I haven’t picked up a whistle in a while, but today something caught my eye on a jazz related website. Apparently John Coltrane played the whistle while coming off heroine, and some poor quality recordings have survived.. He is backed only by the occasional guitar chord. Very bare bones indeed, should make for an interesting listen - I haven’t heard them yet but the thought of jazz on the whistle makes me want to pick one up and play it again!
Does anyone have example jazz pieces for me to play? Has anyone transposed Coltrane’s stuff to sheet music yet? I will track down the recording and play it by ear if I can’t otherwise.. or fail trying.
Edit: but this gag actually got me onto the Xaphoon, which I presume to be a real instrument.. Tin Whistle size and possibly more suited towards this type of music.
If you’re serious, try Jamey Aebersold or Music Minus One play-along transcriptions. Jazz standards are easier to fool with than 'Trane or Bird, and be prepared for lots of finger twisting and whistle switching.
As an aside, John Coltrane lived in my my hometown neighborhood in New York. His home was recently saved from demolition, and is now being rehabilitated as a historic site and jazz education center.
Thanks for the link, MT. I want my kid to be a “Kid-for-Coltrane.” Looks like a great tribute to one of the most innovative, and creative musicians in history. And in addition to his technical prowess, what an enormous sound he gets out of the tenor. No doubt he would be a Pratten guy if he had to choose.
But if it’s bebop whistle you’re after, pester MTGuru for a tune.