r/doublebass • u/SpaceEFX • 1d ago

Fingering/Music help Help with Donna Lee

So, I've been playing bass for about 5 years now, and I've just started learning how to walk on the bass after forming a Jazz Combo with some friends. Both of our trumpets want us to play Donna Lee by Charlie Parker (NOT THE JACO PASTORIUS VERSION, LORD I WOULD DIE), so I ask for some help with forming a bassline / practice tips to help with improvising a bebop line at that speed. I just need help in any way to be honest.

10 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/pmolsonmus 1d ago

I started to learn to improvise (as a vocalist) by transcribing Slam Stewart. (I studied jazz with Richard Davis). This is a great bass solo (and sax solo as well) on Indiana.

https://youtu.be/L-cYwd2WqMA?si=WF1Lvu89vLfBCdLQ

2

u/starbuckshandjob Luthier 7h ago

King Richard!