Bob James Mind Games Transcription

April 19, 2007

This song performed by the Bob James Trio in Montreaux Jazz Festival is probably one of the grooviest tune ever done by this contemporary jazz pianist. With the double bassist laying out a very groovy bassline, the drummer attempting an unusual but interesting hi hatting technique, and Bob James doing one of his best solos over a modal structure. Check out the use of tension notes in his solo, clearly demonstrating what a lot of jazz musicians describe as “thinking out of the box”..

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvHV3wJFGSc]

I’m sure a lot of you will be dying to do this song after seeing this video. So here’s the complete transcription of the song.. Enjoy.. and have fun!!!!

Bob James Mind Games Solo Transcription

KCLau
Reply April 19, 2007

thanks for your hardwork! accurate transcription! Thank you 🙂
- Carpegiane
  Reply March 12, 2016
  
  Hi. Can someone send me this transcript? Mind Games..
  Thank you.
chanya
Reply May 8, 2007

Hi;

I’m new for this web site, and appreciate that there is Mind Games (Bob James) transcription. I would like to know is there any chord for solo part? I guess there are some extra piano chords inside I couldn’t play. If anyone can tell me for analyze these scales & chords will be great for my knowleadge.

Thanks,
CM

Thanks,
CM
KCLau
Reply May 8, 2007

Rewsnat transcribe this song. I think he can help you on this.
chanya
Reply May 8, 2007

Hi KCLau,

Thank you for your kindly advice. Do you know how to contact him?
Regards,
CM
KCLau
Reply May 8, 2007

Don’t worry, he will see your request. He is a pianologist too 🙂
chanya
Reply May 8, 2007

Many thanks to you. I think this web is very good for me.
CM
rewsnat
Reply May 9, 2007

hi there.. yes, there are some piano comping on the left hand during the solo part, unfortunately I didn’t have the time to transcribe all that. Why don’t you tell me which bar of the solo where you are interested to know about the chords and I will try to get that part for you..
🙂
chanya
Reply May 9, 2007

Hi Rewsnat,

Thanks a lot for your kindly help. Chords, I interested, in bar 15th to 25th and 29 till 44th (end). If you know which scales he used please also tell me. Very appreciate for helps to open my eyes.

Best Regards,
CM
rewsnat
Reply May 11, 2007

ok. Let me first help shed some light on whats happening on bar 15th. Bob was hitting an F#, G# and D in his left hand when doing that bar, which actually implies the use of E7 chord(add9), where you can think of it as a tritone substitution of the original dominant seventh chord, Bb7 of the Ebm key he is soloing on. Also note the use of notes which are a perfect fourth apart, orignating from the E7 chord, with an added 11th of course. This lick has kinda become an overused cliche among professional musicians when soloing over a tune based on the modally based on the dorian scale.
Will try to get back to you on the rest soon..:)
chanya
Reply May 11, 2007

Rewsnat,

Thanks so much. I understand what you’re talking about now. Don’t forget to give me the rest. I think, may be,this topic will be useful for other people too.
Regards,
CM
Melody
Reply May 20, 2019

Hi, I would like the transcription please~ the link said it could not be found so someone who have the transcription, mind sending to me? Thank you 🙂