What are some of the jazz solos that other musicians and jazz writers consider to be so great? And what makes them great?

This week I start with a solo by Charlie Parker—talking about what has been termed “the famous alto break”. Then I move onto John Coltrane—and playing that sounds like it’s either “all composed or all improvised”.

The episode ends with Jaco Pastorious and his bass and percussion recording of Donna Lee, followed by a Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins ‘cutting contest’, with Dizzy Gillespie also getting into the fray.

Other well-known solos you’ll hear are Cannonball Adderley playing I Can’t Get Started. Then there’s Chick Corea with a solo described as “a perfect example of motivic development and story telling”.

There are also a couple lesser known solos. From 1997 there is Toronto guitarist David Occhipinti along with David Restivo and Jim Vivian. And one of my favourites—Victoria’s Kelby McNayr with a soft, subtle but creative drum solo that sounds too understated to be a ‘solo’. But it is!