his laid back feel, and plays in a very relaxed way.

[tboulette]

Cool. Thanks for the reply, Scott.