Analyzing Herbie Hancock: 'Watermelon Man' for Jazz Vibraphone

This lesson can be found in my Killer Jazz Vibes Book!
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Thanks to multiple requests for Watermelon Man, I decided to put this video together - it's a little different from my other 'etude' videos. I transcribed Herbie's original solo (from his 1962 album "Takin' Off") and played it on the vibraphone.
It reminded me of things I learned when I was transcribing solos from other instruments - how do you adapt something to the vibraphone that was originally played on another instrument?
I also break down and analyze the elements of Herbie's piano solo and show how I transferred it to the vibraphone.
Here are the links that I mention in the video:
My JAZZ Ear Training video: • JAZZ Ear Training They...
Herbie's Original 'Watermelon Man' (which I transcribed here): • Herbie Hancock Waterm...
Headhunters Version: • Watermelon Man
Mongo Santamaria Version: • Mongo Santamaria - Wat...
Herbie talking about 'Watermelon Man': • Herbie Hancock - Water...

[@mikesosa1146]

Hi Tim. While I don't care for the four mallet style, I have admit that your rendition kicks butt!!!!!! Thank you!!!

[@danslick3602]

Awesome. My teacher just assigned me to do this transcription and you have really helped me to wrap my head around it. Thanks so much.

[@carmenip6924]

ur lesson is so good Tim!!!!

[@markslima1557]

Yeah it is was his original rendition of Watermelon man that made me go from classical-only to jazz player, he has a couple licks on the back end of the tune that are super badass also. Nice playing.

[@edwardaviles6665]

BRAVO!!!! Gracias

[@huncauac2808]

solid

[@zzzut]

One of the most interesting music videos I have seen in a long time. I play this tune on the B3 but what I do is very basic compared to what you did in this video. I just subscribed to your channel. I love the vibraphone. My dream combo is vibe, B3, sax, bass and drums.

[@TimCollinsVibes]

Thank you! I have some videos with a B3 here.

[@zzzut]

Tim Collins Yes. I watched one. Nice! In the early 80’s, a percussionist friend had a vibraphone and we enjoyed playing bossa novas together. I remember we played Meditação, Recado, This Masquerade, etc. We had a great time!

[@carolinedegraef5603]

Great video - i love this song but play sax, you’ve given me some great ideas- thanks!

[@TimCollinsVibes]

Glad to hear it! I've definitely learned a lot from sax players for use on the vibes.

[@jimvevaina2741]

really enjoyed your video especially the transcribed part and the new orleans type of riff. could you do an analysis of La vie en rose jazz version by Sery Braznik?? thanks.Im a fan Jimmy V.

[@steamedflyer3607]

1:33

[@eyemdacces]

Your musicianship was impressing and made me regret not making a serious attempt to play my Deagan. Traveler used by Terry Gibbs which sold to me

[@eyemdacces]

It is now for sale with documentation of provenance Contact [e-mail]

[@TimCollinsVibes]

I bet that’s a great instrument!

[@claudemariechampagne1349]

Great video! (my cats also like to walk all over my vibraphone...) Are you going to put your transcription on your website? One tune I'd like you to look at is Joyspring. That's a really fun tune and I'd love to hear your take on it? Thanks for your tutorials. I love your joyful and enthusiastic way of teaching. I'm so glad I discovered you and your youtube channel a few weeks ago! And another thing I would find enlightening would be a discussion on the evolution of vib playing with two to four mallets comparing the styles of Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson and the other great pioneers as compared to the modern masters like Gary Burton.

[@TimCollinsVibes]

Thanks! The transcription is up already and can be found under 'Vibes Etudes'. Joy Spring is a good idea - I remember that song giving me problems. I was thinking about doing a two vs. four mallet thing as well, it might be interesting.

[@sadf1416]

Tim Collins Hey Tim, great video! Is there a place where I can get this solo on the piano? I have a concert involving this song and it would be extremely helpful. Thanks, Nick.

[@TimCollinsVibes]

Hi Nick - I only have the transcription that I did for vibes at my website, but you could adapt it I guess.

[@ammiammi1974]

Hi Tim, great video. Thanks. How can I log into your website and have access to the sheet music? Appreciate your work. Cheers.

[@TimCollinsVibes]

Hi - this one is free to download, just find in in the store. No need to log in!