Bob Sheppard
Tenor Sax Solo on
Social Call

About

Bob Sheppard's tenor saxophone solo is the sole improvisation on this rendition of Gigi Gryce's "Social Call" from Alexis Cole's 2021 album Sky Blossom. Sheppard comes in at the bridge for half a chorus over the 34-bar AABA' form in B-flat at a medium-tempo 132 BPM swing feel. Entering mid-form at the bridge rather than the top of the chorus gives the solo an immediacy that bypasses the usual gradual build-up. Gryce's composition, first recorded by the Art Farmer Quintet in 1955, has a distinctive melodic character that Sheppard engages with in this concise, focused statement.

Bob Sheppard was 68 to 69 years old at the time.