Anthony Jackson – Contrabasse Guitar

The more time I spend transcribing this guy, the deeper my respect for him. There are a couple of passages in this tune where I am struggling to get down what he is playing even when I slow it down to 25% of the original speed. This one is fun to read at 505 of the original tempo (which is fast). Massive achievement as a player and a massive achievement as a transcription. If I had had access to these transcriptions when I was trying to learn how to play and to read the dots, I would have been 10x the player I am. AJ is undoubtedly one of the greatest exponents of out chosen instrument (I have seen other things that have been transcribed that are mind-blowing) and the Michel Camilo recordings he plays on show some of his best work.

This is a tune composed by percussionist Airto Moriera called ‘Tumbo in 7:4’ from Camilo’s 1986 trio recording ‘Suntan’ (later re-released as ‘In Trio’). Yes, it is mostly in 7:4 and a fast 7:4 at that. The drum pick-up kicks in at around 2:43. Enjoy!