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Ed Bickert Transcription - Who Can I turn to
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The problem I have with listening to Ed Bickert is that it is difficult to shake the irresistible urge to wish to play like him. While this is a foolhardy and childish notion, this mild mannered Canadian instils great reverence due to his effortless, understated harmonic mastery. Unlike the majority of jazz guitar players Bickert approaches the instrument in a fashion that appears in keeping with a pianistic approach, say, Bill Evans. Always melodic, he is guided by a supreme ear and the uncanny ability to react fast to musical environment allowing him to remain ever present in the music making process.
The ballad Who Can I Turn To is featured on the wonderful live recording of Frank Rosolinos 'Thinking About you'. As a harmonic study for jazz guitar it is unparalleled - offering a treasure trove of material and concepts that could keep one occupied for years to come.
It is my hope that this transcription will be a valuable resource for students of the guitar and can be regarded as a small offering towards furthering the recognition that Ed Bickert so rightly deserves.
A brief analysis:
Rootless voicing (10,18,26)
Triads - especially D major triad over F7 (4,20,30)
Chromatic chordal approach (9,18)
4th harmony (9,11,27)
Common tones in upper register (9-11)
Diatonic triads over II V (15,16,19)
Altered scale (melodic minor up half step) harmony (15, 20)
Clusters (12,21)
Inner voice leading (28-29)
Sequences (23-24)
Melodic reference (17-18)
Tritone substitution- Db major 7 instead of G7 (31)
Finally, I recommend purchasing a copy of the song (or CD) and using this transcription in conjunction with the recording. Ultimately, this is the best way to internalise the music, acquiring a true sense of subtlety and nuance that cant be translated onto the page.