Do you like Green Onions Backing Track in F minor or G minor? Feedback is appreciated.

[Michael]

😎 Hey Everyone,

I’m working on my own Sax version of “The Green Onions” that will have my own Improvised solo using the minor pentatonic and blues scale. I’m debating about which key I should do it in, so with the help of the cpu. I created 2 different custom tracks in 2 different keys. The first one is in F minor which is the original key that Booker T and the MGs used. For the Tenor, that means we play and Improvise in G minor. For the 2nd track, I changed the key up 2 semi-tones up to G minor, and for the Tenor that means we play and Improvise in A minor, which is the same key that King Curtis used for his versions of the Green Onions. On both tracks, I muted portions of the Organ as we hear them on the original song and I’ll be playing those lines with the Tenor; with some added embellishments. I left the bass guitar as a back-up behind the Sax. For the Improvised Guitar licks/riffs, I did the opposite and muted the Guitar but left the organ as a cool back-up behind the Sax, and it’s here in this part where I’ll be Improvising with the Tenor and creating my own solos based off of what I have learned from Killer Blues 🙂 I would REALLY appreciate your feedback, comments, insights, etc.. as to which key you like, what you like about it, etc..

I pasted the links for the custom tracks we created and posted the original recordings right next to those links so you can listen to them and compare. Notice how the change in key changes the mood and feel of song.

http://youtu.be/Eibehv2Ng00
http://youtu.be/_bpS-cOBK6Q
http://youtu.be/rYA9Y8q1_uY

[jake]

After listening to them side by side, I prefer the sounds of the F minor version. This could be a personal preference tho. Look at the scales you would be improvising with and see what will work better for you when you choose which version. Ultimately learning both would be ideal as you could learn all of the scales. Also, from the limited experience I have with playing with guitar players, they like E!!! That means the F would be really beneficial if you see playing with C instruments in your future. LOL.
I can already hear some of how your improvising is going to go, with some added altissimos of course. After listening to various members videos, I am starting to hear qualities that differentiate each of us. When I play with my guitar buddy, he tells me he is starting to hear a distinct sound that separates me from other sax players sounds. I can’t always hear it as it may be subtle but when others do, it is something that can be heard. Another great reason for Johnny’s video blog!! I guess we are starting to find our SAX Voice. Slowly but surely. LOL. Good luck with the improvising. Can’t wait to hear it!

[Michael]

Thanks for your input Jake, much appreciated! So cool how you mention we’re finding our own Sax Voice because I was just thinking of the exact same thing–I feel like I’m finding my own Sax “personality” and “voice” too. I saw you with your Bari and couldn’t help but notice how that Bari is just “you”. As time goes on, you’ll see me uploading music along the lines of, but will not be limited to, Motown, Improvisation with Blues/Rock…..and high-screaming Altissimo of course 🙂 This stuff is so good and it hits so good with everyone back home too. Here in NM, it’s the opposite. They LOVE 1950s rock, Latin Music, other famous songs but they want to hear it played virtually exactly like the original, note-for-note. I love 50s rock and latin music too!!! And Johnny has got plenty of it here for sure…thanks Johnny! 🙂 But in terms of finding my own personal voice, it’s funny how you mention you can already hear some of how my improvising is going to go here….that pretty much sums it up. To do this song of the Green Onions without Altissimo in it…..are you kidding?!? 🙂 I’m looking to have it done in time for when I get my new Saxophones, and that’s just around the corner!

[john]

Michael, it’s great you got this track and have 2 keys because you can workout in both. We always play things a bit different from one key to the next when improvising because every scale has it’s own feel to it.

[Michael]

I’ve actually been thinking about the same thing, about doing them in both keys because they both will sound different and so good! 🙂 In any case, I get back home in less than 30 days and this is definitely the direction I’m going with my Sax playing because it allows me to play my “voice and personality” on the Saxophone. But I will absolutely make a time/place for Johnny’s songs, I’m actually buying Johnny’s “What Does It Take” in just a bit. His songs are too good to pass up! 🙂
Here’s another example of which direction I’m taking with my Sax playing–I don’t even have a name for this backing track but it was given to me and they didn’t know what it was called either, so I just call it the “Blues Boogie Woogie” The person who gave it to me didn’t know what key it was in, but I checked the chord progression against the Piano and I’m almost positive that it’s in C. With the pentatonic and blues scale, the things I can do on this are endless. I think it will making a “cracking” Sax song 🙂 The more stuff I can find like this in a variety of scales to Improvise with, then all the better for me.

[King Casey]

Excellent Green Onions Baboon. You have to set up a paypal account so I can deposit the cabbage 🙂
cheers, Mark.

[Author]

Posts