Black Raspberry Jam
Here is Black Raspberry Jam, the 6th and final transcription in my series devoted to Fat's suite of instrumentals later published as "Swingopations". And what a tour de force to end with!
I've transcribed a LOT of Fats' playing but the almost casual virtuosity displayed in these two takes is just jaw-dropping. Full of huge intervals in both hands and played at a break-neck tempo, this is not for the faint-fingered! Daunting for most pianists, the key of Ab with all its accompanying huge left-hand 10ths are a breeze for Fats and he executes them effortlessly in both hands. The "tune" consists mainly of Fats' trademark "sliding pinky" (for want of a better description!) 10th riff in the RH. Fats builds on these large intervals adding powerful "brass section"-like 10th punches throughout his right-hand playing.
At rehearsal mark E, there's an interesting brief "3/4"-like left-hand moment which creates a nice moment of tension and contrast.
At rehearsal marks F and L, I've included the sax and trumpet parts (with a few more piano-specific notes) in the final bars of both takes. Obviously, Fats doesn't play these notes but I think it's a nice addition and it creates climax to the performance. Adapt for your own performance as you wish!
I couldn't find an online link to Fats' take 2 but here is the link to the actual recording of take 1 for the ultimate audio reference:
And for those interested, here is the published version:
Youtube.com noteman
